fuel lines

lynnboy021

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
553
I have a 89 omc gm 5.7 and I already put in a new carb plus fuel filter but now I want to put in new fuel lines.... so my question is can I just buy fuel lines from my auto parts store or does it have to be from west marine????
 

bigdirty

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 4, 2013
Messages
652
Re: fuel lines

If you are talking rubber fuel line, i've just gone to an auto parts store and got what i need, far as I know fuel line is fuel line.. :lol: about west marine, ya man, i know... they really take the 'Bust Out Another Thousand' thing too far right?
 

lynnboy021

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
553
Re: fuel lines

If you are talking rubber fuel line, i've just gone to an auto parts store and got what i need, far as I know fuel line is fuel line.. :lol: about west marine, ya man, i know... they really take the 'Bust Out Another Thousand' thing too far right?

lol ya... I know not to buy marine motor parts from a auto parts store but I just thought like you said "a fuel line is a fuel line" but I did not know if it needed to say something like "marine approved" or "coast guard approved"
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,137
Re: fuel lines

lol ya... I know not to buy marine motor parts from a auto parts store but I just thought like you said "a fuel line is a fuel line" but I did not know if it needed to say something like "marine approved" or "coast guard approved"

Ayuh,.... Yes, they Do need Coast Guard approval,...
 

bigdirty

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 4, 2013
Messages
652
Re: fuel lines

Ayuh,.... Yes, they Do need Coast Guard approval,...


What exactly is the difference? I might add that last time I replaced rubber fuel lines in a boat (feed from tank to fuel pump, not the filler neck/hose) I used automotive 'efi' rated line.. good for way more pressure than a carb motor will ever see, and its rated to live in an cars engine bay and survive moisture and temp changes, in a somewhat harsh environment..
(besides, the original line WAS cracked and leaking/sucking air..:laugh: i'm sure that boat is 'safer' now regardless..)
 

bonzoscott

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
745
Re: fuel lines

If from the pump to carb, I would get OEM line if I could. Or make it / have a shop make it. You can't put the flange on the ends without the proper equipment. If you figure out how much Stainless Steel line you need, a hydraulic shop can set you up with a straight piece, fittings and flanges installed. You then have to bend it right to fit your motor. I did my trailer breaks for about $30. Might consider getting excess in feet - you can always put curly ques in it to take up slack ($4 bend tool).
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,137
Re: fuel lines

What exactly is the difference? I might add that last time I replaced rubber fuel lines in a boat (feed from tank to fuel pump, not the filler neck/hose) I used automotive 'efi' rated line.. good for way more pressure than a carb motor will ever see, and its rated to live in an cars engine bay and survive moisture and temp changes, in a somewhat harsh environment..
(besides, the original line WAS cracked and leaking/sucking air..:laugh: i'm sure that boat is 'safer' now regardless..)

Ayuh,.... I believe it's Fire Resistance,...
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,089
Re: fuel lines

The OLD OEM hoses were not Ethanol resistant.
They were a bit bigger/thicker.
Buy hoses from anyone as long as they are Ethanol resistant.
I bought a bunch of hose from Auto Zone and was told it was e resistant.NOT!
Needs to say it on the hose.
I ran a spare tank and used about 10ft of hose.When I pulled it to replace.
It looked like someone melted the outside layer.
It never leaked,but I'm sure it would have if it was touched or moved.
 

Grub54891

Admiral
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
6,173
Re: fuel lines

Marine fuel hose is thicker,new stuff is alcohol resistant,the thickness is for fire rating. All steel lines should be stainless,lots aren't but that code has changed over the years,but have to be double flared. Anytime I see auto hose or copper tubing fuel line,I highly recomend to the owner to change it out,then it's up to them.
Grub
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: fuel lines

Marine Coastie approved fuel hose is fire resistant and is less permeable to fuel vapors passing through it. It is NOT the same as auto fuel hose.
 

lynnboy021

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
553
Re: fuel lines

good info here.... I don't have any problems with my fuel lines but I don't know how old they are and plus I have new fuel pump and a new carb so I just thought hey what the heck I got new pump n carb I should just put new lines also...right?...
 
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