Fuel Line Age? Replacement Rate?

[MustangMan]

I read in another post recently about someone changing their fuel line frequently. Though I'm just having fun and not racing, I was wondering if there was a "lifespan" to fuel line? You know, should I replace it every six months? Does it lose it's elasticity? Does it break down and leak? Just curious if there was a "general" rule of thumb with fuel lines. :shrug:

My RS4 is about six months old and my MT2 is only a month old. I've put fuel filters on both (and rerouted the line on the RS4 to prevent chewing it with the clutch bell gears) so I was curious if I needed to pick up some line soon and re-line the car and truck.

Thanks for any thoughts or comments!

 

[Tarant]

U should replace it when it is cracked or does not have the elasticity of new line. also replace it when u see puddles of oil on the chassie.
u dont have to replace it all the time but fairly often. i replace mine about every 2-3 gall of fuel. but i know people how replace it every gallon.
fuel line is a cheap and easy way to stop flame outs or ruin your day cause u were to cheap to buy fuel line.

 

[Diver6127]

I replace mine as needed (elasticity, cracks or pin holes) but since I started racing I found myself replcing lines at least 3 times from April till about september. About every other month but that was only because I was being anal about it. Just check the elasticity of the line and make sure it's still pliable and will spring back. Also check for discoloration. The fuel will slowly deteriorate the tubing.

 

[MustangMan]

Thanks for the reply guys. I'll pick up a couple of feet of line and keep it in my pit bag for when I feel the original line needs replacing or, in the case of the truck, gets damaged.

I appreciate the replies!

 

[willsMT2]

Do any of you MT2 owners have a prob with full pressure?
After laying my MT2 over after a jump, I go to flip it back over but usually by the time I get it flipped back over I give it gas and it stalls. Kinda frustrating.

I started out with the carb problem: it was too lose and I used loctite on the nut that holds the post that connects to the throttle arm. This solved that prob, but now it seems like it doesn't want to keep pressure a lot of times. Fuel lines are ok, tank seems fine, after the carb prob I can start it and it will run through a whole tank without a prob. But the fuel pressure prob comes in after I go to refill the tank and it is a pain to restart. I takes more than a couple pumps of the push button on the tank to get the fuel going.

Sorry long story, any suggestions.
Thanks!!!!

 

[Tarant]

Ok First cheak to see if the bottom of the carb is rubbing the crankshaft I do not think that is the prob but it is good to cheak Most likely their is a leak around the carb or the back plate all u have to do is use some blue silicon and seal the carb and bplate. do u know how if not just tell me and I can go over it

 

[HumboldtBlazer]

Fueline is cheap, I replace mine often. Holes in fuel lines not only compromise debres it creates a lean condition that destroys the engine. Every 2-3 months is me, but like I said it is very inexpensive.

 

[MustangMan]

Hey WillsMT2...

Get yourself a fuel filter. The fuel filter will put some extra fuel in the line and give you enough time to get the truck flipped over and running again without stalling.

I've talked to the HPI people about their primer tanks. The o-ring often gets nicked and then won't prime properly. Prime the engine by blocking the exhaust stinger with your finger and you'll be good to go...



HB, thanks for the comments. I've picked up some line and I plan to reline the RS4 this weekend. The MT2 is new enough I think it can hold out another month, but I've got enough line in case of a track side repair is needed...