Hard fuel line leaking at carb

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donnyt01

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Messages
10
Hey there iboats community. I've been lurking here and searching the forums for boat questions since November when I picked up my first boat, 1984 SeaRay Seville. These forums have been very helpful.

Anyway, I have a question I didn't find anything about in the forums.

I have a hard fuel line that runs from my fuel pump to the carb and it's leaking at the carb fitting. I had this problem last winter when I was using my boat for duck hunting and I cut back the line and reflared the end, but it's leaking again. It's an aluminum line. I haven't pulled it apart to see if it cracked like before at the base of the flare.

I was wondering if I should change it out for a flexible line or if I just didn't flare it properly.

Thanks for the comments guys!

Donny
 
MRS

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,580
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

If I remember right it should be a double flaring tool not a single flaring for fuel lines.
 
L

littlebookworm

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 30, 2007
Messages
574
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

That fuel line must be solid; you can't use a flexible line at that section (Coast Guard regulations and common sense). Your best bet is to replace the line and the fittings. There has been some debate as to whether or not you must use special marine fuel line for that section or if you can use auto brake line. I can't give you a final answer on that one. Either way, do replace it. Even a small leak can lead to a big "boom."
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

Why must the fuel line be solid? I know for outboards fuel lines are rubber.
Click to expand...

Outboards are not inside the boat like IO's are. Therefore they have to follow a different set of rules.
The hose you show in the link also has been manufactured in accordance with the SAE J1527 type A1 specs for the hose and hose and fittings.

It is possible to use type A1 fuel hose, and the proper type of barbed fittings. (NO, you can't use those pushon barbs found at every auto parts store.)
I find using the proper sized steel break line from an auto parts store works great. Bend to shape, cut to length and put the double flare on the cut end. The other end is already done for you.
 
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ChrisCraftJohnny

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
187
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

In a emergency situation you can use some teflon tape around a bad flare. The tape will make up for the deviation of the flare and will make a gas-tite seal.

But when back on-shore, you should use the solid line with proper double flares. And if you mess up the flare, you just have to do it again till it's right.

Johnny
 
fat fanny

fat fanny

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Messages
1,935
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

Over the years I have seen mechanincs ?? tighten one end and then the other before getting both fittings started on a couple of threads I believe this is the biggest error most people make when tightening any compression fittings they should always be in thier relaxed state where they fit the best without stress.
 
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donnyt01

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Messages
10
Re: Hard fuel line leaking at carb

That's a very good point about keeping the line in the relaxed state. I'll probably replace the line during the off season, but right now I just want it to hold together for the rest of the season.
 
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