Fuel Lines, Hoses, Gaskets & Seals

Metal lines and rubber and nylon hoses transport fuel, vapor and vacuum to the various components in the fuel system. Gaskets and seals prevent leaks and can also block unwanted air, dirt or contaminants from entering the system. These parts are typically overlooked, but they can be the cause of problems, and their replacement is often necessary when other components are serviced, which is why you’ll find an extensive inventory of them on our digital shelves.

Metal tubing attached to the underside of the vehicle with clips routes fuel from the tank to the fuel pump and carburetor or fuel injection assembly. In areas where there is movement between components and flexibility is needed, such as between the engine and chassis, rubber or nylon hose is used but it must be fuel resistant to prevent deterioration, non-permeable to prevent the escape of vapors, and reinforced to withstand pressure in fuel injection systems. In addition to fuel delivery, metal tubing has been used on older vehicles to conduct heat from the exhaust manifold to the choke coil, and connect the distributor vacuum advance unit with an engine vacuum source.

Non-permeable rubber hose is used throughout the EVAP system to conduct fuel vapor. Nylon and rubber hose is used to connect many components in the engine control, emissions control, climate control, and other systems, including the MAP sensor, EGR valve, fuel pressure regulator, brake booster, PCV valve, and thermal vacuum switches. Metal lines are generally connected to components and each other with threaded compression or double flare fittings, or quick release fittings that require a special tool to disconnect. Fuel resistant O-rings are used at many connections and these should always be replaced once the fitting is disconnected. These O-rings are also used to seal connections at fuel injectors and pressure regulators. Several types of clamps are used to secure hose including spring-type, worm drive, and clamps that must be crimped with a special tool during installation. Spring type clamps lose tension once removed and should be replaced. Gaskets seal connections between the throttle body or carburetor, between the plenum and lower intake, and at the manifold/cylinder head junction.

When you want to add components to upgrade your car’s fuel system to increase flow and performance, you’ll quickly find that the factory lines and hoses are no longer right for the job. Many performance fuel pumps, filters, and regulators are designed for AN fittings, so they can’t even be connected into the fuel system without a corresponding change to lines and hoses designed for these connections. And even if you could connect your stock lines or hoses to a high flow fuel pump, would it make any sense to try to squeeze the increased volume through standard diameter tubing and hose? Fuel line and hose are also commonly upgraded to increase safety. Performance lines, hoses and fittings are designed to function under high pressures and temperatures, and many racing organizations specify their use. But even if you don’t race, such components will allow mods like safely plumbing a high-pressure EFI unit into an older vehicle.

But although you can increase fuel flow and your safety factor with performance fuel lines, fittings, and hoses, we know that often this is an upgrade that’s done mainly for appearance. Bright stainless steel braided hose connected with colorful anodized aluminum AN fittings are as much a part of custom car building and hot-rodding as chrome and fat tires. But regardless of what you want to achieve with your fuel system, looks, performance, or both, we have the components for the job. Our selection of flexible hose ranges from traditional braided steel Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) synthetic rubber to the latest braided Teflon hose, in a wide range of inside and outside diameters.