PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

[jtexas]

To make a short story long, this is about replacing the fuel supply lines for a 3-cyl OMC, in which the fuel line from the pump to #2 is 5/16", but the lines from #2 to #'s 1 & 3 are 5/32" with a plastic T fitting. Had a hole in one of the 5/32" lines which I think I probably cut accidently when remove the carb for service.

Well, I got the 5/16" no problem, but it turns out you can't buy 5/32" fuel line at o'reilly's or napa, but the napa guy gave me some 3/16" he had laying around.

The 3/16" hose fit the carb nipples fine secured with tiewrap no problem. But, the barbs on the T fitting aren't very pronounced, they leak like senior white house officials.

I grabbed a pvc T about that size from my drip irrigation system parts inventory, that has real barbs, it holds better than Pantene Pro-V Maximum Hold Hair Styling Gel at a Donald Trump look-alike contest.

But I don't know whether PVC will resist gasoline.

So, down to the hardware store where I didn't find a 3/16" barbed brass T, but did find a 1/4" one. Stretched the 3/16" hose over the 1/4" fittings...they hold just fine...but...I'm not convinced they won't weaken and split prematurely.

Which brings me to my question: is PVC fit for use as fuel line?

thanks!

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

I'm not sure 'bout PVC as fuel fittings, for that type of stuff i go to one of those real old time hardware store that carry alot of items that the box stores don't, there is one close to where i live "Turner's Hardware" i will be going to first thing tommorow morning, they'll sharpen and set your woodworking saws while you shop, i can check for those 3/16 barbed brass T and 3/16 fuel hose, if you like.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

JT

When I did all my lines, I went to Autozone and picked up some Tee's that had 2 different sizes on them. Worked well...They have a mess of different sized Tee's there...

 

[jtexas]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

thanks - I'll continue the search, no rush.

yeah vlad, post up if they have it there & where it is...you mean the kind of place where they have old guys that see what ya have in your hand and know exactly what ya need and can tell you how to install it.

Hose I've got, it's the fittings. Unless they have 5/32 hose...hardware stores don't always have fuel line though.

Don't know if you're familiar with Arlington Hardware but they haven't been the same since Westlake took 'em over.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

I will check for the 5/32 fuel line for you.
If they have it, how much of it will you need?

This is the address and phone # for future reference.
TURNER HARDWARE 972-243-4329
12895 JOSEY LN # 140 (Nr Valley-view Ln)
FARMERS BRANCH, TX 75234

I got all of the fuel lines and fittings for my 75HP Mariner there, as well as the a spare wheel for the boat trailer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

for fuel use brass, not pvc

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

Ahoy JT! Good news / bad news for ya, they did'nt have the 5/32 fuel line, nor the 3/16 barbed brass tee.
BUT i have a female brass tee with brass 3/16 male barbs, which should serve the same function when connected.
If you're interested i can meet you in Arlington anytime this evening or i can drop it in the mail for ya, let me know.

 

[jtexas]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

Thanks for checking...
I'm trying but I just can't visualize a female T...you connect three hoses together with it?

Pretty sure I'll get a chance to get the OMC hose before my current setup breaks but thanks for the offer. Ever heard of Fore & Aft Marine? a little outboard repair shop one block west of 35W & south of Berry, looks like a boat junkyard from the highway...it's the closest OMC parts dealer.

Heck, if you consider Farmer's Branch to be close to Arlington, this place is like right next door! 8)

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

I don't live in Arlington nor Farmers Branch, I used to work in Arlington, I am in the process of moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a few days.
I don't have a digi camera handy else i would post a pic, all the parts screws together to form a barbed tee to which the hoses can attach to, a real neat idea that only a plummer would think of, there are some very sharp old dudes that work in that store.
It just happens that i will be in the Arlington area between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm this afternoon near to the ballpark area.

 

[jtexas]

Re: PVC fitting fit for fuel line?

just missed ya...Fort Lauderdale...you mean you can actually live there? I thought it was just for vacations!