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1964SunRoof Samba Member
Joined: November 03, 2008 Posts: 58 Location: DE, USA
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 12:56 pm Post subject: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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I recently installed a new gas tank in my 64 Beetle. After adding fuel, I discovered nothing was reaching the fuel pump. The fuel hose going into fuel pump could be removed, with no fuel spilling out. Here is photo of underneath the fuel tank. I guess the hose got bent too severely and that is why it wasn't flowing.
Does anybody know how long the fuel hose should be there. I'd really like to know how long it was out of the factory? I thought I had made it long enough, I could even pull the tank out enough so I could reach in there with things still connected (I have this idea, possibly wrong, that it should be as short as possible). But with this new tank from WW, the outlet seems to hang lower, so I had to put it in and take it out again about 6 times, before I got the outlet pipe at an angle where it wasn't bumping into something and I would be able to unscrew the hose clamp from the left side. I'll have to buy the gasket that the tank is supposed to sit on (hadn't even realized it has one till after I ordered tank). And that might bring the bottom up a little bit.
Also wondering what the length of breather hose (smaller diameter coming off top of tank inlet) should be. |
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sjbartnik Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2011 Posts: 5998 Location: Brooklyn
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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The length doesn't really matter as long as it's long enough to reach the fuel line and isn't kinked.
How much gas do you have in the tank? If you only have a gallon or two, you will probably have to elevate the front end to get gas to flow back to the pump.
Once the pump is primed you'll be good to go. _________________ 1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650 |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24764 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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About 6 inches more than you have now. Go ahead and make it 8 inches longer.
Get the proper rubber grommet for where the metal line goes into the chassi. Without that water, dirt, sand will get into the chassi, causing corrosion to flourish inside there. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31379 Location: Hot Arizona
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runamoc Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2006 Posts: 5601 Location: 37.5N 77.1W
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Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 6:35 am Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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it needs to be long enough that you can lift the tank from the front and be able to reach the hose to work on it. To short and you have to take the front wheel off and reach thru and work on it with one hand. _________________ Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 44 yrs - Plan B: '81 Rabbit Diesel LS Deluxe - Plan C: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs-
VW Wiring = It's just wires |
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glutamodo The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004 Posts: 26323 Location: Douglas, WY
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Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 8:50 am Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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I also like to leave that a bit longer too for more wiggle room to R&R the tank.
Now, after having too many hoses with Conti German Cloth Braided hose dry rot on me over the years and spring leaks... (dry climate plus E10 fuel) I decided some time back to replace all my hose with R7 ethanol rated fuel line. I think you can get such hose in cloth braided now, but that wasn't the case when I made that decision, so I just have smooth black hose now. Then, I developed anosmia (no sense of smell), so I am now even more afraid of fuel hose failure. I used to have a keen sense of smell for fuel leaks. I probably still do, if the damn nerve between my nose and my brain was still connected. _________________ Andy T.
IMAGE NOTE: It has been noted that Chrome based browsers may have issues in displaying my vast image library, which use non-secure links and are on an FTP server. Images should still be viewable if the link is clicked though.
I do not know how to fix this. All I can say is it all works fine for me with what I use, Firefox. |
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1964SunRoof Samba Member
Joined: November 03, 2008 Posts: 58 Location: DE, USA
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Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 5:54 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Eric&Barb wrote: |
"Get the proper rubber grommet for where the metal line goes into the chassi." |
Good idea! I'll order that too, when I order tank-to-body seal and breather hose (still don't know how long that should be), which I assume is same width as vacuum hose connected to distributor.
Code: |
Hose length Location
9cm from carb to fuel filter
11cm from fuel filter to fuel pump
19.5cm from fuel pump to fuel line going forward
29 cm from fuel line from engine to chassis fuel line
68.5 cm total |
That leaves me with 31.5 cm of this belmetric fuel hose I bought (I bought 1 meter thinking that would be plenty). Would that be long enough for under the tank? That would kindof make sense if all fuel hoses together from carb to tank added up to 1 meter. Although I don't think they had fuel filter in there from factory, so would be even less left over for under fuel tank. Thanks for your help! |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24764 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Better to get two meters. That way you should have some on hand in the "spares box" when it is needed!
From a search of the 1958-67 beetle forum for "tank breather hose" and checked the "Titles Only", so it searches only the titles of threads. Not checking that box results in the search showing you every thread that is even just mentioned which can be dozens or even hundreds of results. Better to have it much more focused on the titles on the first search try.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc..._chars=200
Glad to help!
