[OldSch00l1987]

Hi, originally joined this site way back in 2014 with the idea of modding my car. Obviously, plans changed and old rusty has just about reached its final repairs.

Its about 170K miles now, and there is a leak in the fuel line which is worrysome. To the point, that i have stopped driving the car since July when the inspection expired.

The car as far as i know still runs and is operational. We have considered fixing the leak so that it will pass inspection, and i can drive it again for a little while.

Since joining, the car has been through pretty much hell as far as repairs go. My exhaust system actually rusted off last year which made the car sound like a damn tank. We fixed that, following that.. the fuel tank had a massive issue and corroded, which we also had fixed.

Thompson Toyota said that in order to fix the fuel line, they would have to cut into the brake cables which would skyrocket the cost to about $1,400. I know re-stringing those things is a tricky and lengthy process.

Couple of years ago i added in a bluetooth handsfree JVC unit which i love for music.

Is it worth fixing? The thing is well beyond the bluebook value, but it has served me well for transportation. Might there be a better way to go about this repair job? I am lucky to have a few friends who know cars and are mechanics. Local cops were even joking around saying the car was bad luck lmao. This was when we had the fuel tank repaired.

I can't exactly afford a new car atm, but i did test drive the 2017 GT86. I'm willing to fix the Corolla and give it some much needed love if there is an easier or less expensive method.

 

[zythr]

Hi

How bad is the rust on the rest of the car, if it has any more rust?

 

[Pete Suhman]

The fuel line probably runs together with the brake lines, and when the lines get rusty, working on one might cause another to leak, due to bumping it. But it sounds like you have nothing to lose if you try fixing it yourself.
And I know it's shoddy advice, but the new lines don't have to go exactly where the factory ran the originals...

 

[DannoXYZ]

Some new hard-lines, flare joints and flaring tool = ~50.00
Lots of YouTube videos showing how to do it.
I say fix it once and for all.

My dad's first Corolla in 1977 didn't fare too well with rust in Boston's snow and salty roads. He dumped it by time we moved to Virgina two years later. Are current Toyota bodies galvanized? When did this start?

 

[Haloruler64]

Are current Toyota bodies galvanized? When did this start?

Early 2000s I believe, not the AE101.

 

[speedy25]

There is no reason to cut into brake lines to replace a fuel line!! I think that ruse by the dealer was just added to make sure you didnt even try to have them do repairs. If its the pressure line, then its a little more complicated with flare fittings. If its the return line, you could even use hose.

There's no real reason to even remove the old lines. Just zip tie the new ones in place and drive.

The hardest part of the job is if its the pressure line, would be getting the fitting on the plastic hose apart. Yeah, I used a torch to get mine apart. (Yes, I did it safely!)

Even for a rust bucket these cars are OK.

-SP