? about steel braided fuel line.

[kevin colton]

Due to a lack of power in my TBI chevy 350, I've decided to splice a fuel pressure guage into my fuel line to see if the electric pump is giving me 9-13 psi as prescribed by the books. The problem is, it has steel braided line. Can I do a regular splice, or does the steel fuel line have to stay contiguous? I am also noticing two fuel lines entering the throttle body and am curious if they are both input lines or if one is for overflow.
Thanks to everyone for all of the great threads and posts! I hate Mud is my favorite reading material!

 

[lone gunman]

you can cut the line, but i would tape the area to be cut and use a metal chop saw to get a smooth precise cut. and since its only 9 to 13 psi clamps work fine to attach the ends to the gauge fittings. oh and before running it after you cut it turn the pump on and run the line into a gas can to get all the little bits of crap out. or you risk plugging a fuel injector.

and yes one is a return line that should go to the fuel tank.

 

[copasspupil]

Use tape around the braided line first before cutting. I'd opted for a hack saw with bi metal blade for it. It should not take too long.

 

[Bret]

Why not just get the connector for the size line you have? The ends assemble very easily and will perform/look much better. Earls, Aeroquip, etc will have the parts you need.

AN PLUMBING.COM Earls performance products, Hose ends Hose,Adapters, fittings

 

[Sharp38]

Kevin

Things to consider. I concur with Bret. If you put a fuel pressure gauge in the feed line to the throttle body, use regular fittings. The line is likely to be teflon on the inside. Some older braided is rubber and you can use hose clamps, but teflon line would be better served with a proper fittings. The pressure in the throttle body is controlled by a regulator in the throttle body. If you put the gauge in the input, it will need to read more than your TB needs. If less, you have a problem. If more, the regulator in the TB will do its job. The feed line is 3/8in and the return line is small 5/16.

Don
www.wolfcreekrodworks.com

 

[kevin colton]

Thanks guys! Sorry it took so long to get back, but after getting home I put an in line fuel pressure guage past the pump and only had 7 lb.s of pressure. I have since replaced the old, loud, insufficient pump with a holly pump that gives me 14 lb.s of pressure. I left the steel braided fuel line intact, but very much appreciate the advice. Learned the value of vice grips in preventing a fuel bath when changing out the fuel pump, too. Thanks again!!