I have an 1983 240 DL. I'm redoing the entire fuel system. Is the hard plastic line necessary or can I replace it with high pressure rated fuel lines?

Why do you want to replace that plastic fuel line? In my experience it is probably the most durable part of the car. Seems hardly worth the expense of FI-rated hose.

If it's been damaged in an attempted filter change, a short length of 5/16" I.D. FI hose can be sectioned in, using good quality FI hose clamps.
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

this was my first time coming across this type of line. when i was removing the fuel pump i couldnt get it off of the pump so i cut it. thats when i found out there was a plastic line inside the rubber one. now it wont reach. plus the rubber lines are real brittle. do you think tat because of the two fuel pumps the plastic line keeps that line from being colapsed from the suction?

Are you having a "spray"?

Is it a "gas"?

I used 5/16" aeroquip brand bright blue fuel line for my 1977 264 Grande Luxe. It worked well.

yes it is gas. but i dont undestand "spray". the car sat up for about 7 years. i was taking the in tank pump out to put in a new one. And I noticed the hard plastic line. I want to get rid of it completly. But wanted to find out first if that wouldnt be a problem.

If you'd said that in your first post, I'd have suggested what's worked for me for years...

... how I disconnect those two fuel lines (without going under the car):

1) The larger rubber pump OUTPUT line.
Cut or saw off the rusty hose clamp, use a screwdriver to "assist" the hose off the sender fitting. Refit hose to new fitting. Refasten with a new hose clamp.

2) The rubber covered hard plastic RETURN line.
I avoid going underneath to tangle with the rusty fitting that connects plastic line to (often fragile) metal line.

Use a razor knife to cut off about 2" of the protective rubber covering on the black plastic line. Then cut the plastic line free at end of metal sender barb fitting (I use a small, fine-blade hacksaw.)

Reconnect the cut plastic end to new sender barb with short piece of 5/16" I.D. fuel hose and 2 good hose clamps. NOTE: Return line is low pressure. IMO, FI rated hose is not needed here, standard Fuel Hose is good enough.

--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

thanx hopefully it will be up and running soon. now for the hard part .... getting my drivers license back

It was supposed to be a joke but I couldn't come up with anything better, sorry.

I understand your frustration, but if you do remove it, the price of the rubber hose is not inexpensive. Autozone and Napa's prices are around $8 ft.

And you know what they say: "If you start to play, it'll start to spray, and then you'll pay, as well as pray."

No, really they say: "If it aint broke don't fix it."


Goatman

it is broke
the car sat up for about 7 years and every thing went to helll especially the fuel system. ive replaced the fuel rail ,injectors, external pump and filter.oh and the internal one. now its time for the lines they have succombed to the weather.

go to your local hydraulic supply company and ask for 5/16" fuel line.