DIY Fuel Line Replacement

a white car against a green background full of trees
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 25-75
What You'll Need
New fuel line, specifically designed for your car
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Line wrench
Handbook manual of the vehicle
What You'll Need
New fuel line, specifically designed for your car
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Line wrench
Handbook manual of the vehicle

Fuel line replacement is something that you may have to carry out for your car. Normal wear and tear over a period of years can cause connecting parts and other fittings to deteriorate, necessitating a replacement of the fuel line. This fuel line extends from your car’s fuel tank to the fuel intake nozzle, a part of the fuel injection module. To replace the fuel line, you need to disconnect it at both ends. It is a job that anyone with a basic knowledge of car mechanics should be able to carry out without having to pay for a technician.

Step 1: Emptying the Fuel Line

The location of the fuse box in your car will depend on the model but they are normally located under the passenger side glove box. If you are uncertain where the fuse box is, refer to the vehicle’s owner handbook first. When you have accessed the fuse box, remove the fuse for the fuel pump. It should be clearly labeled. When you have removed it, start up the car and allow it to burn up the rest of the fuel remaining in the fuel line.

Step 2: Finding the Fuel Line

When the fuel line is empty, open up the engine space and find the fuel line. Locate the place where it connects to the carburetor or fuel injection unit. Follow the line to the other end. This can be difficult since it will disappear out of sight at some point. There are various methods to make this easier such as by using a straightened out wire hanger with some brightly colored material on the end of it. You should also have the car jacked up at this point so that you can crawl under it. Be sure to use a set of jack stands rather than just a single jack that you would use for changing a tire.

Step 3: Removing the Fuel Line

The fuel line will be locked in place by a set of holders screwed or bolted onto the car. Remove the connection to the engine compartment first. You may need to use a special solvent on the fittings to get them to come off easily. Remove each section of the fuel line at a time. This is a tricky job and it can be greatly helped by having a partner to shine a flash light onto the area you are currently working in. A mirror can also be useful for helping you see in those hard to reach places.

Step 4: Placing the New Fuel Line

Insert an end of the new line into the engine compartment. Fix it in place exactly where the old fuel line was and in the same manner. Finally, don’t forget to put the fuel pump fuse before starting the car again. Turn the car’s ignition one step and then off again. Do this a few times until the new fuel line is primed. The car should then be ready to use.