fuel line replacing

[Bayou Dave]

The 1 1/2" fuel line is cracked at the inlet on the fuel tank. The PO used 2 hose clamps at that end. One isn't even tight. It looks like the bend was too much for the fuel line even though it is not that much of a bend. I am going to replace the fuel line with new A2 fuel line. After it enters the transom it goes pretty much straight down, takes a 90 degree turn towards the tank, runs past the engine and then connects to the fuel tank. If there was some play in it I would just cut off 2 inches and reattach. But, that does not seem feasible. How flexible is this type of fuel line in order to make the bends and curves? When I bought the boat in early Dec the fuel tank was empty. When I put in 2 gallons from a gas container I could smell gas fumes. That was about 3 days ago and I still smell some fumes. Is it normal to smell some fumes? I keep it covered with a tarp. Would that be why I still faintly smell gas fumes?
P.S. Not sure if I am on the correct forum, but hope so.

 

[Bondo]

Re: fuel line replacing

The 1 1/2" fuel line is cracked at the inlet on the fuel tank. The PO used 2 hose clamps at that end. One isn't even tight. It looks like the bend was too much for the fuel line even though it is not that much of a bend. I am going to replace the fuel line with new A2 fuel line. After it enters the transom it goes pretty much straight down, takes a 90 degree turn towards the tank, runs past the engine and then connects to the fuel tank. If there was some play in it I would just cut off 2 inches and reattach. But, that does not seem feasible. How flexible is this type of fuel line in order to make the bends and curves? When I bought the boat in early Dec the fuel tank was empty. When I put in 2 gallons from a gas container I could smell gas fumes. That was about 3 days ago and I still smell some fumes. Is it normal to smell some fumes? I keep it covered with a tarp. Would that be why I still faintly smell gas fumes?
P.S. Not sure if I am on the correct forum, but hope so.

Nope,.... Nothin' Normal 'bout it,...

New fill hose is reasonably flexible, once it ages, it don't flex much at all...

I'd probably pull the tank, 'n inspect it,or atleast pressure test it for leaks....

Can ya get at it,..?? What's it made of,..??

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

An A2 1 1/2" fuel line has a minimum bend radius of 5". (http://www.tridentmarine.com/stage/documents/327A2FUELHOSESpecificationSheet.pdf)

If the line leaked when you put gas in, then yes it's going to have an odor (fumes) until you clean it up. I suspect that if one end of the hose was in bad repair the other end isn't much better.

When I put gas in it the cover was over the fuel tank. I didn't actaully see any fuel leaking, just smelled fumes. I pulled the cover and looked around the fuel tank, the bilge and any fuel connections and did not see any leaks. One thing I have not checked is the fuel tank vent. Attached are some photos of the line.

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: fuel line replacing

That fuel line is definitely past it's prime. The fuel line in our '88 Sun Runner went bad on me back in 2004, fuel seeped thru the whole line like it was made of coffee filters. With the hose holding fuel like a sponge, I couldn't get rid of fuel fumes. It was pretty disconcerting since there was no evidence of a leak, it never even dripped, any raw fuel ran down the underside of the hose towards the tank, and most of it would evaporate before I'd notice. Finally one day while adding fuel I wrapped some paper towel around the hose, and everywhere along the bottom of the hose was dampening the towel. So based on that experience, residual fumes could be considered "normal", especially with your boat tarped..


One way to check for a tank leak is, assuming there's some gas in it, is to stand the nose of the boat & trailer as high as possible and see if anything ende up in the bilge.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

That fuel line is definitely past it's prime. The fuel line in our '88 Sun Runner went bad on me back in 2004, fuel seeped thru the whole line like it was made of coffee filters. With the hose holding fuel like a sponge, I couldn't get rid of fuel fumes. It was pretty disconcerting since there was no evidence of a leak, it never even dripped, any raw fuel ran down the underside of the hose towards the tank, and most of it would evaporate before I'd notice. Finally one day while adding fuel I wrapped some paper towel around the hose, and everywhere along the bottom of the hose was dampening the towel. So based on that experience, residual fumes could be considered "normal", especially with your boat tarped..


