[DeTomaso] HEADER GASKET AND FUEL LINE QUESTIONS

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/22/07 8:59:17 AM, nbyrne4 at bloomberg.net writes:

<< Additionally the fuel lines "look" ok but I know they are quite old.  What 
replacement product works well with the new fuel?   >>

Most synthetic rubber fuel lines made since the late '80s will be OK, since 
thats when CA as a major market got in bed with the refiners to add MTBE to 
gasoline. All oxygenates are solvents but MTBE is especially good at dissolving 
flex agents and plasticisers from synthetic rubber, causing it to get hard and 
brittle. Then it cracks from vibration, and you have a leak- or a fire. Such 
gasolines can also penerate 'fuel-proof' plastic containers used to store gas 
for your lawn mower too. 
Obviously, older 'good' lines will be less flexible than newer ones, and high 
engine heat also plays a part in hardening synthetic rubbers, so its kind of 
a judgement call on your part. If a pressure line on your engine feels 
'significantly' stiffer than a similar brand-new line at Pep Boyz, you could do worse 
than to replace it. Just be careful to check your work afterwards- a number 
of gas leaks always come from recently-disturbed fuel line components. Good 
luck- J DeRyke<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now 
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