Fuel Line selection

[belairbrian]

My recently acquired pontoon has a built in tank. The fuel line from the tank to motor is grey, stiff and marked attwood Canada no other markings. I do know it is 5/16.

So any way I spent last night reading many opinions on fuel line, everything from "only gray line is approved for outboards" to only black USCG type B1.

Reading the coast guard fuel line standards it says USCG type A1 is approved for all locations. So if per foot cost is the same is there any reason not to use A1? Especially since A has the best fire resistance and class 1 has the least permeability.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel Line selection

The person who told you only the gray is approved for outboards is full of it. The grey Attwood stuff is junk as are most the hoses sold at big box stores.

Type B1 (higher permeability) is approved for above deck use and type A1 for below deck use. Type B1 is more flexible and the most popular for outboard use.

When I replaced the fuel lines on my boat, I ran A1 from the tanks to the fuel pump. I use Gates or Trident brand marine hose exclusively.

 

[V153]

Re: Fuel Line selection

Donovan 'Marpac', sold by Sierra, is the new blue ethanal resistent stuff I use. For the choke/primer lines, should you go so far, I used 'Tygon' LP1000. Sold by NAPA.

Whatever you do DON'T use that grey Attwood crap! Here's what ethanol did to mine after only a year or so:

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Fuel Line selection

Yeah, my little boat had the gray on it when I got it. Ended up in the carbs. local shop built my replacement fuel line using all BRP parts.

Thought I would post what I found from USCG in case someone stumbles across this thread in a search.

The letter indicates fire resistance the number indicates permeability.

To get the "A" rating the line is subjected to fire for 2.5 minutes. After the test the line must not leak when subjected to a 3 foot head pressure.

So:
A1= Passed Fire test permeability 100 grams or less
B1= Not Fire Tested permeability 100 grams or less
A2= passed Fire Test permeability 300 grams or less
B2= Not Fire Tested permeability 300 grams or less


Quoted from the USCG Boat Builders Handbook

FEDERAL LAW

183.540 - Hoses: Standards and markings

(a) "USCG Type A1" hose means hose that meets the performance requirements of:

(1) SAE Standard J1527 DEC85, Class 1 and the fire test in Sec.183.590; or
(2) Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Standard 1114.

(b) "USCG Type A2" hose means hose that meets the performance requirements of SAE Standard J1527 DEC85, Class 2 and the fire test in Sec 183.590;

(c) "USCG Type B1" hose means hose that meets the performance requirements of SAE Standard J1527 DEC85, Class 1.
(d) "USCG Type B2" hose means hose that meets the performance requirements of SAE Standard J1527 DEC85 Class 2.

NOTE: SAE Class 1 hose has a permeation rating of 100 grams or less fuel loss per square meter of interior surface in 24 hours.

SAE Class 2 hose has a permeation rating of 300 grams or less fuel loss per square meter of interior surface in 24 hours.

The permeation rating of the hose refers to the quantity of fuel which will pass through the walls of the hose out into the boat when the hose is filled with fuel. You could think of this as a slow leak. Fortunately, the fuel vapors formed by this low level of permeation are readily dissipated by the ventilation system.

You may use USCG Type A1 hose for any application. In some cases, you may find the difference in price between A1, A2, B1, and B2 does not justify stocking all four types.

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Fuel Line selection

Dingbat,
If B1 is more flexible (which would make sense as A1 has to pass a fire test) it would seem the preferred hose from tank to outboard. But the 1 is the best (lowest) permeability rating given to fuel hose.