Heads up on fuel lines

[jibes138]

I was installing a new fuel tank over the last few days and once installed and testing the system I observed a fuel leak from the diesel return line mounted in an area with poor visibility. The leak would run along the hose and end up dripping in an area that also wasn't readily visible. To make a long story short this leak was not near any joint so I pulled the entire length of hose and found it was all cracked and deteriorated to the point of leaking under pressure. So for those of you with older boats, mine is about 27 years old, consider pre-emptive replacement of your fuel lines, the hoses don't apparently last forever.
I also found auto parts stores and some hardware stores carry fuel line, clamps, and fittings at favorable pricing. New 7 gallon tank is now installed and running with no leaks. I'll try to take a few photos if anyone is interested as a temporary alternative to pulling a large tank that requires engine removal. The tank is from Moeller and has pickup and return fittings pre-installed and an electric fuel level sender aong with a vent port pre-installed. They don't advertise this size tank so I had to dig around to find it and it was in stock at Moeller.

 

[MrUnix]

Standard practice is to replace flexible fuel lines every 10 years.. 27 is a bit of a stretch

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nice job, Dave.

Fuel lines are next on my list. I even have the access wall off.

Thanks for the reminder. For all of us.

 

[Joe]

Same goes with the fuel line on my outboard tank...... 12 years and I started noticing fuel (gas) where it shouldn't be.... started to tighten a few clamps, but stopped and said "how hard is it?" so I replaced everything.... I feel alot better now.

 

[alexco38]

Just got towed back to the slip again today. Twice in two weeks. Found another air leak in the suction line. Diesel engine will quit when go in gear or throttle down.

Tomorrow I'll change all hoses and clamps.

It wasn't fun trying to enter the bay without power. Wind was blowing too.

 

[finding41]

I had a heck of a time starting my out board yesterday. I replaced all the line and bulb in the winter.
Seems like someone had taken off the line at the motor... Wasn't me. I've only ever had it off once to replace the line.
It's locked on.
I need to get a night vision camera.

 

[Eddie7045]

Hoses, both fuel line and water hoses deteriorate

from the inside out. That is why a maintenance inspection calls for squeezing the hose to feel for "sponginess" which would indicate deterioration on the inside. I've replaced old hoses that looked new on the outside but were crumbling inside. Marine grade fuel line will survive longer in a fire and is required by law on gasoline marine engines. They cost more. Splurge ! Also, marine grade hose clamps are a higher grade of stainless steel than stainless automotive clamps. Periodic replacement of head hoses can prevent odors and stoppages due to a hose deteriorating on the inside.