Definitions
Examining the Kit
I received a box from Wildcat Diesel Performance containing their maximum flow, fuel line upgrade system. The kit contains everything needed to upgrade the factory fuel lines to -8AN lines from the steel line near the fuel tank up to the VP44.
<img src="http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/articles/wildcat/images/pic1.jpg">
Installation
I began by removing the intake horn and lines that go to the intercooler, then totally removing the fuel system from the VP44 on back. I also installed the custom 12mm x 1.5 -8AN adapters at this time. Comparing the size of the -8AN adapter and braided line to the factory lines is amazing. The factory lines must be a large restriction to flow for a truck that has been modified.
<img src="http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/articles/wildcat/images/pic2.jpg">
Once I had the lift pump removed I went under the truck to remove the factory Teflon line from the steel line. I pulled the factory Teflon line down so I could work with it easier. At this point the siphoning effect from the tank had not crossed my mind. Quickly realizing my mistake I clamped off the fuel line, but not before a considerable amount of fuel had poured onto the floor and me. This was diesel shower number one.
You should not perform this upgrade with a full tank of fuel. Looking at the line it was clear that I would receive another diesel shower once this line was removed from the steel line. Trying to be better prepared, the replacement line was pinched off on one end and the clamp was slid on and made ready. The factory line appears to be heat shrunk onto the steel line, I removed this line by cutting it slowly with a sharp utility knife. The Teflon line was removed quickly and diesel shower number two had begun.
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An attempt was made to install the replacement line quickly, but the diesel fuel made the line slick enough that a quick install did not happen as rapidly as was hoped for. Finally getting the new line slid on enough to stop the flow of fuel, I took a minute to allow the fuel to drain down my arm. After sliding the new line on further down the steel line, I secured it with a hose clamp. The new line was then snapped into its holder and routed up to the engine bay.
As I was lying there covered in diesel fuel and looking at the sizable pool on the floor, it occurred to me that the lift pump in its factory installed location does not have to work as hard as I had thought to pull fuel from the tank. This was an eye opener for me, as I have always heard that the reason the factory lift pump were failing was because of the distance it has to pull fuel. With the siphoning effect it only has to pull fuel the difference from its height to the level of the fuel. Not the distance of the line.
After putting some floor dry down to soak up the lost fuel, The lift pump was bolted back up and new line was trimmed to fit and pushed on to the push lock fitting. It was recommended to use some thin oil on the fittings to make it easier to slide the new lines on and I highly recommend this procedure.
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