1993 Mariner 2 stroke fuel line failure

[amry69]

My fuel line has failed three times in a month at the connection to the head. At this point I'm going to chalk it up to old and brittle line. I looked all over today for a replacement 3/16 inch transparent lawn mower line like the one that's on it (bought the boat last month - don't know when the lines were replaced or if they were). Can't find it. I bought a normal automotive fuel line the right size.

Can anyone think of a reason this wouldn't work? Seams like a lot more resilient than the lawn mower line that's on there. Yes I read the owner's manual; shockingly it doesn't go into that level of detail.

 

[twodzusfittings]

Your clear fuel line must be getting hard and brittle. This is the downside for clear fuel lines opposed to the black fuel line where you cannot see when the inner wall collapses. If you like to have clear, most automotive stores sell it in 6' lengths. I do not recommend going to the hardware store and picking up vinyl hose as it most probably not rated for use with fuel.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

He is scorrect that many lines at hardware stores are not rated for fuel particualy now with ethanol in it. I am a former Hunter sailboat dealer.

dave condon

 

[isaksp00]

I bought fuel line from Honda for my 8hp, the black type. I did test it in the basement with the vinyl stuff, but did not leave that once I had done my repairs.

 

[KI4ARJ]

With ethanol in most fuels, older models of outboards fuel lines are not designed to handle the fuel. Most people get a new fuel line at the dealer or supply house and forget to replace the short section inside the cowling to the fuel pump and then on to the carburator. I have seen the inside of these hoses fail and clog things up. A rep. dealer can replace this with minimum expense. If they failed (severe) it my require a carb. cleaning.

 

[isaksp00]

That photo looks almost like it burned - is it actually touching the head where it gets hot? If so, I'd think it is routed improperly. Is that the line that goes in or out of the fuel pump, and if so, is it too close to the heated surface?

 

[amry69]

isalsp00:

My first thought was a burn too. The hole is developing on top; as far away from any heat as possible. I think it's just brittle, gets warm and fails. I did put a regular automotive fuel line on it and ran it last weekend for about 40 minutes. No problems. From the responses above I guess this line can eventually fail also but for $2.99 (only needed half so $1.49) maybe I'll just replace it every year.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I have researched this with other marie dealers and they too are saying the older fuel lines are being affected due to ethanol (corn ridiculous crap) and they are having to replace all fuel lines to include those in the engines.