Help redoing fuel lines....with a twist!

[mitchbuck]

I have a 17ft 1984 proline with a 90hp 1993 Force on the back that I purchased this spring. The boat came with duel fuel tanks: an original 20 gallon main tank below deck and a 12 gallon portable tank in the center console. Both fuel lines connect to a manual splitter valve that has one line going to the engine. Here are the two issues I need input on:

1) I need to replace the the fuel line from the main tank below deck to the splitter as its the original fuel line and it feels soft and is deteriorating. This fuel line says 3/8 ID, but it has a much bigger OD than the newer 3/8 ID hose (light gray) that connects the portable tank to the splitter. Does it really matter what kind of fuel hose I use below deck as long as its marine grade fuel hose?

2) There is a 3/8 ID hose from the splitter valve to the primer bulb, however, there is 5/16 ID hose from the other side of the primer bulb which goes direct to the fuel pump on the outboard itself without any sort of quick disconnect valve. I would like to re-rig this so I have 3/8 ID hose on either side of the bulb with a quick disconnect at the motor and 5/16" hose from the quick disconnect to the fuel pump. Any recommendations on a what type/brand of disconnect fittings I should use to connect 3/8 to 5/16 lines?

3) Currently there is only a small inline filter between the fuel pump and carbs....is this the correct location for a secondary filter? I am also installing a full size racor fuel water filter between the splitter valve and primer bulb and was shocked that there wasn't one installed already.

Let me know if you guys have any other input.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Help redoing fuel lines....with a twist!

Hi Mitch

To answer your fist question the hose is probably designed for use in underfloor tanks. The hose is a special purpose hose designed to not outgas fumes into the bilge. I only found out recently when replacing my fuel lines. The boat originally had standard hoses. The hose supplier advised the use of these hoses in underfloor situations. New regulations in Australia. From memory standard E20 resistant marine hose was about $20.00 a meter and the underfloor hose was about $35.00 a meter. I opted for the thicker hose as I only had a short run. The breather hose is meant to have this type of hose as well. Had to cut larger holes in the deck to feed it through.

Question three.

Yes this is where the inline filter is meant to be. Filters the fuel just before it enters the carbs. It prevents any crud from a deteriorating fuel pump from clogging the carbs. They are cheap and changed as part of a regular service.

Cheers

Dean

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Help redoing fuel lines....with a twist!

The quick disconnects usually won't last that long.
I removed mine when I bought new in 88.
If possible don't install any unless they are at the motor.
Mine(hoses) are there permanent.So I don't need them.
The more you put in the more possible problems????
Remember your pump is small and the more you put in the system(big filters) cause restrictions.
A water/fuel seperating filter.From here or Wally World is all you need.
I like a filter you can see through.Wally World G-2 or G-12 between the carb and pump.
Try to paint the filter,a couple of coats.Mine was a year old and it's got a hole in it.
I usually paint them cause I fish/boat in the Atlantic.
Fill out the profile,location.

 

[mitchbuck]

Re: Help redoing fuel lines....with a twist!

Thanks for the input guys. I replaced the below deck fuel like with high quality 3/8 ID line. When I pulled old hose it had "1983" printed on it.....thats the original hose on that boat! It was definitely time for a change as it had rot on it. I will keep the secondary inline filter between the pump/carbs. Good point on the quick disconnect, and I just ended up putting a new primer bulb and 5/16 ID line from primer to fuel pump.