[Jerry Clayton]

Marco--

It isn't an issue of which is safer---after all they both are carrying an highly flammable liquid---However, having said that---either would of rubbed a hole into it self by being in contact with something, the rubber one most likely a lot sooner.

Now---about what I said about poor grounds---I have seen several vehicles have braided lines put on safely---after all, they are from aircraft--but with fiberglass bodies(same deal applies to boats) and trunk mounted batteries---a build by not so knowledgable people( lacking all the auto industry experience) these cars end up with electrical systems that would probably only score 20 out off a perfect 100 points.

In addition to that---(well maybe there wasn't a leak in the hose where it passed the tank) a plumbing job with poor / wrong flares, loose, etc, a slight fuel leak will seep DOWN the braid of the hose, and where the shiny place is where the starting current makes its way to ground (against the tank) and it will light off the leak!!! This will happen during starting as thats when current draw is highest. I would be willing to wager that there was no hole in the line where the fire started.




It is a good idea to have a rubber line from the chassis line to the fuel pump so as not to be grounding the electrical system back to the battery via the fuel system!!( as the factories do )