I was told to use radiator hose...

[Mark42]

It was suggested that 1-1/2" radiator hose can be used for fuel fill hose, and heater hose can be used for vent hose. This sounds fishy to me. Anyone hear of this before? Do they hold up against fuel/alcohol mixes? <br /><br />I only need a foot or so of fill hose so I'm going to order the approved type 2 hose. Just thought I'd ask about the radiator stuff.

 

[breton26]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Hey Mark, I'm sure people try to get away with anything if it works at the time.

 

[Bondo]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

I'm Sure it would work,...... For a Little While...... But, Not on My Boat..........<br /><br />Gas Rated isn't that expensive,+ NAPA carries it.......

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Someone's hosing you. Coast Guard approved hose only on a boat, think the stripe on it is red.(?)

 

[Darren Smith]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

I tried the radiator hose for the fill tube on an old Jeep I had, it lasted all of a month and got hard and cracked. After that I always use hose that is rated for gas.

 

[Realgun]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Yup radiator hose will hose you if it is gassed. Use the correct hose and you will be a lot happier and SAFER TOO!

 

[Mark42]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Thanks guys,<br /><br />That didn't sound right to me. Especially when dealing with something as life threatening as gasoline. <br /><br />I ordered marine grade, coast guard approved fill, vent and feed hoses today. Also decided to go with the rubber hose for the fuel line from tank to motor. Got a 25ft roll. It's amazing how quickly the stuff gets used up when you start routing it around everything!

 

[Marc J.]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Since Mark has got his situation resolved, I hope to get some input on a very related problem. <br /><br />I hope to safely mend two lengths of the same type of feed hose. It's a long story. I would replace it but the large clamps that secure the hose to the bottom of the filler neck are inacessable without separating the hull! <br /><br />I bought a 6" length of 1.5" O.D. chrome under-sink drain pipe and four hose clamps to mend the feed hose. It was all I could find the right diameter. I know this is not ideal, but do you guys think it will be O.K.?

 

[project hunter]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

I think it would be okay. Just use good ss clamps, double them up, and maybe even use a little rtv on the fitting before you slide the hose on.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

NO RTV.It will melt away!Now,do you use your boat in saltwater?If so,check to see if that pipe that you used is brass,chrome covered.You should be ok.

 

[Mark42]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

73Baja,<br /><br />I have found that every fuel system component sold for marine use is Coast Guard approved and labeled as passing a specifc regulation or specification. I did come across some fill elbows and they were heavy cast brass, looked like pipe fittings without the threads cut. So I am sure that the sink pipe will not pass any inspections. I am sure that your local marina/dealer can order the proper connector for you or search the web and (I hate to say it...) e-bay for marine fuel supplies.<br /><br />That being said (kinda like a disclamer) if the sink pipe is brass you are probably OK as a temporary fix until you get the right part. You need to read up on the Coast Guard regs about bonding (grounding) the metal pieces in your fuel system to be sure you are not introducing a possable static discharge situation by adding the metal piece. A static discharge can be deadly (boom). <br /><br />Like Project Hunter said, use stainless steel clamps. It is a good idea to have the screw portion of the hose clamps 180* apart when doubling them up. This helps prevent leaks that happen where the screw tightening section is. But don't use silicone to seal because it is not compatable with gas. Use something like Form-a-gasket that is intended for use with gasoline.<br /><br />BTW I did see that there are (of course) special hose clamps for marine fuel use. They are stainless and are not the same design as common hardware store variety hose clamps.<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[MoRambler]

Re: I was told to use radiator hose...

Actually SOME radiator hoses can be used for fuel delivery. However, you must be sure that they have nitrile tubes. I work in the belt and radiator hose business, and supply products to about 50 Nascar teams. They ALL use a heavy duty radiator hose our company makes for a fuel hose that runs from the dry brake to the fuel cell, since it has a nitrile tube. <br />Regular radiator hoses are EPDM rubber, and not gas/diesel compatible.