The price of loving and keeping my 1983 242 now includes a problem fuel line between the pump and the engine. This became clear, unfortunately, today while on a ferry boat in the middle of Puget Sound when suddenly I was surrounded by a complement of the ship's crew with fire extinguishers, etc. Problematic and embarrassing to say the least.

Once I was pushed off the boat (would not allow me to turn the car on) I was able to crawl under to see a drip in the line where it runs along the "tunnel" about 1/2 way between the pump/filter and the engine - maybe under the driver's seat or a little behind. I managed to get to a repair shop and they confirmed this and surprised me by reporting the line is plastic, not metal. Since 1983 I have not known this or had cause to check it out.

Anyhow, with substantial effort they managed to install a NAPA-brand splice kit with a 5/16" OD (compared to the 8mm OD of what was in place). It took a bunch of effort with heat guns and tugging. They also put on some hose clamps. I managed to get back home and now have the future to consider.

So:

(a) Is this splice likely ok for the long haul (or however long the car continues to hold together and run)? Or should it be considered temporary at best?

(b) I have no reason right now to believe that the fittings on either end of the hose are "hosed" but I have not been able to get them checked out. I guess I can assume they are ok. If not, can they be had? I seem to recall they were ring-shaped at the filter end. I have no idea at the engine end.

(c) I presume that OEM replacements are not available for any of this. So what kind of line should be used? How long should it be? Any pointers on how to go about replacing the line if needed?

Thanks in advance to all.