Help Running A New Fuel Line

[KJScott]

Hello everyone. I would like to ask the collective on the best way to run a new fuel RETURN line from the starboard selector valve in the engine room all the back to my cockpit tank. The current line is copper, runs between the aft stateroom floor and top of the aft keel tank (3” space) for at least 14’ and is anchored every 2-3’ with hose clamps. No way to remove this line as far as I can tell, so I am looking for a way to run a new line some other way. Have any of you done this before? The boat is a 52’ CMY. Thanks!Kelly Scott

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

When I had a similar problem with a hydraulic line, I ran PVC conduit. I could push it through the void. There is some curveability and it needs minimal anchoring. Best to run a fish tape in the pipe and pull the new copper.

 

[whoover]

Mr Clarckson, what did you do to keep the copper lines from vibrating inside the PVC and chaffing. Steering lines are a job on my to do list this year.

Thanks
Walt Hoover

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Mr Clarckson, what did you do to keep the copper lines from vibrating inside the PVC and chaffing. Steering lines are a job on my to do list this year.Thanks Walt Hoover

I wrapped a few turns of electrical tape around a line then together every three feet. Anchored ends of conduit. Nice and tight.

 

[KJScott]

Thanks Robert. That is a good idea and I will see if it can be done. The problem is going to be access and space to work with. The existing copper line runs between and through 2 bulkheads going from the valve to the tank, and that tank sits 3' higher and only 1" from the aft bulkhead. The copper line run is coming through the 3" space, makes a 90 degree up bend (apparently), and then another 90 degree bend over the top of the tank to it's return fitting. I can not access the line from anywhere except the two end points, let alone see where it actually enters through the bulkhead that is behind this tank.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Thanks Robert. That is a good idea and I will see if it can be done. The problem is going to be access and space to work with. The existing copper line runs between and through 2 bulkheads going from the valve to the tank, and that tank sits 3' higher and only 1" from the aft bulkhead. The copper line run is coming through the 3" space, makes a 90 degree up bend (apparently), and then another 90 degree bend over the top of the tank to it's return fitting. I can not access the line from anywhere except the two end points, let alone see where it actually enters through the bulkhead that is behind this tank.

Possibly an alternate route?