Banned fuel Line?

[belairbrian]

My 48Spl wasn't running right, stalled after start, rough idle.

I didn't feel I had the time or experience at this point to work on the carbs (which I suspected were the probem).

I took it to a recommended shop and had him take a look. He rebuilt both carbs and replaced the tank fuel line.

He told me the gray fuel line (purchased several years ago at WallyWorld) was no longer allowed by the EPA? Something about platic lining deteriaration which messes up carbs.

I don't think he ws trying to rip me off or anyhting as the line was stiff and needed replacing anyway. He built new line with Johnson fittings and an inline filter for $18. So he didn't get rich on it.

But the EPA thing sounded odd.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Any chance he was referring to that fuel line's compatibilty with Ethanol? Some materials can't stand up to E10.
Long shot perhaps...........

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

It probably was not marked EPA approved so there wasn't any way to prove it meat current permeation standards. The gray lines you find now do meet the new standards and if it's above deck or exposed to sunlight it has to be the gray stuff, just not the gray stuff you had. Your mechanic was correct to replace it.

 

[woody66912]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

A pre-made brp fuel line is $45.00, If he used brp bulk line that's like $6.00 a foot. No he didn't get rich, he saved you money.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

The EPA recently passed new regulations for gas tanks and fuel line but I am fairly sure that only applies to new manufacture, anything prior to the law going into effect would be grandfathered.

It is tremendous pain in the butt for the makers as we had to remake all our gas tanks and add charcoal canisters ect, it is the same as the fuel system on a car now, lots of return lines and such so if your new boat cost a bit more that is one reason.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Some brands of gray fuel hose, including Mercury's, would disinegrate if high percentages of ethanol were present, such as when phase-separation occured in the gas tank. These older hoses have now been redesigned to be more ethanol tolerant. At the same time the EPA passed regulations about how much vapor can seep through the hoses and all new boats and newly manufactured fuel components have to meet these strict specifications. You will notice that new fuel line is not $1 a foot anymore. Most are outrageously priced due to the expensive testing and manufacturing that is needed to comply with the emission regulations.



The upper hose in the image is the new Mercury fuel line.

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Lots of good info. Also gives me more confidence in the shop. Our local shop went under ( no pun intended) so I took it to the neighboring town. When you see a guy that's been in the business 40 years and is keeping up on issues kin dof gives you confidence. He knows the old stuff but also seems to be keeping up.

Only other option for repairs around here is Bass Pro. I'm pretty sure they could break a row boat. I know the shop manager doesn't know what a scupper is and they sell Mako bay boats.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Also coast guard fuel line is fire resistant.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Some brands of gray fuel hose, including Mercury's, would disinegrate if high percentages of ethanol were present, such as when phase-separation occured in the gas tank. These older hoses have now been redesigned to be more ethanol tolerant. At the same time the EPA passed regulations about how much vapor can seep through the hoses and all new boats and newly manufactured fuel components have to meet these strict specifications. You will notice that new fuel line is not $1 a foot anymore. Most are outrageously priced due to the expensive testing and manufacturing that is needed to comply with the emission regulations.



The upper hose in the image is the new Mercury fuel line.

Absolutely BINGO!!!! Exactly the problem I had with the same Quicksilver gray fuel line. I ripped it all out, put in a new bulb and fuel filter, installed clear vinyl fuel line I bought in the Lowe's plumbing department 9 months ago and WALA. Problem solved....same fuel type from current sources.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

It's a real shame that such reputed brand as Mercury still keeps selling that crappy gray hose, had same problem with interior plastic sheath desintegrating with non e fuels and shutting engine down with no apparent cause. Removed side connectors & bulb, cleaned all internal hose lenght and removed sheath round leftovers with a thick long wire, bingo, problem was solved forever, amen.

Happy Boating

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Absolutely BINGO!!!! Exactly the problem I had with the same Quicksilver gray fuel line. I ripped it all out, put in a new bulb and fuel filter, installed clear vinyl fuel line I bought in the Lowe's plumbing department 9 months ago and WALA. Problem solved....same fuel type from current sources.

Get rid of that clear hose right away. It is not made for gasoline.

Use an approved marine hose that is certified A1-15 for fire resistant in-boat use or B1-15 for open use. The type of hose will be printed every 12"

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Get rid of that clear hose right away. It is not made for gasoline.

Use an approved marine hose that is certified A1-15 for fire resistant in-boat use or B1-15 for open use. The type of hose will be printed every 12"

I spent a lot of time researching the tubing and couldn't find the info I wanted one way or the other. It's been there for 9 months and it's working fine. I don't know that it's NOT rated for fuel, or that fuel will affect it. I'd rather have this than going to the auto parts store and buying black reinforced fuel line that I can't see through.

It is in plain sight and I check it regularly for degradation so I'm not worried about it. One thing for sure. It performs better than the Quicksilver OEM CRAP.

Thanks for worrying about me.

Mark

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

I spent a lot of time researching the tubing and couldn't find the info I wanted one way or the other. It's been there for 9 months and it's working fine. I don't know that it's NOT rated for fuel, or that fuel will affect it. I'd rather have this than going to the auto parts store and buying black reinforced fuel line that I can't see through.

It is in plain sight and I check it regularly for degradation so I'm not worried about it. One thing for sure. It performs better than the Quicksilver OEM CRAP.

Thanks for worrying about me.

Mark

The new improved and EPA approved Mercury hose does NOT have red lettering on it like the older troublesome hose did.

 

[belairbrian]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

my concern with clear from Lowes, etc, wouldn't be visible cracking as much as slow deterioration form the inside which would be traveling along with the fuel.

There is such a thing as clear fuel tubing. Used on small engines, through dragster fuel tanks.

 

[V153]

Re: Banned fuel Line?

Here's what my grey stuff looked like after just one year(!?) I do run my boat virtually every Sunday but c'mon, a year? Only reason I caught it cuz I was installing a new clear inline filter. Whew! That was a close one.

Went with the new blue fuel line from Sierra. Buddys shop I got it from has had a chunk soaking in a Mason jar of pure ethanol for 9 months. No signs of deterioration.

With the amount of havoc that grey crap is wreaking there really oughta be a recall. I wouldn't be surprized to see a class action lawsuit?

Do yourself a favor and get rid of that grey garbage NOW!