From very recent experience-- I replaced everything rubber from the engine
compartment to the tank, regardless of what the exterior looked like.

I was prompted to do the same because I could smell the leaks, but could
never see them.  Once I had the lines off it was obvious why I could smell
the leak-- the interior of the lines were badly cracked and in various
stages of disrepair.  The plastic tubing you mention has two functions: 1)
abrasion control 2) heat resistance.  I went to MSC industrial supply
online:  http://www.mscdirect.com/ and purchased a clear (mostly flexible)
tubing rated in excess of 600 degrees F and had excellent oil and gas
resistant properties.  Rather than sheathing the entire fuel line, I have
used sections of tubing in the critical areas-- covering 80-90% of the line.

I also utilized  Coast Guard Approved Marine Fuel line www.westmarine.com
as it is double walled and will stand up to the pressure and heat over a
longer period of time.

Date:    Thu, 10 May 2001 12:49:56 -0500
From:    Steve Gough <vw@emriver.com>
Subject: Fuel line replacement questions

Dear List:

I want to replace ALL the fuel lines between gas tank and engine in my
'86 Westy.

What's the story with that hard plastic line the runs most of the =
distance
from the fuel filter to the firewall?  Never seen such stuff.  It looks =
kind
of fragile (I expected metal line).  Should I replace that stuff, too?

How about the return line?  Is doesn't look to bad, but it's under high
pressure, too, right?  So (at 16 years old) should be replaced as well?

For the record, the short piece of hose between the pump and filter =
looks
like it could collapse under its own weight, but all the more obvious =
and
visible lines look fine pretty good.

Any other advice on this project would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve