TheSamba.com :: View topic - Replacing fuel lines: What about the "ring line"?

Thu Jan 28, 2010 1:39 pm

After the pump there a stiff small diameter line. The Factory Repair Manual refers to it as the ring line. It is connected to the pump by flexible line, goes to the firewall and then is connected to the FI setup by another piece of rubber line. Should I be doing anything to the "ring line"?

Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:02 pm

I didn't replace it when I did my fuel lines. The ring line is made of plastic? it should last way longer than the rubber fuel lines

Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:47 pm

It seems fine. I was wondering how flexible rubber line would hug the underbody as well...

Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:50 pm

I didnt replace the plastic lines going to or from the gas tank, they seemed good

Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:48 am

stock hard plastic lines seem to live a long life, unless physically damaged by an impact. the stock rubber lines should all be replaced by now, theya are 20+ yers old and the origianl rubber used is not very compatible with oxygenated fuels used now days in some areas. replace using SAE rated 30R9 hose, (not the lesser 30R7 hose) the 30R9 will be printed on the hose, it is the new standard in hose, has a teflon like lining to protect aginst attack by the new gasoline, it shoudl last much longer, plus it is many many times less permiable to feul vapors so it helps control smog better!!! usually I can only find it in inch sized, 5/16 inch works on the vanagon, just be sure to use hose clamps that are smooth inside.

the hose fitting ont eh fire wall on my 86 van was the first stock place I had leak, big fuel leak!!! the hose had rotted off. I eventually eliminated that fitting, and used a gromment to pass the rubber hose thrut eh fire wall, no more plastic fitting there. the plastic was very hard and brittle when it was removed.

Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:14 am

I replaced the plastic lines on my vans with steel. The idea is to stop a fire from working its way forward by burning the length of the plastic lines.

This picture is from a Multivan with a Subaru conversion, but you can see how I terminated the steel in the engine compartment at the highest possible point to lessen the chance of gravity feeding a fire. By going to steel you can also easily get rid of the stupid plastic connector VW used.

Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:05 pm

When I replaced my fuel lines I went striaght from the pump thru a gummet (removing the leaking plastic thingy) in the fire wall to the engine. I eliminated those thin plastic pipes and the joints and clamps.
I couldn't understand why they were there, have I made a mistake???

Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:21 pm

I replaced everything aft of the tank--zippy tye aye aye aaay.....

Sat Jan 30, 2010 9:30 pm

After replacing the soft fuel lines I was still getting that gas smell (which nearly ruined a vacation) so off came every line on the vanagon!! No more smell, no more bitching passengers. VW has the hard plastic lines, think it was about $50.

Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:31 pm

I replaced the 'ring line' that you mentioned today with the BMW fuel line from Van-Cafe. It is a rubber fuel line and not the hard line that originally was on the van. I carefully threaded it thru the same location as the hard line and also replaced the small sections between the fuel filter, fuel pump and the slightly larger section from the fuel pump to the tank. The clamps I used were also from Van-Cafe kit.

I decided to change out the plastic bulk head fitting and after considering the reasonable option here on the Samba for $39+shipping (link here) I choose to hit the local shop to save some $ and get it done today. I ended up fabricating a solution from brass fittings and a couple of fender washers which cost me $15

These pics show my fix before and after the fuel line is installed and they are taken from the engine compartment and underneath the van looking up at the bulkhead.

REPLACE THIS BRITTLE LITTLE GUY BEFORE HE FAILS

FITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

FUEL LINE INSTALLED

FITTING FROM UNDER THE VAN (Engine compartment is towards the bottom of the image)

ALL HOOKED UP

Sun Feb 14, 2010 8:58 am

512dude wrote: I replaced the 'ring line' that you mentioned today with the BMW fuel line from Van-Cafe. It is a rubber fuel line and not the hard line that originally was on the van. I carefully threaded it thru the same location as the hard line and also replaced the small sections between the fuel filter, fuel pump and the slightly larger section from the fuel pump to the tank. The clamps I used were also from Van-Cafe kit.

I decided to change out the plastic bulk head fitting and after considering the reasonable option here on the Samba for $39+shipping (link here) I choose to hit the local shop to save some $ and get it done today. I ended up fabricating a solution from brass fittings and a couple of fender washers which cost me $15

These pics show my fix before and after the fuel line is installed and they are taken from the engine compartment and underneath the van looking up at the bulkhead.

REPLACE THIS BRITTLE LITTLE GUY BEFORE HE FAILS

FITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

FUEL LINE INSTALLED

FITTING FROM UNDER THE VAN (Engine compartment is towards the bottom of the image)

ALL HOOKED UP

Van-cafe has a metal replacement for this part expensive but will do the job!