Expected life of a fuel line hose?

Sep 24, 2018
2,646
O'Day 25 Chicago
I replaced a fuel line yesterday and found that the gasoline had some black stuff in it. I suspect it was a cloud of very fine solids as I was able to mix it. I also suspect that it was a hose deteriorating. What's the expected lifetime for a fuel hose that is not exposed to UV? The engine bay does not see any extreme temperatures
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
21,205
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I suspect 5 years is two soon, 20 years to long. 12.5 years just about right.
Said Goldi”hose”locks.

With the addition of ethanol to gasoline, hose life has been altered.
 
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Likes: rgranger
Jan 7, 2011
4,842
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I am guessing mine are original to the boat…1988 built. So 36 years old at present.

diesel though, not gas.

Greg
 
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Jan 7, 2011
4,842
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
And don’t mix epoxy in one….ask me how I know :yikes:

Many other useful functions though…:beer:


Greg
 
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Jan 11, 2014
11,506
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
If you are getting black stuff from your fuel line, it is past time to replace the fuel line. Be certain to use USCG rated fuel hose and not something from Amazon or the auto parts store. The USCG rated hose is less likely to permeate gas vapors which in an enclosed space like a boat, well you know the results. That and your insurance company may find fault with your installation.

For epoxy, save your dairy containers, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. They don't melt. :cool:
 
Sep 24, 2018
2,646
O'Day 25 Chicago
If you are getting black stuff from your fuel line, it is past time to replace the fuel line. Be certain to use USCG rated fuel hose and not something from Amazon or the auto parts store. The USCG rated hose is less likely to permeate gas vapors which in an enclosed space like a boat, well you know the results. That and your insurance company may find fault with your installation.

For epoxy, save your dairy containers, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. They don't melt. :cool:
Most of the hoses are only a couple of years old. Maybe it's time to check the seals on the fuel filter?

Thanks for the info on permeation. The admiral's biggest complaint is that the cabin smells like an engine and/or gas. I've also found that the stuff labelled as "fuel injection hose" doesn't like to stretch over barbs

When I first started working with fiberglass, I managed to melt a few epoxy specific containers trying to mix too much at once :biggrin:
 
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Oct 10, 2009
987
Catalina 27 Lake Monroe
Maybe I should add a secondary filter just before the carb... On a second, slightly humorous note, do not use a solo cup as a catch can. Gas will melt it
I have a 10 micron water separating filter before the fuel pump and a 1 micron secondary b/w the pump and the carb.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,736
- - LIttle Rock
I've been told by more than one major yard manager that the max working life of ANY hose on a boat is 10 years because rubber and plastics dry out over time, causing hoses to become hard, brittle and prone to cracking and splitting. Old hoses connected to thru-hulls left open when no one is aboard is the leading cause of boats sinking in their slips.

--Peggie
 
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