Here is same search without the "Titles Only" box checked:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?searc..._chars=200 _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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vwfreek61 Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2004 Posts: 350 Location: Green Bay, WI
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Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 6:41 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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1964SunRoof wrote: |
That leaves me with 31.5 cm of this belmetric fuel hose I bought (I bought 1 meter thinking that would be plenty). Would that be long enough for under the tank? That would kindof make sense if all fuel hoses together from carb to tank added up to 1 meter. Although I don't think they had fuel filter in there from factory, so would be even less left over for under fuel tank. Thanks for your help! |
The online VW parts catalog shows 325mm, so you should be close. _________________ Kenneth
1964 Bug with Saxomat
1976 VW/Harley Trike Autostick
1987 Vanagon Westy w/Subaru EJ25 and reversed 4EAT |
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richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6983 Location: Durango, CO
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Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 12:29 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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vwfreek61 wrote: |
1964SunRoof wrote: |
That leaves me with 31.5 cm of this belmetric fuel hose I bought (I bought 1 meter thinking that would be plenty). Would that be long enough for under the tank? That would kindof make sense if all fuel hoses together from carb to tank added up to 1 meter. Although I don't think they had fuel filter in there from factory, so would be even less left over for under fuel tank. Thanks for your help! |
The online VW parts catalog shows 325mm, so you should be close. |
Thanks for posting this! _________________ __________
’71 Westy build
Adventure thread
’65 Deluxe Build
’63 Deluxe Build |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24764 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:56 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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richparker wrote: |
Thanks for posting this! |
Glad to be able to help! _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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Zundfolge1432 Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 12468
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Wow I’ve learned something new and it seems I’ve been doing it wrong for 40 plus years. I always made them long enough to lift the tank with one hand and get to the master cylinder if need be. I always thought more about keeping the hose from hitting tie Rod. |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24764 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
I always thought more about keeping the hose from hitting tie Rod. |
That is why the loop is put in the hose and aimed more away from the tie rod to the rear. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31379 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2021 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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The fuel line from tank to the chassis port in my 1971 Super is the factory one, and not looped. I was under it today checking my tie rod ends and noticed this. _________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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harrymarlin Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2018 Posts: 723 Location: Washington, DC
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 9:10 am Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Cusser wrote: |
The fuel line from tank to the chassis port in my 1971 Super is the factory one, and not looped. I was under it today checking my tie rod ends and noticed this. |
You have 50 year old fuel lines running in your car? What is your secret for preservation, as I would have thought they would have rotted/degraded after that period? _________________ -Harry
--------------------------
1967 Ruby Red Convertible Beetle ("Becky")
ISO Albuquerque "Imported Motors" dealership paraphernalia |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31379 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 10:04 am Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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harrymarlin wrote: |
Cusser wrote: |
The fuel line from tank to the chassis port in my 1971 Super is the factory one, and not looped. I was under it today checking my tie rod ends and noticed this. |
You have 50 year old fuel lines running in your car? What is your secret for preservation, as I would have thought they would have rotted/degraded after that period? |
I replaced the tank to pan fuel line in my 1970 sedan in 2016-2017, that was the original one too; I've had the 1970 since 1972 and the 1971 since 1976 so
i know this. Still the original crimp-type clamp on the 1971 Super fuel line at the pan fitting, can't really see the top due to some rubber cover.
Sorry, I don't have any secrets for this longevity, and Arizona has used ethanol in its gasolines for a long time. I know I did replace the braided fuel line from pan rearward on my 1970 in 2016-2017, and believe I've also replaced that in the 1971 Super sometime in the last 4 years (a repair like that would not make it into my maintenance/repair book). _________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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wheel607 Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2004 Posts: 1847
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 11:40 am Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Cusser wrote: |
Longer, make a loop. Clamp on BOTH ends. |
When I was at the dealership in 1975 THIS was the way to replace tank fuel lines. VW didnt, just because they didnt, it was likely a cost measure. Imagine how much more it would cost to fit all those VWs with replacement hoses. Cussers way is the way it was done at US dealerships. Oh, and I forgot to add this, it was always paid under warranty. VW called for I believe 10 inches but I believe as do Eric and Barb 1 meter was used and ALWAYS paid for by VW. And they questioned EVERYTHING no matter if it was a 5 cent item (on warranty). |
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toxicavenger70 Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2019 Posts: 871 Location: CO
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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I make them long enough so the area under the tank is serviceable. While ensuring the hose has a nice slow bend to it. |
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Zundfolge1432 Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 12468
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Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2021 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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toxicavenger70 wrote: |
I make them long enough so the area under the tank is serviceable. While ensuring the hose has a nice slow bend to it. |
Makes sense to me but after seeing the manual reference I just had to laugh. Some early German bean counter figured out exactly how much to use. Just think of the savings😀. Looking at the responses here most make the hose longer to allow freedom of movement, I’m in that camp. |
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toxicavenger70 Samba Member
Joined: July 28, 2019 Posts: 871 Location: CO
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Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2021 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: What is correct length for hose from gas tank to fuel line? |
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Zundfolge1432 wrote: |
toxicavenger70 wrote: |
I make them long enough so the area under the tank is serviceable. While ensuring the hose has a nice slow bend to it. |
Makes sense to me but after seeing the manual reference I just had to laugh. Some early German bean counter figured out exactly how much to use. Just think of the savings😀. Looking at the responses here most make the hose longer to allow freedom of movement, I’m in that camp. |
Also I am not as skinny as the guys back in the 60's, so I need a little extra room to wiggle around. lol |
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