FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN PIPE REPAIR PROCEDURES

FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN PIPE REPAIRS

MODELS AFFECTED: ALL BUICK MODELS FROM 1984 THROUGH 1989 --------------- When making any repairs to the fuel system, it is IMPORTANT that the following procedures be adhered to:

A minimum of 13.0 m (1/2") clearance must be maintained around sharp edges such as flanges, pinch weld, etc., to prevent contact and chaffing. A minimum of 19 mm (3/4") clearance must be maintained around any moving parts.

o When rubber hose is used to replace pipe, use only reinforced fuel- resistant hose which is identified with the word "Fluorelastomer" or "GM6163-M" on the hose. Hose inside diameter must match pipe outside diameter.

o Do not use rubber hose within 100 mm (4") of any part of the exhaust system or within 254 mm (10") of the catalytic converter.

o In the repairable areas, cut a piece of fuel hose 100 mm (4") longer than portion of the line removed.

If more than a 6 inch length of pipe is removed, use a combination of steel pipe and hose so that the total hose lengths, including the 100mm (4") additional length, will not be more than 254 m (10") long. Follow the same routing as the original pipe.

o Cut ends of pipe remaining on car square with a tube cutter. Using the first step of a double flaring tool, form a bead on the end of both pipe sections. If pipe is too corroded to withstand the beading operation without damage, the pipe should be replaced. If a new section of pipe is used, form a bead on both ends of it also.

o Use screw-type hose clamp No. 25518880 or equivalent. Slide clamps onto pipe and push hose 51 m (2") onto each portion of fuel pipe. Tighten clamps on each side of repair.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.