The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop questions about 261 fuel line size zenith 228 carb. Starting from scratch

Is 5/16 steel line the most common size that people are using? I'm starting from scratch and would like to but a 25' coil.
I am using a single Zenith 228 on my 261 setup.

I recently installed the fuel line on my 1951 and used 5/16". It matched up with the tank outlet hose.

Thank you for the insight. I've got a lot to figure out and nobody locally to ask.

How did you install your fuel filter? Should I do a larger filter before the mechanical pump (100 micron) and a smaller before the carb (40 micron)?

Daniel, I have a see-through in line filter at the tank outlet just past the shut-off valve, then a second filter between the pump outet and the carb inlet. I like the see-through filters as they make it easy to see if you have any debris or obstructing material getting captured.

You can also see if there's water in the fuel. There used to be such a filter mounted on top of the pump but repep pumps don't have that.

I have abandoned mechanical pumps altogether because of quality problems and now have a filter at the inlet to the electric pump and a glass bowl filter at the carb inlet.

Also be aware that the Zenith 228 came with a multiple-disc filter at the fuel inlet so be sure to clean that before you start it up. Zeniths were good carbs. Some had adjustable main jets. Mine does.

The glass bowl filter that Carter sold that was mounted at the carburetor inlet had a porous ceramic filter that did an excellent job of catching tiny particles that could clog carburetor passages and cause flooding if they got stuck in the float valve. They come up on Ebay pretty frequently. The ceramic insert can be cleaned, blown out with compressed air, and reused without damaging it.
Jerry

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm currently putting together a shopping list that I will post for opinions. I looking at going a little different route than the glass because I'm not the most careful. I should mention that I bought a brand new gas tank and everything will be new from the carburetor back.

Looking at 5/16 aluminum fuel line, 100 micron filter before the mechanical pump, 40 micron before the carb with tubing to AN adapters. Currently have a mechanical pump but considering electric conversion. Leaning mechanical though.

So far:
5/16 Fuel Line
100 micron fuel filter
40 micron fuel filter

I suggest you read Jerry’s post, the factory got it right.
The glass filter is anything but fragile, think of it like a small coke bottle, and is in the ideal location where I can’t imagine how you can damage it though I guess it’s always possible. Having an easily serviceable and clear view of the fuel at the inlet to the carb is a nice feature if the truck starts acting up, and did I say the ceramic filter is easy to clean and reuse?

Chuck

Carter's ad copy also claimed that the copper screen inlet "filter" that some carburetors used was there to strain out "rocks, marbles, and bowling balls"! Something with a much finer media was needed to effectively filter gasoline.
Jerry

Personally I would not use aluminum lines because aluminum and steel do not play well together. You may not have to use any steel fittings but you will have to run the lines down beside the steel frame. Sooner or later...