The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fuel Fittings in a '38 (Was: Fuel line . . .)

Thanks to those who told me what size the fuel line should be in my '38 1/2 ton. This is a great forum!

Next question: What are the "proper" fittings for a 5/16 fuel line ? The outside diameter of the threads going into the carb (Carter W1) seem to be about 7/16 inch, and the fittings currently on the truck are of the compression variety - ie with a ferrule that slides over the tube. I talked to the folks at In Line Tube, and the only fittings they are aware of for 5/16 line have 1/2 inch threads, and they thought that the fuel line probably had flare fittings.

Any hints or ideas about what should be here ?

Also, where was the fuel filter located on this truck ?

Thanks again !

Alex Meade

You should replace the compression fittings with either inverted flare adapters and hard, douple lap flared lines, or hose bard x pipe size adapters and fuel hose. Try to use hard tubing for as much as possible. If you have the stock original lines, they can be removed and copied off the truck. Using a douple lap flaring tool, you can reproduce the barb on the end for fuel hose by using the adapters supplied with the tool. You can buy lengths of properly flared, hard tube at most parts stores which can be bent and cut to fit, or a coil of steel tubing to use for fabricating.
Take the core fittings with you to an edelmann cabinet at the parts store to find the proper ones you will need.

Thanks for this info, especially the tip about the Edelmann cabinet. Very cool ! I think I now know that the fuel line should be 5/16, and I also know that the carb (Carter W-1) threads are 1/8 NPT. In my local Edelmann cabinet, lo and behold, there's a fitting with 1/8 NPT male on one end, and a female flare end for 5/16 tubing on the other.

Thanks again,

Alex