[Fuel & Emissions] Fuel Return Line Swivel Leak <ARGH!>

[jmettee]

Getting irritated.

Got new SS braided lines & should be an easy install, right?

Original line has a small leak where the hose attaches to the metal return line under the harness area in the engine bay. Specifically, #13 in the diagram (ADAPTOR INSERT 106994). This is basically a swivel adapter for the flared fuel line & the fitting does not come off without cutting the metal line & re-flaring it.

The original line apparently had a small leak as I noticed gunk/buildup on the line. Before removing, I ran the engine & checked it....it was moist, but not dripping/soaked.

Put the new lines on & it leaks worse than before. Flare looks good from what I can tell. The problem is I tighten the hose to the adaptor as tight as it goes & I'm starting to round out the flats on the hose end fitting. At this point, the fitting still pins rather easily. When I tighten the nut on the metal line against the adaptor, I go as far tight I can go...swivel still spins relatively easily. Seems I'm bottoming out threads before I seat the flare enough or something.

Can anyone comment on the fit of this? Should it still swivel when everything is tight?

[jmettee]

Took some close up pics since I couldn't get my face close enough, looks like I may have a little dirt in there, but I'm not sure that little bit would prevent the swivel from tightening down & stop spinning so easy, as I believe should happen.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I had the same problem. I cleaned what I could with a dremel wire brush and used a lot of permatex #2 non-Harding gasket sealer. That took care of the leak.

[DCUK Martin]

That adapter is there to convert the fitting on the original hose to the DeLorean type fitting on the hard line (as you find a tthe fuel tank end).

The problem, IIRC is the depth of the threads in this adapter - I had trouble with it some years ago.

In my fuel hose kit, I had the return hose made with the correct end to fit directly to the hard line, eliminating the adapter. Seemed an obvious thing to do.

[DPI Josh]

I had the same issue when I went to replace one with the entire unit just spinning. I ended up holding it with multiple wrenches and sealing the fitting.

[jmettee]

So I'm not the only one with the problem in this area then. I could not separate the adaptor & the "olive" (or ferrule) while on the car, so I cut the line. I'm thinking since the leak was there before I started, the line may have been bent our of round when first installed in Dunmurry. I also just found a small crack in the olive....not sure if there originally or if I did it when trying to separate the parts.

In any case, I found the item @ DMCH....$.88 part. Seems the original was squashed too far to go on the metal line, I as I believe these ferrules are supposed to be 1-time use due to deformation during installation.

Going to order a new one (106980) & hope for the best before trying to find another method.

[DPI Josh]

I gave up on dealing with delorean fittings and I know converter everything to AN fittings from summit. They look sexy and are no where near as shady.

[jmettee]

Originally Posted by DPI Josh

I gave up on dealing with delorean fittings and I know converter everything to AN fittings from summit. They look sexy and are no where near as shady.

You have part number handy for ones that fit the stock hardlines on the D? Specifically to go from whatever the straight-thread (metric or standard?) on the flex line from the fuel dist. to the steel return line?

[Bitsyncmaster]

When my return line was leaking, it only leaked very seldom. I would see a spot sometimes on the floor. I assumed it was coolant because the coolant hose was dripping. Replaced both hoses, still leaked. Replaced the coolant pipe, still leaked. Then one day I could see the return line leaking with the engine idling. Tighten with two wrenches, still leaked. Did the tighten a few times, still leaked.

Finally took it all apart cleaned it up and just because I was sick of fooling with it used the gasket sealer.

[jmettee]

Originally Posted by Bitsyncmaster

Finally took it all apart cleaned it up and just because I was sick of fooling with it used the gasket sealer.

I'll keep that as my 3rd option....if the mechanical options don't work (parts are already on order).

This is just another one of those pesky, irritating problems that wedged it's way in & preventing me from finishing the car for spring...and being able to drive it! I'll have to say it again...."maybe next weekend I can drive it"