One way to check for a tank leak is, assuming there's some gas in it, is to stand the nose of the boat & trailer as high as possible and see if anything ende up in the bilge.

At this point I will change the hose and see if that takes care of the fume smell. I had no idea how old the line was. I assume the 1986 stamped on the line is the manufacture date. Only 27 years old... lol Thanks for the story about your fuel line.

P.S. to Bond-0. The tank is aluminum and is easy to get to.

 

[buellwinkle]

Re: fuel line replacing

I have a fuel line that needs replacing on the motor and it uses a crimped on clamp. We put hose clamps in temporarily but we were told to make sure we put on the crimped on once before going out for the summer. Where do you get a tool to do that? It's like a 1/2" OD line.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: fuel line replacing

Bought mine at napa,it's used to install cv boot clamps,I've used it on them fuel line crimp clamps also.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

Suggestions on getting the new hose over the fiittings? A little grease or vaseline on the inside of the hose or on the fitting? Heat the house to make the end softer and pliable?

 

[JoLin]

Re: fuel line replacing

I have a fuel line that needs replacing on the motor and it uses a crimped on clamp. We put hose clamps in temporarily but we were told to make sure we put on the crimped on once before going out for the summer. Where do you get a tool to do that? It's like a 1/2" OD line.

I haven't seen a fuel line with crimped fittings and don't see the need for it. Double worm-gear clamps work fine, and you can reach them with a screwdriver or ratchet when they're in an awkward spot.

 

[JoLin]

Re: fuel line replacing

Suggestions on getting the new hose over the fiittings? A little grease or vaseline on the inside of the hose or on the fitting? Heat the house to make the end softer and pliable?

Yes to all the above. That fill hose is stiff.

 

[Bondo]

Re: fuel line replacing

Suggestions on getting the new hose over the fiittings? A little grease or vaseline on the inside of the hose or on the fitting? Heat the house to make the end softer and pliable?

Ayuh,.... Dish Soap....

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: fuel line replacing

Heat is my choice, just hit the hose end with a blow dryer for about a minute, and it'll be nice & pliable.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

Heat is my choice, just hit the hose end with a blow dryer for about a minute, and it'll be nice & pliable.

That's a lot safer than a propane torch.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

I ordered 8' of Trident hose and it should be here in a couple of days. I will probably have to cut the old hose in order to get it out. That is a concern. The hose probably was made with some metal in it, there are going to be gas fumes. Using a hack saw or any other type of metal saw blade doesn't seem to be the safest way to cut it. Any ideas of what to use to cut the old hose?

 

[Bondo]

Re: fuel line replacing

I ordered 8' of Trident hose and it should be here in a couple of days. I will probably have to cut the old hose in order to get it out. That is a concern. The hose probably was made with some metal in it, there are going to be gas fumes. Using a hack saw or any other type of metal saw blade doesn't seem to be the safest way to cut it. Any ideas of what to use to cut the old hose?

Ayuh,.... Fuel fill hose, Has to have a metal wire tracer in it for bonding purposes...
If yer new hose don't have it, ya got the wrong stuff...
That's how the fill cap is bonded to the fuel tank...

A hacksaw, run by hand will Not produce any sparks...

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: fuel line replacing

Ayuh,.... Fuel fill hose, Has to have a metal wire tracer in it for bonding purposes...
If yer new hose don't have it, ya got the wrong stuff...
That's how the fill cap is bonded to the fuel tank...

A hacksaw, run by hand will Not produce any sparks...

I bought this hose: Trident SAE J1527 (1-93) USCG & ISO 7840 Type A2-CE #327
Glad to hear a hacksaw by hand won't blow me up!

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: fuel line replacing

You can probably get by with a razor knife. Just cut straight down from the hose end until you're past the fitting. You'll hit the wire but that's no biggie. The slice will give you a place and some room to wedge in a screwdriver so you can pry the hose from the fitting.