Izo

Hi good people of HT

My Civic has leaky fuel lines under the car (17, 18, 21 parallel with the exhaust pipe, see pic). They are leaking at the center, under the car, DOH, so I guess they've got to go.
I've heard they can be a bitch to replace if going with the genuine Honda stiff lines. What do you guys recommend? Copper brake lines?
What about the thicker fuel line (17) that connects to the filter - 17700-SR3-N30 (pipe comp., fuel feed) - It has an odd banjo (?) ending that connects to the fuel filter. What would you guys recommend I replace it with? Or should I go with genuine part for this one - if so, got any tips on how to replace it/them without taking the whole engine room apart?

Car is a '93 EDM EG43 Civic LSI with D15B2 (DPFI). RonJ usually tells me to post here in EF because of the tech being more OBD0 engine related - Hope it's okay :-)

I've attached the diagram EPC 17 gives me as well as model pics of the fuel filter and model of fuel line end. I found a vid of a chick changing the filter, which looks precisely like the one I have, albeit it's a different Honda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FcJF7HaRlE#!

Any help is appreciated

sde780

If you want to cheap out, get some fuel injection hose in the correct diameter, fuel injection clamps, cut out where there metal line is leaking, then replace that section with a hose.

I wouldn't do that to a feed line that's pressurized, but my return line was slightly dripping due to oxidation and I fixed it easily.

Izo

I think they all need replacement, all three look corroded from end to end, especially where the clips hold them down.

I'm worried whether the pressurized feed line can be replaced by bendable (soft?) copper pipe. My regular mechanic says it's a no-go because it's pressurized, but he's no Honda expert. What do you think?

Something like this perhaps?
http://www.thansen.dk/product.asp?c=...pn=-1186908166

4drEF

Your mechanic may not be a Honda expert, but you aren't really asking a Honda specific question.
The mechanic is saying you shouldn't use soft copper line for pressurized lines.
Soft copper gets work hardened and can crack with the flex and vibration of the car. Pressurizing the line in that condition isn't a great idea.

Izo

Okay, no soft copper for the pressurized line. I take it copper is fine for the thinner return and breather lines?

The problem is the single pressurized fuel feed pipe is in back order and it's $175 at the local stealership. Is there no other option? Do you recommend pvc line instead?

sde780

You can also buy the same diameter hardlines and get a line bender/cutter. Make yourself new lines following the old ones.

4drEF

Line bender and cutter ^^^ + flaring set
Then you can use steel, aluminum, steel, plated, hard copper (pretty expensive), or even stainless steel braided fuel line.
Be sure to get the correct fittings for the material you use.
$175 for a bent line is steep. Check out a junk yard if you just want to swap out with a pre-bent line.

Izo

Before I go bend pipes: How about used pipes from a junk yard - That a bad idea or?

Edit:
I forget to give credit when boggled with repairs beyond regular maintenance, apologies. Thanks again guys, great advice - I'll try and get her fixed right :-)

Izo

Took her to a different mechanic. He cleaned the pipes around the leak and pointed out the spot. It was the return line only. He put hose around the leak for now and it seems to have stopped and gas mileage has normalized. I've ordered the return line from the stealership, 120$, back order as well, but I think she'll hold until then.

It'll be interesting to see if the tank has to come off for the fitting of the return line. Oh well, one headache at the time. Thanks again, H-T :-)

sde780

Return line isn't really pressurized so I don't see the hose failing anytime soon. It's exactly what my setup is

jokerstone

If the leak is near the front of the car...under the driver seat basically...what hose would you use? Right at the beginning of that plastic cover near the front of the car