I only ask because I believe that that it isn't as much about longevity or efficacy of its function as it is about safety in the unlikely but possible event of a big accident, where metal fuel lines deform but rubber ones can be ripped.
The MOT only checks for leaks or damage not type of fuel line - I think! Happy to be corrected.
I was also under the impression that in the case of an incident where the car catches fire, is inspected and found to have rubber fuel lines where they should be metal, then the insurance company can rightfully decline your claim.
As for longevity: the PO on mine had used rubber ones where the routing got difficult and when I took them off I discovered that at most points where these lines were held, they had signs of being rubbed away / weakened. My favourite one was the routing / fouling over the rear ARB!!! Love the fact that no consideration was given to the fact the the ARB is CONSTANTLY moving when the vehicle is moving!
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@Graham Palmer - it’s your car and up to you what you do, but if you’re doing the job you may as well do it right! I know the early cars are a total PITA to do this job on, but is there no way to just loosen things and “move” them in situ to gain better access and do some swearing while you do the job? If you do go the rubber route, make sure you secure them to the car with something other than tie wraps or metal clamps without rubber - literally every point on my rubber fuel lines the PO had installed which was held on by metal clamps had vibration wear. And I suspect they were on the car for 10k miles.
