Can I do this

[kb3gup]

What can happen if you use an automotive fuel line as oil line in your outboard? Is it ok to do this? The local rude dealer is closed for the winter and I have some new auto fuel line of the same size. Boat is oil injected

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Can I do this

It is perfectly fine. Try to find some marked "alcohol resistant", but nearly all of it is nowanddays.

 

[F_R]

Re: Can I do this

The auto line might even be better quality, if it's for fuel injected cars (higher pressure rating).

As long as it is the right size and can be installed without kinking from sharp bends, go for it.

About the alcohol: That stuff has been around for many years and any rubber parts should be resistant. Unless it is imported from some unheard-of country or back-yard mfr. kb3, I'm sure you know not to use vacuum hose for fuel lines, right?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Can I do this

There is no doubt that you 'could' do this.

Many types of hose will work just fine to flow fuel or oil from point A to point B.

The MAJOR difference in Marine grade fuel and oil lines are that they have been tested AND CERTIFIED to conform with safety and performance standards.

While many automotive hoses WILL function (for a period of time) IF, and this is a very big IF, IF there is ANY fire, your insurance company can deny coverage because of the non-compliant, non-Marine rated hose.

Even if the hose is NOT related to the fire, you WILL go broke attempting to sue an insurance company trying to win your claim.

Is it worth it, just to save a couple of bucks on a piece of hose.

Order it on-line, have it to your door in a couple of days.

Fix it RIGHT then you can be SURE it will last.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Can I do this

As of Jan 2009 the EPA inacted a new law making the old Marine grade A-1 or B-1 hose is no longer legal to install. The new hose designation is A-1/15.

Can you use other hose? Sure. Will you get into trouble? Probably not.

The issue with ethanol is not that a given component is alchol resistant. The issue is when the E-10 (or whatever) sits. As it seperates and you suck up from the bottom of the tank what you're seeing in no longer E-10. It may be 50% or 80% ethanol. That's when it eats up components.

 

[ray 6688]

Re: Can I do this

Hi
Just for information.
In the UK all boats have to be inspected every 3 years by a certified person.
One of the first things they check are all fuel/gas pipes.
The marine hoses sold here are all marked with the correct numbers.
So any unmarked hoses/pipes mean an inspection fail.
No licence and no insurance.
Even diesel inboard engines must have copper injecter spill pipes,shut off
valves on fuel line and have a seperate bilge under engine with non overboard
bilge pump.
Boats with an outboard motor are restricted to 5gals fuel if using inland
waterways.
Ray

 

[kb3gup]

Re: Can I do this

Wow! Thanks for all the replies guys! One thing I do want to mention is I'm using this strictly as an oil line into the VRO, so I don't think it will come in contact with any gas anyway. But its kinda a moot point anyway because I was in a mom and pop auto parts store getting something else I asked the guy about using it, he that it might work but they carried marine fuel line, I found some that was the same size and looked the exact same so I think I'm good. Thanks again!!!

p.s. OK so I understand that E-10 is not good because it separates, but I can't ever find any straight gas. My tank is full of fuel for the winter with marine stabilizer in it. Will this be ok to run or if it's going to eat up the motor should I drain it out and put it in my truck or get rid of it?