98 Ford Escort SE
Was changing out fuel filter and noticed the bottom (filter sets upright) snap holder the broke. Would I be ok with just cutting off some of the metal line and adding flex/rubber and using clamps?
Many fuel systems have flex-rubber hoses as part of the fuel line. My 98 Pathfinder did. Steel line until about 6" before and after the in-line filter. The filter used a 6" hose on each end with hose clamps to connect to the steel lines.
It might be necessary to change both connections to rubber and use a filter designed for such a connection. The OE filter for the Escort may be too small in diameter to allow a good seal using clamps.I recall the Ford fuel lines being a PITA with their hard plastic sections that are connected using a heat gun and a pressing tool.
And make sure the line you use can handle the pressure.
Ended up being able to get er on with out having to cut the line or anything.
Will keep the suggestions in mind for future reference
@Harland, glad to hear things worked out.
Should you ever be in a similar situation, though…besides the warnings about only using fuel-grade hose intended for EFI (high) pressures…you need to flare the end of the line. Otherwise, fuel will leak out of any imperfection in the clamping device (generally by the adjusting nut); also, eventually the hose tends to slide off the line (to potentially dire consequences for fuel repairs!)
As a last resort --NOTE: not on the fuel or brakes!–you can clean all the corrosion off the line, and secure it with two or more clamps, with adjusters 180 opposed from each other. No guarantees of a permanent, perfect seal.