I'm sure most everyone already knows this but it's worth talking about. Plus I've read a lot recently so I thought I'd share. To prevent a fire hazard, your fuel lines need to be checked and replaced regularly, especially if it's a new purchase, you don't know what condition the hoses are in and if they haven't been touched in 30 years then they probably need replacing right away.
It's important first to make sure you are using the right equipment for the application. On a fuel injected vehicle, you need special reinforced FI-grade non-braided hose. It's reinforced because it's a higher grade rubber, and when cut down the middle you can see it's reinforced inside to handle the higher fuel pressure.
I haven't found any reason why braided hose is better. It might in fact be worse because the rubber inside might be cracked and brittle, and you'd never know just by inspecting the outside because the braided part looks "fine".
Diameter is important too...make sure it's 7mm (inside diameter) to ensure it sits tightly on the metal fittings in the fuel system.
About 5' should do most engine compartments but it's nice to have some extra. I ordered a few meters of
Cohline hose from Bus Depot. It's German made and OEM quality.
Another important but sometimes overlooked part is the hose clamp! You need a clamp on every end where the hose is fitted. Avoid the more common worm style clamps that tighten by moving teeth into grooves along the metal band. They will cut into the hose and weaken it, leading to cracks and extra wear.
The best clamps I've found are ABA from Sweden (no, not ABBA). They are also
available from the Bus Depot at 0.69 each.
If you look at the factory clamps, they feature a tightening screw and a smooth band, with the edges upturned to prevent from digging into the rubber. ABA clamps also have the screw and a slight upturn on the edge, though not as pronounced.
They are also made to fit 13mm hose (outside diameter) so they fit very snugly without having to over-tighten, which could weaken the hose. About two dozen clamps should do a complete engine compartment, and a few extras are always nice to have as well.
Also make sure that anywhere the fuel line passes through metal, like through the engine tin or body, that it is protected with a grommet to prevent it from rubbing against the metal and slicing it open.
Replacing the fuel hoses and clamps should be priority #1 on any new VW purchase you make. Chances are the PO won't know the last time it was done or worse yet they used the wrong type or size of fuel hose. At least be sure to inspect your hoses yearly and look for signs of wear like cracking or hardness. They are subjected to high temps inside the engine compartment and the environment below!
Next, always always keep a fire extinguisher handy, preferably two. You want to keep it within arms' reach in case you need to jump out and put out a fire. It can take less than 30 seconds for a bus or beetle to burn to the ground so there's no time to lose.
Inspect your extinguishers yearly too, and if it's ever discharged for any reason replace it. Most extinguishers aren't designed to be used more than once so if the pin is pulled and it's been fired, it's not going to stay pressurized.
Feel free to share other tips or stories about fire prevention, or as we prefer to call them, "thermal events". It's as much a safety issue as it is maintenance, so keep it in mind.
