fuel lines, gas tanks, & EPA compliance

[iam2sam]

I need to purchase a new fuel line for my 1976 Evinrude 25 HP motor. I have 6 gallon plastic tank and complete hook-up originally used for a 6 HP Fisherman of about the same vintage, but the siphon bulb is shot. My inclination is to reuse the tank and replace the entire line, adding a fuel filter for water. I was in West Marine yesterday, and I noticed that the fuel lines for J/E were in two categories: recommended for EPA-compliant tanks, and not recommended for EPA-compliant tanks (there were also lines described as "universal".) I gather the EPA reg was introduced in 2011 and has to do with sealed.vs vented tanks, but I know nothing else about it. How can I tell if my current tank is EPA-compliant - will there be a statement to that effect on a sticker, or embossed in the plastic? What is the issue that requires two different fuel line set-ups, depending on the tank? Finally, is there any advantage to the boat operator regarding EPA-compliance or lack of same? Thanks for your help!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Likely, your tank is not EPA compliant. Nor is your hose. The EPA recently changed the spec on hoses and tanks in order to accommodate the E15 fuels which we have all heard is coming. Thus far, the manufacturers have updated their tanks and hoses, but we've not seen the new E15 fuels yet. Not sure if E15 will get off the ground for he marine industry or not. You will find the newer hoses/tanks are much more expensive. (the plastic tanks today are more durable, as the EPA has a new burst requirement which has really jacked up the price of these normally cheap plastic tanks. The new venting requirements (and backflow valves) have added costs to the tanks, too. Either of the hoses/.tanks you mention will work on your engine, but if E15 comes out, you may want to convert your fuel lines to E15 at that time. FYI, the marine industry has universally condemned the use of E15 in all of their marine products. Some MFR's have said their warranties will be void if E15 is used. So just keep your eyes pealed for the gas stations that still will be selling todays' current fuels.

 

[GA_Boater]

Why worry about E15 in a 40 year old motor. The hoses and tanks will be the least of your worries because the motor will not run well with E15.

An EPA tank has no screw vent to open or close. Venting is performed by a one way vent, usually built into the fill cap.

The EPA compliant fuel lines with the Fuel Demand Valve are for unvented tanks, which you do not need on a vented tank. All new fuel lines are ethanol proof, regardless of E10 or E15 use.

There is no requirement currently for owners to replace vented tanks with the new standard non-vented tanks. If your tank works, keep it and buy the cheaper pre-compliance line for 20 bucks less.

 

[iam2sam]

Helpful replies. Thank you!