87 gas tank replacement (hoses)

[p7387]

finally good weather, today i was able to remove the gas tank. i purchased everything new from rock auto, tank, ac delco fuel  sending unit as the gm part is way too expensive.

i need to get the filler hoses and the three "s" curved hoses that go from the sending unit to the fuel lines. are these parts premade or just generic tubing that i can get at any auto supply? if it is just generic tubing would it be ok to make the three fuel line hoses a few inches longer to make installation easier? any other tips to make installing easier?

thanks

[ccz145a]

to my knowledge, those hoses are not available from the aftermarket. you might be able to match up a radiator hose that would be close enough or you could source some from a junk yard.

[eventhorizon66]

I have no idea where you can find a filler hose.  Are you sure yours needs replacement?  Mine looked great after a quick clean up with WD40.  As far as the three S-shaped hoses going from the sending unit, they are just 3/8" (feed), 5/16" (EVAP), and 1/4" (return) fuel line.  They take on that S shape from years in that position.  Just make sure when you replace them, they aren't kinked after then tank is back in position.

[eventhorizon66]

Whoops, I had a brain fart in my last post.  If it's an 87, it'll be TBI, which means your fuel line sizes will be different than what I listed.  And even though TBI is a low pressure FI system, I think it is wise to run fuel injection-rated fuel hose.

[ccz145a]

to my knowledge, those hoses are not available from the aftermarket. you might be able to match up a radiator hose that would be close enough or you could source some from a junk yard.

Brainfrts running rampant today...  I was only talking about filler hoses.

[p7387]

thanks guys-

i found out that   and classic parts sell the filler and vent hose $35-$40 dollars for the pair !!!!
i know the filler hose and vent hose have bends, perhaps i could improvise with some cheaper hose as the catalogs are too expensive, any ideas?

as far as the hoses from the sending unit- it is TBI so do i need to request special high pressure hoses?
also so long as the hoses do not kink any objections to making them a few inches longer to make access a bit easier during installation?

why are the hose sizes different between tbi and regular sending units

thanks

[VileZambonie]

Carquest sells universal ones that you cut to length. That's where I got all of mine, even the tbi hoses.

[eventhorizon66]

also so long as the hoses do not kink any objections to making them a few inches longer to make access a bit easier during installation?

As long as the hose doesn't kink or rub on anything, I don't see why not.

why are the hose sizes different between tbi and regular sending units

TBI has a higher fuel flow requirement for the return side.

[p7387]

thanks-

on the subject of hoses,is rubber hose all the same or are there different grades for specific applications (fuel lines, gas tanks, cooling etc)and am i correct in understanding that the measurement is referring to the ID not the OD. for the tbi hoses will i just be getting generic tubing or as horizon stated high pressure for the tbi?

[VileZambonie]

Yes get the good fuel injected hoses and they go by ID

[p7387]

thanks vile

there is no carquest nearby so i guess autozone/napa etc should have it if these are generic parts.

looks like the sizes for the tbi sending unit are
return 5/16
feed 3/8
middle hose 1/4
do i have this correct?  (what is the function of the middle tube?)
what is industry standard for sizing/increments, every 1/16 on smaller and every 1/4 on larger hoses?

i am greatfull for all of the info i have gathered on this site concerning tank replacement. i am still learning and at least getting the tank out and assembling the new parts has been a great confidence booster for me as i never tackled a job like this. i was determined to at least give it a try when service stations were quoting $200-$300 to do the work. i know getting the tank in will be a bit harder by myself, any tips?

luckily i am thin enough to wedge myself between the tire and the wheel well, that made taking the tank out easier when it came to disconnecting the hoses.

[thirsty]

i know getting the tank in will be a bit harder by myself, any tips?

Floor jack and 3 hands.