1985 F150 4.9 L fuel lines

[C.Jett]

Can you reuse fuel lines to three port selected valve by installing new retainers?

[Gary Lewis]

If you are talking about the Nylon lines, then yes you can.  And if you don't break the retainers you won't need new ones.

[C.Jett]

Thanks Gary, they are nylon but the retainers crumbled and I will source new ones.  I read some where there were o’rings also, did not find any on my lines. Does it use o’rings ?

[Gary Lewis]

The o-rings are down inside the connector and are hard to see.  I always wipe the metal or Nylon fitting clean before inserting it to make sure it doesn't damage the o-ring.

[C.Jett]

Thanks Gary, do I replace the o’rings ?  5/16 or3/8 ?  Sorry for all the questions but all my tools and equipment are in a storage trailer several miles away. At present, I’m am working in my driveway.  It is what it is. So please bear with me.  I value your advice and help very much, many thanks.  Charles

[Gary Lewis]

I've not replaced the o-rings.  And looking and playing with this one I don't really see a way to get them out easily.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Ford seemed to use 3/8 for supply and 5/16" for return.
Dorman offers these in their HELP! line as 800-004 for black (3/8") or 800-003 white/translucent (5/16")

I suggest a little grease or Vaseline on the fitting for easier insertion, so it slips past the O-rings without pulling or rolling them out of place.

[C.Jett]

Thanks Jim, mine is three port so 3/8 it is.  Do you have a # or size for o’ring.  Mine are so flat that they are almost invisiable. I use silicone spray most of the time.  Charles

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm afraid I don't have a part # for the O-rings.
Perhaps someone on the forum does?

Dorman also sells the replacement fittings. I wonder if they show a size in some kind of documentation?

[Gary Lewis]

I found Dorman 800-013 as having two 5/16" and two 3/8" o-rings.  But it says for GM vehicles.  However, this thread on the Crown Vic site says they are right for those vehicles.  And when I was researching the fuel fittings I found that both Ford and GM used the same ones.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I'm not sure, as the listing is for O-ring ID while the ones in question need to go over the hose end which has 3/8" ID, plus they don't mention the cross section...

But as usual their descriptions are ambiguous.
Viton is definitely the proper material

I suppose it's worth a shot.
I just hate buying things 2 or 3 times to get the right part.
At that point I'd rather get a whole kit than muck about with waiting and shattered expectations.

[C.Jett]

Jim,  as near as I can tell,  these match.  Grainger o’ring 012  3/8 ID -1/2 OD.  Item# 1byb7. Please check it out and let me know.. That would be a huge saving. Thanks, Charles

[C.Jett]

.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Given your picture I'd say the Grainger ones are the correct size.
It's really hard to know for certain over the Internet.

[C.Jett]

Gary,  great photo, I believe your o’rings are still good but mine are so flat that they blend-in with the fitting , didn’t see them until magnifying them.  Took awhile to get them out with a pick. It took even longer to replace them. My “ROCK” aka my wife, took over, (she can see better), finished them up.  O’rings are from Graingers Item #1BYB7 O’Ring,Dash 012, Viton, 0.07 in.  Since I have three port selector valve, I Only need the 3/8.  

[C.Jett]

Need to add that, if you have more money than time, buy the repair kit. That way there will be no dirty words.

[C.Jett]

Gary, I decided to chuck the factory fuel lines due to crazy prices and complications. Went with 5/16 x 6’ steel fuel line, cut flares and nuts off, installed in frame original holders behind front fuel tank. Ran short 5/16 hose to rear tank and very short hose to filter and selector valve then 5/16 to fuel pump.  6’ steel line was $16, hose was $16. You can find these parts most anywhere. No complications! Photos later.

[C.Jett]

All is 5/16.

[Gary Lewis]

Well laid out and simple. I like it.