Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

[mrmamiller]

I'm wondering if anyone has a definitive answer on when the boat/engine manufacturers switched over to alcohol resistant fuel hoses/lines. I am going to buy a second boat (for saltwater) and am not looking to create more work for myself, thus want to select by year to avoid that problem. Thanks for your input.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

Alcohol resistant fuel hoses have been in use since the mid 1980's.

The real question is how old is too old. Fuel hose manufacturers recommend changing the hose out every 8-10 years

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

Keep in mind that there may have been repairs to the boat so the fuel line might not be original.
Also There is some fuel line made way after the 80's that has issues.

I just had all my line replaced some of it was only 3 or 4 years old But deteriorated inside.

Some folks here explained what it was I ran into in this thread
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=575209

 

[emoney]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

Dingbat just said it because alcohol resistant or not, after 10 years they start to get stiff and that in of itself can lead to issues. The only guarantee of not having to change any fuel lines is to be pretty close to new, or find one that the PO has already done the work. BTW, I heard it was 1988 when they first came out.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

I had an OEM Quicksilver gray plastic hose on my rig which happens to be at the 10 year mark. It failed....yellow crud cakes inside it.

I replaced it with clear tubing so that I could monitor what's inside. I am confused as to the hose specs so I monitor it regularly. Has been on 9 months and is still firm, yet pliable, and no signs of deterioration. It may be a Tygon tubing which we used to use in industry for most everything.

Mark

 

[dingbat]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

Keep in mind that there may have been repairs to the boat so the fuel line might not be original.
Also There is some fuel line made way after the 80's that has issues.

I just had all my line replaced some of it was only 3 or 4 years old But deteriorated inside.

The only hose approved for use on boats by the Coast Guard and the NMMA is Type A1 (SAE J1527) for unexposed runs. Type B1 (SAE J1527) for outboards and Type A2 (SAE J1527) for fill hoses. Anything else and you get what you paid for.

BTW: That grey junk isn't Coast Guard or NMMA rated. Use at your own risk.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

I've had awful good service with my Yamaha Fuel hoses...in fact, my 1999 Yamaha 90C still has all it's original hoses on it, no cracking, no degrading, no deterioration on the insides...and I use the ethanol gas. But I always use Stabil, Ringfree and Fuel/Water Separater.
So far so good. But if I was buying new hoses I'd get another set from my Yamaha dealer....probably cost more$$$, but most likely worth it! Good Luck!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

I had an OEM Quicksilver gray plastic hose on my rig which happens to be at the 10 year mark. It failed....yellow crud cakes inside it.

I replaced it with clear tubing so that I could monitor what's inside. I am confused as to the hose specs so I monitor it regularly. Has been on 9 months and is still firm, yet pliable, and no signs of deterioration. It may be a Tygon tubing which we used to use in industry for most everything.
Mark

After posting this yesterday, I went out to the shop and got a piece of the original clear tubing I had and with it in one hand I squeezed the line that has been in service for 9 months. It does feel as if some of the plasticizers have bled out of it as it is firmer than the unused; not much but noticeable. I didn't have a personal problem using this tubing as I know what I am doing and am watching for problems. My line is in plain view. I would not recommend it for anyone unless you stay on top of it. As I said, I installed it so that I could see the inside of my fuel line. I was pretty sure the tan flakes I had previously came from the OEM gray line and now that I have have some time on this line it appears that they did. So, I may take this off in awhile and put on a certified fuel line....now that I know what's going on.

Mark

 

[emoney]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

I can reiterate the "Gray hoses are junk" comment, because I too happened to be messing with my fuel hose last night and realized that after 5 weeks of constant outdoor exposure (on a lift in Florida), it has stiffened considerably. I was changing out the motor end and that's when I noticed it. So, I'll be dumping that this weekend and going with the black stuff. I'm thinking maybe Autozone for the hoses, anybody go thoughts on the best place to buy it?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

I'm thinking maybe Autozone for the hoses, anybody go thoughts on the best place to buy it?

Auto parts store and regular reinforced automotive type, black line is what I will use.

Mark

 

[JEBar]

Re: Alcohol Resistant Fuel Hoses

Auto parts store and regular reinforced automotive type, black line is what I will use.

Mark

I can see automotive gas line as being a reasonable alternative for use as gas line hose that is run below decks where it isn't exposed to direct sunlight, .... with it being formulated to accommodate alcohol enhanced gasoline I can't see why it wouldn't work for use with our outboard motor

Jim