Getting diesel fuel hose loose from deck filler?

thinwater · Oct 9, 2012

Vegas said:
I have to replace the diesel deck filler, and can't seem to get the diesel fuel hose off my 20-year-old Beneteau. There is no slack in the hose so if I cut it, it won't reach the new deck fill. Is it safe to soften the diesel fuel hose with a hair dryer or heat gun and then pull it off, or will it likely start a diesel fire? For example, that's the only way I can get the raw water intake hose off the thru hull when I'm winterizing the engine, but don't know if it would be safe for this new problem in the vicinity of obviously combustible diesel. (I wouldn't even bother asking this question if we were talking about gas, but not sure if the combustion temp of diesel is so much higher as to not be a risk).

If that's a crazy idea, as I suspect it MIGHT be, any other ideas?

If the hose is 20 years old, you do need to replace it.

Diesel's ignition point is similar to paper. The flash point (temperature where there are enough fumes in an enclosed area) varies from 120-140F.

As for winterizing, if there is a hose that needs to come off, insert a T and valves as needed and future winterizing will be easier. Annual hose removal is painful and often leads to leaks.

Stu Jackson · Oct 9, 2012

I agree. Remove the hose from the tank, then remove the deck fill with the hose, pull it up. Replace in reverse, with the last step replacing the hose connection to the tank.

Either use a T as suggested, or at least use Rectors Pipe Dope or Lanocote when you install hoses so they can be removed in the future.

Balaena II · Oct 9, 2012

Fuel Filler hose

Vegas said:
I have to replace the diesel deck filler, and can't seem to get the diesel fuel hose off my 20-year-old Beneteau. There is no slack in the hose so if I cut it, it won't reach the new deck fill. Is it safe to soften the diesel fuel hose with a hair dryer or heat gun and then pull it off, or will it likely start a diesel fire? For example, that's the only way I can get the raw water intake hose off the thru hull when I'm winterizing the engine, but don't know if it would be safe for this new problem in the vicinity of obviously combustible diesel. (I wouldn't even bother asking this question if we were talking about gas, but not sure if the combustion temp of diesel is so much higher as to not be a risk).

If that's a crazy idea, as I suspect it MIGHT be, any other ideas?

If the hose is as old as your boat i would suggest this is a good time to replace it.

tommays · Oct 9, 2012

The hose is TIRED

BUT if you can reach it with channel-lock pliers and start to slowly move it it should break free

YOU need to be REALLY careful on the tank end the fitting is NOT all that strong

Chris Patterson · Oct 9, 2012

There is a very cheap tool made for removing radiator hoses, looks like a long tapered S-hook. I've used mine a hundred times, and although I think they're about five bucks or so, if I could not get another one, I wouldn't take a hundred dollar bill for it.
It is just right for sneaking in and around stuck hoses, whereas a screwdriver never works. Such a simple little tool, and once you use one, your toolbox will ALWAYS have one..

sailaway78 · Oct 9, 2012

Utility knife

Just take a utility knife, box cutter, and split the hose and peel it off. If it has wire in it, a pair of dykes will work. That hose needs to be replaced at that age. If you did manage to get it off in one piece, chances are it will crack.

Ray Bowles · Oct 9, 2012

I have found that if you need to cut a hose to remove it that many times a carpet blade works better that a straight blade. It is shaped like a hook and allows you to cut by pulling it to you. Split the hose lengthwise and remove it from the pipe tube.
Secondly, a warm hose is much easier to install or remove. I often soften a hose by dipping the end in water that is boiling hot or as close to that as possible. A few seconds of that heat makes the hose slip on very easly. A blow dryer used in moderation would help remove a hose but a carpet knife is better.
A hose needs to have the "working seal" broken to allow it to be removed. The working seal is the bond between the hose and the neck it is mounted on. Over time this bond occures and must be broken to remove the hose. If it is possible to reach the hose end with a large pair of channel locks you can break this seal. Grip the hose with just enough pressure to twist the hose both ways on the pipe neck without crushing or bending the pipe neck. The hose can then be pulled off. If this can't be done then try inserting a very small screwdriver between the hose and the pipe to break the seal. This method requires time and patience. The last method is to cut the hose in half and twist each half of the hose to break the seal and remove it.
A hose with wire in it really needs to be twisted to remove otherwise you must cut the rubber with a blade and then cut the wire. Then cut the rubber, cut wire, repeat, repeat.
Good luck, Ray

rardiH36 · Oct 10, 2012

Here's another way .... if the previous suggestions still fail to get it loose. I did this when I needed to replace the original 15" (or so) hose between my filler port and the fuel tank which had been in place between 1980 and 2007. Wouldn't budge at all with channel locks (too tight access anyway for a good grip). Nor trying to work a screw driver underneath. And just cutting through the rubber with a box cutter knife wouldn't work because of the steel wires embedded in the hose material.

So I used my Dremmel with the abrasive cut-off attachment wheel very carefully to only cut no deeper then through the steel wire ... being super careful not to go through the rest of the rubber after the steel wires were cut. I felt that the risk of a spark ending up in the tank was slight. Then I used a box knife to cut through the rest of the rubber down to the tank and filler flanges. Then I was able work a screwdriver into the cut-off wheel cut to break the hose loose.

Ray Bowles · Oct 10, 2012

rardi, Great idea! I've used my Dremmel cut-off for many other jobs, never thought about that one. Use an older, smaller used wheel for the tight fit. Diesel fuel doesn't flash like gas so I think you'd be safe there if you are careful.
Ray

rardiH36 · Oct 10, 2012

Agree diesel isn't like gas, so no vapors to flash. But it still burns, so no sparks can get into the tank or filler tube void space. Extinguisher handy!

Stu Jackson · Oct 11, 2012

The hose is on the outside of the tank and the pickup tube. The metal in the hose is inside the hose, outside of any fuel fumes. What's the issue?

rardiH36 · Oct 11, 2012

Stu:

If not paying attention and if the dremell cutting of the wire reinforced rubber tube happens to get above the tank's metal tube then just possible that sparks could fly into the diesel side of the equation!? Just that sparks will be happening close to a combustible element. Better to be careful as possible is my thought.

Stu Jackson · Oct 11, 2012

I don't disagree, just trying to explain where the sparks "could" go. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.