Fuel Line Hardening

[Randyg123]

I have gone through several fuel lines in as many years. After sitting over the winter I find the lines become extremely stiff. The first two were Atwoods brand and the third was a brand from Bass Pro (I don't recall the Mfg. but they only carry one brand). All three were the grey colored line. The bulbs on the Atwoods also got hard but the BP one so far did not.

After running some fuel through them, they would soften up a bit but not totally. The BP one was so stiff that the fitting on the engine end split when I was trailering my motor.

What is a good brand to look for that does not do this? Or is there a specific problem with how I am treating my lines. I generally purge them of fuel if I am not planning on using the boat within a week. Other than that, I don't know what I do that may be different. Is that a no-no?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

storing them inside out of the elements help tremendously.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

That grey / silver stuff that Attwoood and the others sale is junk. Get yourself some Trident A1 fuel hose and don't look back.

Bulb wise I use OEM only. I've yet to find an after market bulb that was worth a darn in the long run.

 

[Randyg123]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

That grey / silver stuff that Attwoood and the others sale is junk. Get yourself some Trident A1 fuel hose and don't look back.

Bulb wise I use OEM only. I've yet to find an after market bulb that was worth a darn in the long run.

Thanks for the advice. 1-2 years per hose just doesn't seem right!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

I just replaced all mine at the 10 year mark.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

Dingbat's right about the grey stuff. Look for a high quality fuel hose - they're generally black and are resistant to ethanol. Down here in Houston, all of the gas sold in the city is at least 10% ethanol. Some is higher in ethanol content.

When fuel lines get old they will get hard and that makes them susceptible to cracking at bends. I've had this happen between the fuel tank and fuel pump - all the fuel pump could do is suck air. That day had an unhappy ending. Because of that fuel lines are now a priority item for me.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

The first time that I used a brand new after market fuel line assembly, the temperature was about 40 degrees. The primer bulb was so stiff that I had to use a pair of channel locks to squeeze it. I went back to OEM and have never had that problem.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Fuel Line Hardening

The best hose is USCG type A-1, and is in fact the only hose approved for belowdecks use on inboards. Much better than the grey stuff, which is usually Type B-2.