Saturday, February 1, 2014
How to Measure a Fuel Line Diameter
Determining the size of a fuel line in a vehicle or motorcycle is important prior to replacing it. The fuel line, along with the other parts of a fuel system, are responsible for delivering the fuel from the fuel cell into the carburetor. It is important to have the right size so the vehicle operates efficiently. The size of the fuel line is determined by the outside diameter. Completing the measurement is simple and takes relatively few tools. The same steps can be used to measure other types of tubing, such as those for brake lines.
Instructions
- 1
Uncover the fuel line so that it is visible and can be reached easily. Do not remove the fuel line or disconnect it.
2Place the top of a 1/4-inch wrench with an open end over the fuel line. Slide it caully over the line so that it fits snugly against the tubing. Read the wrenchs measurements to determine the diameter of the fuel line.
3Place a caliper over the fuel line if the wrench did not give an accurate reading. Calipers are used to measure distance between two sides of one object. Adjust the tips of the caliper to fit tightly on either side of the line. Remove the caliper. Place the tips on a ruler and read the measurement.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
How to Cut a Steel Auto Fuel Line
Vehicle fuel systems operate under high pressure. Steel fuel lines keep high-pressure fuel contained on route between the fuel tank and the fuel delivery system. Correctly installing steel fuel lines entails producing straight cuts on the ends of the line. This ensures the lines will seat properly in the compression fitting connecting two pieces of line or connecting the line to fuel system components. Improperly cut fuel lines create a situation where fuel can escape from a crooked edge.
Instructions
- 1
Mark the cut location on a piece of steel fuel line with a piece of soapstone.
2Open the jaws of a tubing cutter by turning the lower knob counterclockwise. Stop turning the knob when the distance between the top rollers and the bottom cutting blade allows enough room for the steel fuel line.
3Slide the fuel line in the open jaws of the tubing cutter. Align the cut mark with the center of the bottom cutting blade. Turn the cutter knob clockwise until the blade contacts the surface of the tube. Turn the knob clockwise a quarter turn to apply pressure to the line.
4Spin the tubing cutter around the fuel line for two revolutions. Turn the knob clockwise a half turn. Spin the cutter an additional two revolutions. Continue tightening and spinning the tubing cutter until it cuts through the steel fuel line.
5Place the tapered end of the burr remover -- located on the back face of the tubing cutter -- inside the cut end of the fuel line. Apply pressure toward the fuel line. Turn the tubing cutter to clear the burr from inside the fuel line.
