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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Fuel Line Issue Part II

After George pointed out that my fuel line ends in the front where it would for a later, fuel pump in the back TF, I decided to trace the entire line back. And I know, I should have found this before a year's worth of ownership, but I've been spending all my time inside the engine bay. I just assumed that the gas smell I'd noticed over the last few weeks was coming from the tank neck--I've got a steep driveway and with a full tank I can splash a little. Anyway, as the attached shows, I've got more problems with my fuel line than I thought. Looks like a whole new line is in order.

My question is this: given where there line ends in the front, and where it ends in the back, did the PO buy the wrong fuel line and just make do? Is this a fuel line for a later TF, or just a really bad bodge job? I especially like the fact that it's not just one but two completely separate flexible lines in use back there.

Regards,
Andy
TF0537


Andy T White

It's certainly a bodge job! I suspect the front part below the connection is the original line, but nothing more (there's no rubber in an original TF fuel line). My advice is to replce the whole thing. I see Moss gets about $90 for the whole run, but try Abingdon Spares, which may be well cheaper.

Tom
t lange

Let me rephrase that last bit: Is this the fuel line for a later TF plus a really bad bodge job, or just a really bad bodge job?

Andy
TF0537
Andy T White

Andy...I can send you some zip-ties if you want to lose the electrical tape holding your wires whilst your under there! LOL
Now you know the differance between "PO" and "DPO".
Cheers,
David
David Sheward

Andy,

You can get soft copper tubing of the right diameter from a local plumbing supply house. Specifically, it is 5/16" refrigeration tube and is usually sold in 50 foot lengths, but you may be able to buy it by the foot.

Assuming the correct fittings are still on your car, you can reuse those fittings and solder them on the new copper tubing. Some advantages of making your own fuel line are that you can fine-tune the length to exactly match what you need and you will have plenty of extra tubing (for less money than Moss, too) in case you make a mistake.

Larry
Larry Shoer

Andy, Another advantage of having a new continuous copper line without any rubber connections, is that the fuel level sending unit relies on the this line for a "ground". Cheers Phil.
Phil Atrill

Definitely replace the whole line-what a mess. You may want to call Moss or Abingdon and inquire if the TD line will fit, as it is the correct length to go directly to the underhood TD pump with the same mounting as on your early TF. Larry is also right about making your own, if you have the correct ends easy to do. Can't tell what you have at the tank end. Looks like a ground wire on the sender in the photo, which I would leave after replacing the line. George
George Butz

Yeah, I'm gonna try and fab my own replacment this weekend. Thanks, Larry, for the size. Of course I just filled the tank last week...gonna need an extra jerry can. And David, if you look closely you'll see that there is both electrical tape AND zip ties holding my wiring in place...this holds true throughout the entire car. I guess PO figured better safe than sorry...

Andy
TF0537
Andy T White

....or better sorry then safe?
gblawson(gordon)

The good news is at least the DPO didn't weld the wires in place! Meant no offense ...you should have seen mine (maybe our PO's were brothers?) You got the "better/smarter" brother ...masking tape was the primary medium used on my harness. That and muti colored crimp connectors (crushed on with a rock?)...none were the correct size. One of my headlamps had 6 of these in the line (in the space of about 4 feet) ....oh yea, and it "changed color" every time he added to it. There was also liberal use of "zip-cord"...22 gauge no less...perhaps an attempt at "fuseable links". LOL I had "intermitten everything" for the first few months of ownership.
David Sheward

This thread was discussed between 24/05/2010 and 25/05/2010

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