Bent fuel line, cause for concern?

[WingnutWick]

Got a little heated eh. Thanks for all the input. For the record this is not my airplane and I am guessing that this is a recent development. The way the line sits it is subject to the possibility of being stepped on when someone gets out of the plane and bent, something that I immediately didn't like when I saw it. Of course it doesn't look right to me but I wasn't sure on the strength of the tubing under relatively low carb fuel PSIs and whether it was a: "Fix before further flight" or a "I'd change that out when you get a chance" sort of thing. That's why I came here to ask folks! Resounding "fix before further flight" - got it. Will do.

Some great info, thank you. I have done tubing work before on brakes and no, not rocket science but I certainly used spare tubing up practicing.

Does anyone use flexible fuel lines?

[WingnutWick]

Certainly not - hence the post! Just quarrying the audience if it was a fix as soon as possible or practical scenario. That's why I come here - to learn and for sanity checks.

Originally Posted by RV7A Flyer

Um...YEAH. Does that look right to you? I'd be checking all of my fuel and oil lines and such, if this was acceptable for installation in the first place by someone. No offense intended, I swear.

[WingnutWick]

Bill,

There are a few videos out there, but most likely yes! Guessing the ATAC one?

[rv8ch]

Originally Posted by TS Flightlines

...
Just because we use a CNC bender to make our production tubes, doesnt mean that we dont use a hand bender to make a concept prototypes, or even a difficult tube that our CNC dies wont accomodate. Like this one I did recently for a RV7A with an Aerolabs gascolator. 180* bend with the flare close to the start of the bend, then a 90* vertical leg, again close to the end of the original bend. Trick was all of this had to fit in a tight area.
...

Tom, as someone that has bent a lot of tubing and has a big scrap pile to prove it, those are some beautiful bends!

[abwaldal@gmail.com]

I for one have mostly flexible SS with Teflon lining lines in my cockpit and under the cowl.
When I did my SDS installation with the the 6 way valve it seemed necessary. The dual electric fuel pumps have bent lines around them.
I for one have smelled fuel in bad situations and the problem was easily solved on the 'ground' with proper tools. But, I try not going there if possible.
If I'm seeing this bent line that maybe somebody "stepped on" It is going to get fixed now. And the "stepped on" is never going to happen again because of the shield I built after making the new line.
But flexible lines can get a job done with ease. Oh ya they do cost more and you can step on them if you like. Ha Ha!!!!!
Your luck may vary Art

[BillL]

Originally Posted by WingnutWick

Bill,

There are a few videos out there, but most likely yes! Guessing the ATAC one?

Yep. I did not know what that was and went to the website link I provided.

[WingnutWick]

Originally Posted by BillL

Yep. I did not know what that was and went to the website link I provided.

Bill,

Missed the link. Yep that’s me. I made that video a couple years ago. Due for a new one. Here are a couple others of mine:

https://youtu.be/PSN9ipE4VoI
https://youtu.be/KCkUMT6AsIs
https://youtu.be/muGtUPS8yPc
https://youtu.be/yF8QrooS1w4

[WingnutWick]

All will be happy to know that I replaced the line today with a beautiful flex line. All problems resolved. Thanks for the input.

[Lenny Iszak]

Just seeing this thread. If someone thought that line was airworthy, you might want to check the other lines/flares in that airplane.

Lenny

[jbDC9]

Originally Posted by Lenny Iszak

Just seeing this thread. If someone thought that line was airworthy, you might want to check the other lines/flares in that airplane.

Yeah, you’re a wee bit late to the party here, that’s already been mentioned twice…