Fuel hoses would you replace?

[hottoddie]

I am installing new fuel fill deck fittings on my 1986 390EX. They fuel fill and vent hoses are oriiginal and date stamped 1/86. They are not cracked and are labeled J1527. They are a ***** to get to on the top of the tank and will most likely result in a bunch of foul langauge and a lost knuckle or two. Should I leave well enough alone or replace?

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

they are over 25 years old. As long as your messing with them at all I would replace them. Gas is a bad thing to be leaking in a boat. Also they are not made to last forever and think about ethanol to. Make sure you get coast guard approved hose even though its more expensive. The fill is usually 1.5" and the vent 5/8". draw could be 1/4, 5/16, or 3/8. Your choice, I'd do it.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

this is one of those topics where if you have to ask, the answer is automatically yes.... It is absolutely a good idea to replace em.
I haven't replaced the fill and vent on my 89 but I also haven't disturbed them... the suction hoses I did replace when I was installing engines.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

I am about as frugal as we come. I also abhor busted knuckles and greasy hands. +1 on replacing them with ethanol resistant and CG approved.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

To put the age of your fuel lines into perspective, fuel hoses are warranted for 3 years from the date of manufacture with a recommendation to replace them every 6-10 years.

Having said that, hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Since the “inner” is covered with a thick protective cover, you will not see any sign that the liner has failed until it seeps thru the outer protective cover. The best way to determine the integrity of a hose is to feel it. A hose in good condition should be soft and flexible to the touch. If the hose isn’t flexible, it should be replaced immediately.

 

[HenryB]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

There is a good chance you will skin more than knuckles, include knees and elbo’s, too. Frustration might await, too. My fuel line was secured somewhere under the floor and It would not back out. What a bummer. I hope you have better luck. I had to reroute the hose and that was a real chore. Try freeing up both ends of the hose and giving it a tug to see if it is going to come out without having to reroute the replacement. If it does move freely, think about how you are going to thread the new hose in. If you tie a line to one end before you extract the hose make sure the line is taped and secured off real good so the line will not come loose half way through the pull.

Maybe someone reading this thread has had better luck than I and can offer advice.

 

[hottoddie]

Re: Fuel hoses would you replace?

Looks like the decision is unanomous. I will use the flexible hose made by Trident to make the job a little easier, I hope. Vent hoses will be done ay same time.

On a side note, in the process of gaining access to the rear of the deck fills I had to remove the bolsters that appear in great shape. Turns out the plywood backing is rotted in a few places. Just turned a PITA job into a big PITA job. This will use up another boat buck by the time it's done.