running fuel line in engine compartment

[thistle3585]

When putting a new engine in, I installed Hedman headers which had come with the engine. I've noticed a lot more heat in the engine compartment and that the fuel line is getting quite hot. I'm wondering the best way to run the fuel line. I've been having some issue with it running properly and wondering if it may be vapor lock. Currently, the metal tubing runs along the frame from the tank then stubs out below the clutch then turns to rubber where it runs up along the fender, ducks around the steering shaft to the fuel pump. Is there a better way to run it or maybe a better material than rubber hose to reduce the heat issue?

 

[duffer]

When putting a new engine in, I installed Hedman headers which had come with the engine. I've noticed a lot more heat in the engine compartment and that the fuel line is getting quite hot. I'm wondering the best way to run the fuel line. I've been having some issue with it running properly and wondering if it may be vapor lock. Currently, the metal tubing runs along the frame from the tank then stubs out below the clutch then turns to rubber where it runs up along the fender, ducks around the steering shaft to the fuel pump. Is there a better way to run it or maybe a better material than rubber hose to reduce the heat issue?

The rubber will likely still be better than any metal line. The two most obvious things to do would be install header wrap and fuel line insulation-both readily available (I would purchase from Summit). The header wrap will bring under-hood temps back down close to what you had with cast iron.

Another helpful method is to install some stand-off heat shielding on the fuel line. I use light gauge aluminum for that. That also works well to keep the floor boards cool.

 

[jpeck71]

Sounds like yours comes up the driver's side frame rail? On my 78 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l it comes from the tank up the passenger side frame rail and goes to the fuel pump on the passenger side of the engine. Of course I've never seen the configuration of a AMC 304 and I have no idea if my layout is standard for a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l .

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Run steel and to the outside of the frame.
Rubber lines fail, and soak-up and hold the heat.
Make heat shields if need be-
LG

 

[RatDog8o8]

Sounds like yours comes up the driver's side frame rail? On my 78 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l it comes from the tank up the passenger side frame rail and goes to the fuel pump on the passenger side of the engine. Of course I've never seen the configuration of a AMC 304 and I have no idea if my layout is standard for a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l .

My '78 (AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l ) is the same......up the passenger side, and the return & vent run along the driver's side.

 

[gutthans]

Use metal line for as long as possible, then very short pieces of attaching hose.

You can use household aluminum foil to wrap the line when it passes near any source of heat. as an easy heat shield.

Thermo-wrap will age your headers and cause rust at the welds because the wrap retains moisture ...but it will hold down heat. It would be better to wrap the fuel line with it than to put it on the headers