National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

The fuel line from the gasculator to the carb in my 65-LA seems perpetually damp. I've located a very small oil leak at one of the oil return lines (on the left side, just above the fuel line), but there's also a faint odor of fuel.

Are these typically a standard item? Or is this some exotic, no longer made ($$$$) part?

Dan, fuel line is not an Aeronca specific part, you can find the proper line and fittings in a Aircraft Spruce catalog. I don't remember the size that I used years ago to make new ones for my Champ but an AP mechanic can help you with that.
Just buy the proper length of the correct hose, and fittings if you don't already have them and have him make a new line for you. It should only take about 30 minutes to make.
Those rubber fuel lines don't last forever and should be changed out on a regular basis, their just too inexpensive to not do it.
Don't take chances with a leaky hose, it's too close to the exhaust pipe, an inflight fire could ruin your whole day.

james gevay wrote:Dan, fuel line is not an Aeronca specific part, you can find the proper line and fittings in a Aircraft Spruce catalog. I don't remember the size that I used years ago to make new ones for my Champ but an AP mechanic can help you with that.
Just buy the proper length of the correct hose, and fittings if you don't already have them and have him make a new line for you. It should only take about 30 minutes to make.
Those rubber fuel lines don't last forever and should be changed out on a regular basis, their just too inexpensive to not do it.
Don't take chances with a leaky hose, it's too close to the exhaust pipe, an inflight fire could ruin your whole day.

Yeah -- it's not leaking, per se -- just a faint scent of fuel -- enough to tell me there's some coming out somewhere.

Does it have to be rubber? Can it be metal tubing such as hydraulic line?

Thanks for the response!

Dan,

You would not want metal tubing as it would not be as flexible as needed. The engine moves around quite a bit, especially at idle.

Joe A

joea wrote:Dan,

You would not want metal tubing as it would not be as flexible as needed. The engine moves around quite a bit, especially at idle.

Joe A

OK, makes sense.

Thanks!

On my Champ I have an aeroquip flex hose between the gascolator and the stromberg carb. Just make sure you get one approved for all the possible fuels you might be burning.

Tim

I use the Aeroquip 471 fitting and rubber hose. It is a little more flexible than the braided hoses and easier to assemble.
Paul

I should have updated this thread after I replaced the fuel line. My local A&P formed one and I installed it -- been working great!