Fuel return line blew on I-5 near Bakersfield last Tuesday

I was hauling a load of produce down I-5 near Bakersfield when I heard a pop and saw fuel spraying everywhere under the hood. Pulled over quick but the engine started surging and died within 30 seconds. Turned out a rubber fuel return line had dry-rotted and burst. Cost me $12 for some new hose and a couple of clamps at a parts store a mile down the road, but the tow was $200 and I lost half a day. Any of you guys ever carry spare fuel line in your truck just in case?

2 comments

2 Comments

charles_henderson13d ago

Used to think spare hoses were just for show, but after a buddy got stranded in the desert with the same issue, I changed my tune. Now I keep a few feet of rubber fuel line and clamps in my side box, saved me twice in the last year. It is the cheapest peace of mind you can buy for an older truck.

sarah_johnson4613d ago

I've got a 97 Ford F-250 that taught me this lesson about three years ago on the Grapevine. A five foot section of 3/8 inch fuel injection hose and four clamps have sat in my toolbox ever since. It cost me maybe eight bucks at AutoZone, and I've used it twice now once for a buddy's Dodge on the 99 and once for my own truck when a line rubbed through near the frame rail. Just make sure you get hose rated for fuel injection pressure, not that cheap vacuum line stuff. Keep a small piece of zip tie on hand too to trace the routing if you have to replace it on the side of the road.