A1 or B1 hose for older outboards

[SkiDad]

i want to replace the fuel lines at some point here - which is best for outboards. I was told B1 is fine and more flexible. it's a special order item for my area.

my setup

6 feet of 1/4" hose from tank to splash well
3 feet of 1/4" hose from splash well to fuel pump
3 feet of 1/4" hose from fuel pump to carbs

current hose is marked 30R7

 

[mjf55]

Here are the ratings (as copied from a distributor). I am replacing my outboard fuel lines and plan to use A1 rated. I think A1-15 is the latest.

A1--fuel feed hose; has a fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Least permeable with highest fire resistance.

A2--fuel vent hose; has a fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times.

B1--fuel feed hose; without fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times; intended for non-enclosed spaces. Diesel engines or above deck outboard gasoline applications.

B2--fuel vent hose; without fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Diesel vent lines.

 

[dingbat]

In theory, A1 below deck and B1 above. I replace everything from the tank to the primer bulb with A1. B1 from primer bulb to fuel pump

 

[mjf55]

.... B1 from primer bulb to fuel pump

Any specific reason for B1 for that leg? Cost savings, flexibility?

 

[SkiDad]

thanks guys - i wonder what distinguishes USCG hose vs standard auto hose. I get the fire resistant stuff for I/O or inboards

 

[dingbat]

Any specific reason for B1 for that leg? Cost savings, flexibility?

For the bend radius, flexibility. The A1 was pretty stiff at the time. Seems they changed that with the latest reformulation. I'd run A1 from tank to pump

Outboard boat burn too......

 

[SkiDad]

i found out my boat actually takes 5/16 fuel line - the PO had put 1/4" on there for whatever reason. I saw this stuff call Shields Silverado 4000 - I think I'm going to go with that. It seemed very high quality stuff.

 

[mjf55]

SkiDad, looks like that hose is B1-15 approved above deck. Nothing below deck. Is that your configuration?

 

[SkiDad]

my setup is like this, the tank is under the floor but the end of it is exposed in the bilge - the hose runs from the bilge to splashwell. I talked to a local dealer and they said this would be fine to use in that area since it's not a sealed area. I don't think it's under deck technically - what do you think

 

[dingbat]

I saw this stuff call Shields Silverado 4000 - I think I'm going to go with that. It seemed very high quality stuff.

It its the stuff I think it is, absolute junk. The notorious silver hose with liner problems.....

I talked to a local dealer and they said this would be fine to use in that area since it's not a sealed area.

No difference in permeability between A1 and B1 hose, only fire resistance which is a requirement of a below deck installation.

 

[SkiDad]

OK - 2 dealers told me shields was good stuff - i also saw some stuff from MPI. http://www.ebay.com/itm/FUEL-HOSE-1...046564?hash=item25c45a5de4:g:7JgAAMXQUmFSg8a2

would you consider my installation below deck - there is a snap on curtain and 2 seats - definitely has some breathing going on there. Gas tank is in floor but last 8 inches is exposed for connections behind that curtain. for the last 10 years it's just had automotive fuel line and the stuff I looked at look like new still. But I do want to put marine line in.

this is an old picture i had

 

[SkiDad]

OK, i found a good deal on this Trident hose: http://tridentmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/365-A1-15-FUEL-HOSE-Specification-Sheet.pdf

I guess I will just go with this for the whole project. Hoping it will be flexible enough.