Fuel Hoses, Lines & Fittings

The Danger of Faulty Fuel Lines

You probably don't think twice about the condition of your fuel system. Who can blame you? Your fuel tank, lines and hoses rest within your vehicle, making it difficult to inspect after years of use. Luckily, fuel hoses and hardware are made to last tens of thousands of miles on the road, so you shouldn't run into issues often. However, excessive heat and contamination can still degrade the quality of your fuel system, which can lead to poor gas mileage, unsafe driving conditions and expensive repairs. Even though your fuel system is tucked away in the belly of your vehicle, there are plenty of tell-tale signs that indicate your fuel lines may need replaced. Take action if:

• Your vehicle won't start or the ignition is sluggish
• Your vehicle is stalling
• You notice the smell or sight of gas/diesel or smoke

Even if a fuel line is clogged, a small amount of fuel can still reach your engine. This is why you may experience ignition followed by a quick stall-out. To rule out other system failures like a faulty pump, use a specialized fuel system pressure tester. Whether it's a bad pump or a broken line, don't ignore the problem. And because your fuel system contains flammable substances, always prepare to handle fuel system maintenance using the right safety gear.

If you aren't comfortable tackling fuel line repair, trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for friendly, expert service.

Preparing for At-Home Repair

Once you turn the key into your ignition, fuel is delivered to the injectors (or carburetor) through fuel lines, which then transport and stabilize the fuel as it reaches the combustion chamber. So, it's easy to imagine why replacing broken components is critical and you should do so as soon as any issue is detected.

But, make no mistake, not all fuel hoses and lines are created equal. Depending on your vehicle's specifications, you'll need to secure the correct type of fuel hose to avoid a fuel disaster. For example, installing a standard fuel hose in a system that takes ethanol could easily result in broken fuel lines, leaks and contaminants that clog filters and injectors, wreaking havoc on your entire fuel system.

Fuel lines come in a variety of material types, usually metal, rubber or stainless steel. They work in tandem with other components of your fuel system, which means that if one line or filter becomes clogged or faulty, it will likely impact the rest of your fuel flow.

Fuel fittings are used to connect lines to other components of a fuel system. Depending on your vehicle, fuel line fittings will vary in size. High-performance engines and smaller, eco-friendly engines often require different fitting and thread types, so it's important to check and measure any subs, bores or threading on your fuel system before purchasing any replacement parts.