fuel line forming tool

[Frank S]

If you have ever had to create a sharp bend in the clear tygon tubing you know how easy it can kink.
I bought a new replacement carburetor for a small engine the problem was it came with a straight fuel inlet instead of the 90° one the old one had
No problem I thought I would just use a piece of 1/4" tygon tubing for the fuel line only when I tried to make it do thesharp bend rewquired to connect between the carb. and the gas tank it would kink.
I I decided to give it a preform by making a shaping mandrel or bendable forming tool that I could insert then bend the tubing.
THe best thing I have found for jobs like this is lead it is easily shaped into what ever form you need and will retain its shape as long as needed. and if required it can be straightened out again
A couple of years ago I made some half round lead sticks by melting the lead and pouring it is groves for using in leading in seams and small dents in auto-body work. I found 1 that was exactly the diameter I needed when folded double.
I inserted it in the tygon tubing then bent it to the shape I needed. I placed it in a cut open soft drink bottle then poured in boiling water and left it until the water cooled.
to remove the forming tool I had to straighten it out somewhat but the tubing retained its shape due to being heated in the boiling water.
Tubing and tool before forming.

lead tool inserted in tubing

Formed and in boiling water note the drink bottle deforming

tubing now formed and cooled

Lead now removed note tubing retains the formed shape

Installed on the engine

I hope this helps someone if they ever find the need to form plastic tubing.