Judging by what I see in the cabin...



I'm going to replace the FI fuel lines in my 1981. From what I've read the ends of the lines are flared. Can I buy them at the correct length so I don't have to flare them myself? Also if I don't have a pump to relieve the pressure in the fuel line where's the best place to remove the line (with a rag wrapped around the connection) so it doesn't spray everywhere or should I buy a vacuum pump?

It has been recommended elsewhere on the forum that the disconnect be made at the cold start injector, wrapped with cloth. Good idea to disconnect the battery...

Going back a number of years since I replaced mine, but If you can, drain the tank (I did it from the connection at the tank) and then carefully start taking the pump,& filter off. Some sawdust on the ground helped with the fuel leaking out. (fire extinguisher handy?) I see there is a splice in the cabin so perhaps take that apart and pull the line(s) out. It gets fiddly when going through the fire wall.
Cut the metal fuel line before it gets to the soft line from the fuel rail. I believe there is a flair on the end, and you will need that fitting with the new line.
I bought a flairing kit from the local jobber store to put flairs on the ends of the new lines(perhaps $15.00). Replace all the old rubber lines as well and connect with the proper fuel line clamps.
A hand held bending tool helped (perhaps $10-15.00)when installing the new metal line.
Not the most plesant of evolutions, but beats doing anything under the drivers dash...oh wait you will have to deal with that
The fuel lines come in a bulk length so measure and but an that plus a few extra feet. Remember when the line is charged you can have 30-40+ psi running through , so make sure the connections are sound.
Doing the injector lines as well?
Chris

DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

I actually had gas leaking while the car was running in my lane way HOLY CRAP!

these may help

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... =+gas+line

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... &hilit=gas

If you need to borrow the flaring kit and bender bar let me know as i have both

I bought lines at Part Source and they come with a bubble flare

4uall,
I may take you up on the offer. I've still got a lot of prep work on the floor 1st but nice to know I can remove the fuel lines now and install new ones later on and the tools will be available.

pm sent

If the car has not run in a few days likely there will be very little pressure in the lines. I usually disconnect it by the pump, so it just drains on the ground (or a pan if you prefer).

Yep. No worries there. The car is in storage and won't be started for a few more months. I just thought on an FI car the pressure is high so I wanted to be careful. I also figured disconnecting at the highest point would ensure the least leakage. Maybe somewhere near the fuel injectors. Or does the fuel pump not allow anymore fuel out once the pressure is released?

Just to confirm the cold start injector is the one where the light blue connector is plugged into at the front the manifold...


And should I just loosen the clamp and disconnect the rubber fuel line?

Tonight I removed the PO's work on the floor and this is what I see on the driver's side.



And where the fuel line goes out the back...


I hit most of the areas with a small sledge hammer and the rest seems rather solid which is good. Now for some cutting, cleaning, welding and POR-15!

Just to confirm the cold start injector is the one where the light blue connector is plugged into at the front the manifold...

correct


By the time you are done the floor your car will be bullet proof

I hope so. Right now the inside of the car is looking kind of scary with all the holes!

I'm going to get quotes on the welding job but I researched a bit and it looks like the Flux Core welding will be fine for the floors... which I hope, with practice, I can do. A bit more messy but seems to produce a good weld in the end. I think with good prep work I can do a good job. I'm going to look for a welder that will work on 110v and does flux core but can support gas in the future in case long term I want to be able to do that. And of course an auto-darkening helmet. That seems to be the way to go if I don't want to spend a lot and don't want to deal with gas at least initially.

Looks like a trip to Princess Auto http://www.princessauto.com/pal/locator ... storeId=16 is in your future

Not sure if I sent you this or not however, these guys are Canadian http://www.alfaparts.net/fiatspider.html