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
Expected life of a fuel line hose?
- Thread starter Project_Mayhem
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,145
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
And don’t mix epoxy in one….ask me how I know 
Many other useful functions though…
Greg
Many other useful functions though…
Greg
Yep, I learned that one the hard way too.And don’t mix epoxy in one….ask me how I know
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.
For epoxy, save your dairy containers, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. They don't melt.
Most of the hoses are only a couple of years old. Maybe it's time to check the seals on the fuel filter?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.
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
Are the vast majority of fuel vent lines 5/8"? I'm pretty sure mine is the original built in 1978
I have a 10 micron water separating filter before the fuel pump and a 1 micron secondary b/w the pump and the carb.
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
--Peggie
10 years is the recommended replacement interval for fuel hoses. Usually if they leak you will know it quickly, the diesel stinks something awful and the gasoline will make your boat explode. I saw a boat explode once, it was pretty spectacular and burnt to the waterline with people jumping in the lake. Luckily no fatalities.
AutoZone only has "fuel injection" hoses. They don't stretch which makes them really difficult to work with