Correct size for fuel line clamps?

[widerberg]

Hi, All:

I'm going to be replacing the fuel lines on my '69 Beetle. I've read through about a hundred fire threads here, and my head's spinning. Assuming I'll be using the recommended German braided 5mm/5.5mm fuel line, is a 3/8" clamp what I want?

Like, say, these? http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/16047/10002/-1?parentProductId=2111530

Or, what size am I looking for?

I want to go with the "fuel injection hose clamp" type, with rolled edges and more surface area than standard worm-gear clamps.

Many thanks!!!

Bo
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bo
current: '69 beetle autostick
gone: '68 squareback, '69 westy, '04 golf

[Mr.Duncan]

I used those clamps that you linked.

Im running the stock German braided fuel line.

I like those clamps because they dont "cut the hose" like the worm gear type.

Thats a nice price, and will work for your needs.
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[bluebus86]

3/8 inch ought to be about right. by the way your fuel line is more commonly referred to as fuel hose. the fuel line is more commonly referring to the rigid tuning.

you don't need the solid band clamps with braided hose, as the braiding prevents the extrusion of the rubber hose thru the holes of non-solid band clamps.

For the best hose life, use SAE 30R9 hose or similar lined hose. the unlined hose does not resist todays government mandated corn, lobby sponsored, higher priced, lower mileage, oxygenated fuels.

the 30R9 hose is the new standard.

also be sure to safety wire the carb and fuel pump fittings as needed. there are several Samba write ups on how to do this.

I have had one car catch fire and two develop fuel leaks form the old carb or fuel pump fittings coming loose or falling out. this is a serious safety concerns on our aged VW's.

It is very important to safety wire these fittings. do a search, read the posts, look at the photos and DO IT!

[bowtiebug]

Those will work depending on the Hose size 5mm stock hose or 7mm fuel injection hose .

http://www.airheadparts.com/vintage-vw-parts/fuel-hose
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlphaKnots

[widerberg]

Thanks for the confirmation, guys.

I swear, these fire threads have got me freaked out. But, I've now got a fire extinguisher in the car (ABC for now, but eventually Halotron) and I'm all about changing the hoses and safety-wiring the inlet tube on the carb. Oh, and moving the fuel filter out of the engine compartment. I've also got plastic terminal caps on my battery and am picking up a sheet of rubber to lay over it (between it and the seat springs, as a bit of overkill).

I'm sure there's still a way for my Beetle to catch fire, but I'm trying to hit everything I can to prevent it. Better safe than sorry.

Bo
_________________
bo
current: '69 beetle autostick
gone: '68 squareback, '69 westy, '04 golf

[Mr.Duncan]

[Busdriver79]

The fuel filter should be mounted somewhere between the tank and the pump...I put mine down by the transaxle...others insist upon putting their fuel filters between the pump and carb, and this will work, but be certain to safety wire the hose on the carb fitting to a carb screw...engine vibration and the weight of a full filter can, over time, loosen the barb that is pressed into the carb itself...somebody has been threading these barbs into the carb for a few bucks when he rebuilds them...can't remember the name...and don't use those crappy chinese plastic gas filters either...use the metal filters...FYI there was never a fuel filter in the engine bay from the VW factory...and always use hose clamps of your choice everywhere the hoses slip onto a gas line or fitting.

[Cusser]

Don't forget the safety wiring, shown here in Glenn's photo:

My own safety wiring is not as neat looking as his.
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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

[widerberg]

[bluebus86]

I have put all my safety wires under the screw head, with the screw loosened, then tighten it down. I keep the washer under the wire.

I would not simply lasso the wire around the bolt head, as it may come loose, get it under the head and tighten it down.

yes you could drill a hole thru the head that would be great. little hard to do with a slotted head, better if you use a hex head with no slot.

A nice place to add a fuel filter is under the car near the tranny where the fuel line exits the tunnel, there is some hose on that line, between the tunnel and the engine that is a great place to put a filter. No near by ignition sources.

[swharris]

Don't forget the oft removed/thrown away factory hard fuel line bracket that mounts to the driver's side of the fan shroud with a cheesehead screw at the shroud to cyl.3/4 cover point. Most have never seen one, but they were standard for most of production.

[OldSchoolVW's]

[swharris]

[busman78]

Those clamps on Jegs are for 3/8" ID, inside diameter hose, that is .63 on the OD, that is 5/8"+, a bit large for 5.5mm hose.

[Chinaclipper]