nipples

[greg press]

I’m on my way home after my fall trip all was going well. I’m 10 miles from home and my car stopped running . After replacing fuel filter and doing other fuel related checks I discovered that the nipple that is attached to the pump where the fuel line is attached that goes to the carb was very loose . This would mean that its sucking air and gas. I think that as the engine heated the nipple shrunk and loosened it. My question is since this a pressed fit nipple should I lock tight it in there or is there a better idea . Anyway home safe beautiful day

[billnparts]

Well, the subject matter certainly wasn’t what I expected when I opened this up. If nothing else, you got my attention. I hope one of the seasoned VW guys can help you. 

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[greg press]

When I posted the subject my idea was to get attention.

[Royal]

Greg, I am a little confused.  I assume that you are talking about the fuel line that runs from the tank to the pump??  The one from the pump to the carb is under a small pressure and would not allow air to leak in, but would allow gas to leak out all over the engine.  

But, a leak in any of the fuel hoses is extremely dangerous, especially on an air cooled engined front tank VW.  I prefer the braid covered hoses like factory VW used and I use the very small hose clamps wherever there is a “nipple”.  Most of our VW TDrs fuel tanks are mounted so high in relation to the engine that a leak between the tank and the fuel pump will usually empty the tank.  Please make sure that all your hoses are in good shape as well as clamped. 

Royal2013-09-28 20:10:20

[greg press]

Royal, Your are right pump to tank. The problem was the nipple loosened not the clamp or hose.     

[newkitman]

You are right in being concerned. I know that they were originally a press fit. I’m not sure about the lock tight or even JB Weld. Both will keep the nipple tight but I don’t know about the heat. Same with silver solder. Heat might meld or weaken the lock tight and JB Weld and the vibration of the pump could pop the nipple out. As the pump cost is minimal most with the lose nipples just buy a new pump. That would be my suggestion. Problem solved and she should last a long time. My .02 worth.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Author]

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