Lost my "pipe of agony" today.

[ramblinmike]

Since I'm finally getting around to installing the new fuel line set I bought from Rob Grady at DCS, I decided it was time to look into one of the mods I've been wanting to do for a couple of years. I think I saw someone do something similar, so I don't think it's an original idea.

My goal was to eliminate the leak-prone o-ring setup for the idle control where the steel tube meets the metering unit. The pictures speak for themselves, but essentially I'm shortening the tube and using hose from the steel tube to this barb. Should be leak-proof and completely unnoticeable unless you were looking for it. Three plan is to TIG weld the new barb to the housing.

[djdogbone]

I'd buy one of those if it works!

[ramblinmike]

When I get it back from the welder I'll be sure to post pictures.

[ALEXAKOS]

Interesting idea. How often does this o ring become an issue to make it an important upgrade?

The only draw back I can think of in such a mod:
If you tig weld it to the housing, then every time you have to work on anything that requires the metering head assembly being removed, you would need to separate the two parts needing a new gasket.
I think that was the reason it was made removable in the first place.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Before you weld it, check to see if you can remove and install the unit into the intake. I seem to remember it's a tight fit.

It's not that the o-ring leaks but the brass cap falls out. You can fix that by locktite on the ring.

[Farrar]

At least one owner has simply JB-Welded a brass hose barb there. I tried to find pictures, but I couldn't - sorry.

[Nicholas R]

Are you sure you can get the housing in and out with that in place? If it was something that was a press fit instead of requiring welding, you'd probably have more potential buyers. Doubt many would want to weld on their housing, especially given how difficult cast aluminum can be to weld. Pressing this in place seems a lot easier for an average user to do. Just my $.02.

[ramblinmike]

The Renault setup uses a pressed in barb much like the one I'm proposing. Also, why can't I just tilt the housing to get it out? Here's a pic of the Renault version:

[DMCMW Dave]

At least one owner has simply JB-Welded a brass hose barb there. I tried to find pictures, but I couldn't - sorry.

I'm sure Bill would send you one.

[Farrar]

I'm sure Bill would send you one.

Ha! I thought it was him, but I couldn't remember. I won't bother him, though. :P