Fuel Line Routing

[Tom Bond]

Going to replace the rubber fuel line that came on my 861 when I bought it. I've seen different routing of the fuel line. Anyone know the correct way? Does it go straight up between the manifold and the engine or does it come out of the sediment bowl towards front of motor, then up and back to to tank shut off? In the parts manual, it looks like it may run to the front of motor and then up. Not really sure. Also, does the line have to be steel and then double flared or can I just use 1/4" copper and single flare? Reason I ask is I do HVAC/R by trade and have enough copper laying around here to do all your tractors! Also thinking of maybe going 5/16" vs. 1/4" for better flow? Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks! Tom

 

[Greg1959]

I did the 'jimmyjack" method and it works well for me. There are many different opinions on how to run the line. Just choose what you think will best suit you.

 

[JMOR]

Copper is not recommended for fuel line on engines, because ot work-hardens from vibration & may crack as a result. You can buy steel line in various lengths from auto supply stores witg fitting already installed & bend to fit. Yes, it did go straight up between engine & manifolds.

 

[Greg1959]

I too, used steel brake line for my fuel line with a ball vlave for my fuel shut-off.

 

[old]

Steel brake line is the way to go unless you want problems. A piece of brake line is less then $10 to do that job so why not spend the $10 and be safe

 

[souNdguy]

i used brake line for mine as well. I oped to go in front of engine then run down side to carb.. makes it easier for me to work on than down thru manifold like oem.

 

[Greg1959]

Like this....(copyright JJ)

 

[Tom Bond]

Ahhhh....NICE! I was wondering if the sediment bowl was directional pertaining to which side you needed the bolt to go thru towards carb. I guess I've got my answer now. Thank You!

 

[awhtx]

The original Ford fuel line was 2 steel tubes with a short section of rubber hose swaged in the middle. It ran from the fuel valve straight down between the manifold and the head to the sediment bowl. I believe it's still available from NH but it isn't cheap- $60 or $70 IIRC.

 

[Tony Jacobs]

Hello Tom , The original fuel line is the ONLY WAY to go to eliminate any problems , the rubber section is FIRE PROOF HOSE and is also there for vibration protection . As JMOR said copper line will crack but solid steel brake line will also crack off at the Flares from the vibration just as Power Steering lines do on the 801's when the mounting brackets are missing to keep them from vibrating . Greg's picture down below is a VAPOR LOCK just waiting to happen . Any HORIZONTIAL FUEL LINE will VAPOR LOCK if it gets hot enough , that's why the factory ran it vertically to avoid the problem . The fuel vapor will rise in a vertical line ( that is why you see bubbles in the tank and why you need a vented fuel cap ) but is trapped in a horizontial line between vertical sections of fuel in the line . Thanks Tony

 

[Dean]

Well said, Tony.

Dean

 

[Dean]

It is still available. The last one that I bought (4 or 5 years ago) was around $60.

I use these on all of my vintage xx0 and xx1 tractors with never any issues.

Dean

 

[Tom Bond]

Well, decided to bite the bullet and spend the $ for the correct line. Was $70.58 from NH. Don't want to take a chance turning this thing into a flaming heap of scrap. The one I ordered is one solid piece that runs down the motor to the sdeiment bowl. No piece of rubber hose in it. It's #23 in the detail. Look like the correct one?

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 03:51:05 07/14/12) Well, decided to bite the bullet and spend the $ for the correct line. Was $70.58 from NH. Don't want to take a chance turning this thing into a flaming heap of scrap. The one I ordered is one solid piece that runs down the motor to the sdeiment bowl. No piece of rubber hose in it. It's #23 in the detail. Look like the correct one?

Dang shame cuzz that's about as EZ a line as their is to make... I will never go back OEM again I will go with the one pictured in that is run to the front...

 

[Kurt-NEPA]

I did the same thing on my 660. I ordered the CNH fuel line for about the same price. A bit expensive, but it fit perfectly. If I had seen Hobo's picture, I might have tried the 1/4" brake line approach, but I'm not sorry I spent the bucks. I'll save money somewhere else.

 

[awhtx]

My 1958 Ford Parts Catalog shows the fuel line for the 801/901 series tractors to be part number 310918 and those are the only tractors it is listed for. I have one in my NOS parts stock and it has the rubber section. I searched on Messick's and they show 1 (One) in stock for $72.26. I'd call them and ask them if it has the rubber insert.
The 801 fuel line should have the rubber section. I have a 640 here that has what appears to be an original solid metal line just like the parts manual shows.

 

[Tony Jacobs]

Hello Hobo , If you read Tom's Post he is looking for a fuel line for an 861 , your fuel line pictured is not for ANY 801 OR 901 series tractor . It may fit earlier 600 or 800 tractors but not an 801 . Thanks Tony

 

[Tony Jacobs]

THANK YOU DEAN , TONY

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 17:02:09 07/15/12) Hello Hobo , If you read Tom's Post he is looking for a fuel line for an 861 , your fuel line pictured is not for ANY 801 OR 901 series tractor . It may fit earlier 600 or 800 tractors but not an 801 . Thanks Tony

I have no doubt you are correct,,, for $70 I believe I would atemp to master rolling my own... What is so special about the rubber section in the line.. I see no reason why it could not be added if its a item one just has to have..

I don't remember BTDT on a 801 up series tractor they are very few gassers around here...

 

[Tom Bond]

Ok..After looking into this and researching it more, here's what I've found. I think you are both correct. On numerous sites and CNH, the solid fuel line (p/n 310918) is in fact used on 861's with a S/N before 126525. The one with the rubber hose on it (p/n 86580561) are used after S/N 126524. My S/N is 11513. Also, on the 86580561, it notes that this line is for the lever type fuel shut off. Mine has the knurled knob.

 

[cdmn]

It may be interesting to know that Charles Lindberg used short lines connected by rubber to keep the Spirit of St. Louis in the air. Many previous long distance attempts ended with broken fuel lines. You shouldn't fight mother nature. If she wants the lines broken into parts, make them that way in the first place.

 

[Tony Jacobs]

Hello Tom , 310918 is NOT A SOLID STEEL LINE is has the rubber section in it , The CNH PICTURE IS WRONG as are any other sites that list it as a steel line . I have 2 brand new New Holland lines here in stock . The only difference between the the two fuel lines is the DIAMETER of them , the early tractors with the screw type shut off use a 1/4 fuel line the lever type shut off uses 5/16 fuel line both Carbs are also different as are the sediment bulbs . ALL 801'S AND 901'S THAT ROLLED OUT OF THE FACTORY USE THE RUBBER SECTION TYPE FUEL LINE , THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS . As I have said before it is for vibration and cracking problems at the flares on the fuel line on earlier designs . Your tractor is a 1958 and your fuel valve has already been replaced because the original one had a WING NUT on the shut off valve from the factory instead of the knurled knob with the screw driver slot in it , which is first design that was dropped in 1959 . Thanks Tony