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Mon Mar 15, 2021 11:02 am

Yesterday I replaced my 67 bug battery, so as with all battery replacements I give the engine a spin to see if it cranks alright. However, I am watching the engine run with the cover up and notice a pretty significant FUEL LEAK from the hose that runs from the pump to the carb. And I’m not talking just some moisture, I’m talking about a pretty sizable stream coming out of the hose, thank god I was able to stop the engine very quickly! Anyway, Since the hose itself was broken, we got a replacement fuel hose, however it wasn’t only unthreaded, it was 4.8 mm instead of the manual spec 5mm. I noticed the hose went in smoothly and everything went back to normal. However, I am a bit worried that using a different kind of hose may increase the odds of an engine fire (the engine has never been changed, so I am super worried of it going up in flames). Is it ok if I run the car with that hose or should I get a 5mm threaded one like it used to have before??

Mon Mar 15, 2021 11:13 am

Check the hoses under the tank, and next to the tranny as well.

Mon Mar 15, 2021 12:38 pm

^ Agree check them all.

Threaded fuel hose ?
Do you mean the hose with the cloth braiding on the outside??

There is much better fuel hose today than those used in 1938..

3/16 or 4.8mm proper type fuel hose is not going to cause a fire....

Loose carb and fuel pump fittings that pop out and not maintaining deteriorated fuel hoses are what causes fires.

I am in the minority of those that WILL NOT use the original style German Fire Hose.

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Mon Mar 15, 2021 1:11 pm

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: ^ Agree check them all.

Threaded fuel hose ?
Do you mean the hose with the cloth braiding on the outside??

.

Exactly, the one with braid on the outside and rubber on the inside. I like how it looks, but it looks very dated compared to modern hoses though.

Mon Mar 15, 2021 1:12 pm

Well, that’s reassuring. At least now I know that the engine will not go up in flames. Next order of business will be a thorough inspection of all remaining hoses under the transmission and the fuel tank to avoid further leaks, since they might be in similar or worse condition than the one that broke. Thank you all for the quick responses! I owe you all one!

Mon Mar 15, 2021 6:37 pm

I don't what fuel hose you bought but you want to make sure it's rated for today's ethanol fuels.

This stuff is good
https://www.belmetric.com/multifuel-hoseethanol-ap...-9852.html

I have the non-braided stuff from BelMetric and it's lasted for year when I was replacing the other braided hose I had almost every year due to wear/leaks.
I need to order some braided stuff too to have the right VW "look".

Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:23 pm

EverettB wrote: I don't what fuel hose you bought but you want to make sure it's rated for today's ethanol fuels.

This stuff is good
https://www.belmetric.com/multifuel-hoseethanol-ap...-9852.html

I have the non-braided stuff from BelMetric and it's lasted for year when I was replacing the other braided hose I had almost every year due to wear/leaks.
I need to order some braided stuff too to have the right VW "look".

A quick check on a second slice of new hose reveals me that I blindly got the nice stuff too! It’s from one in a line of stores frequented by old timey mechanics, so it is definitely what should be going into my engine. I would have preferred a braided one like it originally had, but I would rather see my engine bit period incorrect instead of seeing it serve as my new bonfire. Thanks for the insight on the correct hose specs to you too! I owe you one too!

Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:35 pm

The trick with 'new' hose with rubber cover is that it's not usually found in metric diameters readily here in the USA. The Belmetric is a good source for metric ID hose, with the old textile braided cover.

Hose with a rubber cover is essentially three layers: inner tube, textile reinforcement and rubber cover. The tube holds the media inside the hose and must chemically work with whatever media you convey, the reinforcement helps with pressure, and the cover protects the reinforcement.

Hoses with rubber cover may also have some downsides, like UV damage/ozone cracking, and require a bigger ID clamp for the larger hose OD. Often the bend radius is larger, meaning that it can't make as small a bend without kinking over. The braided textile cover material (which is only inner tube and textile cover) will not show any cracking for better or for worse (as evidenced by your dramatic leak). It is generally smaller OD, tighter bend radius, and the dense textile braided cover protects the tube from being cut or permanently indented by the clamp.

Hoses, like any other rubber component, are wear items. They should be periodically replaced, especially ones that get baked in the sun, or in a hot engine compartment. Use new ones periodically, that fit well and are rated for the application, and you'll be okay.

Mon Mar 15, 2021 8:08 pm

EverettB wrote: I don't what fuel hose you bought but you want to make sure it's rated for today's ethanol fuels.

This stuff is good
https://www.belmetric.com/multifuel-hoseethanol-ap...-9852.html

I have the non-braided stuff from BelMetric and it's lasted for year when I was replacing the other braided hose I had almost every year due to wear/leaks.
I need to order some braided stuff too to have the right VW "look".
What clamps from BelMetric would you suggest using with this hose for the right "look"?

Mon Mar 15, 2021 10:15 pm

iowegian wrote: EverettB wrote: I don't what fuel hose you bought but you want to make sure it's rated for today's ethanol fuels.

This stuff is good
https://www.belmetric.com/multifuel-hoseethanol-ap...-9852.html

I have the non-braided stuff from BelMetric and it's lasted for year when I was replacing the other braided hose I had almost every year due to wear/leaks.
I need to order some braided stuff too to have the right VW "look".
What clamps from BelMetric would you suggest using with this hose for the right "look"?

I use the smooth fuel injection clamps for safety.

Factory correct would be none or Oetiker clamps:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=724107

I don't know if they sell Oetiker clamps but they should have the FI clamps
Sorry, don't have a link saved