copper fuel line?

[oldsub86]

A previous owner has installed a fuel tank in the bow of my old Lund with the 165 HP Mercruiser. It appears to have rubber fuel line all of the way back to a selector valve on the inside of the transom that switches between that tank and the two on either side at the stern. My feeling is that it would be better to have either copper or steel line most of the way with rubber sections at either end. Anyone think there is anything wrong with using copper?

Randy

 

[Bondo]

Re: copper fuel line?

Ayuh,... Actually,... Marine rated rubber line is the Preferred fuel line in that application....

 

[Fireman431]

Re: copper fuel line?

The rubber is used because it absorbs the movement/shaking/pounding that boat's go through. The copper/other rigid tubing will not. It will vibrate back and forth and eventually split at the attachment points. When I say eventually, plan on a year or so with regular use.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: copper fuel line?

It will vibrate back and forth and eventually split at the attachment points. When I say eventually, plan on a year or so with regular use.

I agree the marine A1 hose is better... but there is copper line in my 1972 Sea Ray with a bow mounted tank, and it has worked fine for almost 40 years. The key is to make sure the copper line is firmly attached to the hull - especially close to the ends. Then you have type A1 rubber hose that attaches to the tank and pump.