Splicing/Working with NB fuel lines?
 

Hey Guys,

I picked up a used engine to throw in my NB but the fuel line is cut (see picture). Is there a way to splice these lines so I can put a new end on it and use the stock connectors, or do I need to man up and remove the IM and replace it all the way? (I can't think of way to get the fuel line tool in to pop the connector off with the IM on, I've got one of the aluminum clamp style tools, does anybody have a way to get the fuel line off without removing the IM?). I searched around a bit but didn't find any Miata specific info about splicing the lines. I'm used to the old school rubber fuel lines, haven't messed with these ones before so no idea if they can be spliced or what the best option is.

Thanks,
Sam

Once you carefully cut the plastic line off the end of the clip, you can slide on standard 5/16" fuel injection line, if that helps.

How safe is that, isn't there only a single barb?

I think I haz a mint NB fuel line that you're looking for, check my fs thread.

You still use the plastic clip.

Gesso's entire exocet fuel system is assembled with OEM NB connectors cut free with a razor blade, 5/16" fuel injection rated hose and fuel injection hose clamps. Its survived some not insignificant amount of stupidity and a trackday at laguna seca with no issues.

Having said that, I would of course recommend buying the one from 18psi and doing it "right" because its not that hard.

The entire intake does not need to come out to do this. All you need to pull is the upper intake manifold and release the fuel line clip. In fact, I broke the clip and replaced it with a zip tie :giggle: Its fairly easy process all together, you just need to be sure not to drop anything into the lower intake, and put absolutely everything back where you found it. I usually put an old T-shirt over the lower intake when working in there. Its almost the same process as swapping injectors, so it should be documented somewhere.

So I found a solution I figured I'd share about the whole not wanting to pull the UIM/fuel rail to get the line out deal:

Vato Zone has plier style fuel disconnects: OEM/Fuel line disconnect set 27131 at AutoZone.com - 1 reviews

Despite what the review says mine didn't immediately break, popped the line off no problem with the TB removed so I could see a little better and then I just slid one on from the old engine.

I've used these on multiple projects including just changing my injectors yesterday. Maybe they're too cheap... :giggle:

6 Piece Fuel Line and A/C Quick Disconnect Tool

Ah those look good too, probably would have worked just as well or better than the tong style ones. These are what I was trying to get to the line with and there was no hope of that.

The cheapo plastic ones work fine as long as you can get your fingers under the flange to pull up (which is more likely than having enough room for the longer tools). A nice side effect is it can stay on the line by itself for when you go to put the fitting back on.

I find a little di-electric grease or dawn soap on the fuel line itself helps the fitting go back on easier and latch.

Once you cut the plastic line off the OEM connectors, you have something that is pretty similar to this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1415386185
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-800-081

It's something of a pain to cut off though, if I could afford to wait for delivery I'd spend the $2.50 each and buy the parts from Summit.

The guy who built my Locost had simply pushed 50 psi-rated fuel hose (not fuel injection hose) onto the stock fittings (with no barb) and used a Home Depot hose clamp. Apparently he didn't believe in fire. I replaced every fuel line and fitting in the car using the fittings above from Summit, Goodyear fuel injection hose (that's expensive stuff) and the proper hose clamps. They come two to a box, which I didn't realize at the time, so I have a huge pile of leftover ones.

--Ian