Fuel Hoses

[John042]

Hi All. Just "doing" winter tasks on Wesley (280i) Was changing the fuel filter between the tank and pump and noticed deterioration of the rubber fuel pipes. These were replaced 2 years ago. On closer inspection surface hair line cracks were visible along the complete pipe run. No leaks apparent. The pipes were marked "Marine Fuel, Suitable for Unleaded") Is this a result of fuel additives, Methanol? Is it best to replace with silicone hose? Incidentally, the fuel gauge problem was a float full of fuel. Cheers J C.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi John


I had the very same issue with the 350i...I replaced the fuel rail hose with so called new fuel grade hose and within a year I had a puddle of fuel in the Vee.....not good.

Don't buy from companies on the flea, go direct to Pirtek..Gates...or associated companies...


Ziga

[rev-erend]

The new fuel is evil.

It eats cheap fuel hose for breakfast.

[phillpot]

Lot of useful and informative stuff about fuel line on S and Chimaera Forums but the jist of it is buy Gates or Goodyear from reputable supplier!


Make sure you get the high pressure stuff

[John042]

Thanks for the replies. I had a thought about the state of our fuel supplies and the amount of methanol now added. Will silicone fare any better? The hoses in question are the low pressure supply pipes from the tanks to the pump. I might cut a pipe open to see the internal damage if it has done that to the outside! J C

[mrzigazaga]

Hi John


You can buy silicone fuel hose but personally I would buy a good quality rubber hose for modern fuels from a recommended supplier...


Ziga

[John042]

Thanks Mark. May have been old stock the length I fitted. Cheers J C.

[Plan B]

You need fuel hose that’s Ethanol resistant. Modern fuel has around 5% bio ethanol which eats into old style rubber hoses. You need hose to spec SAE J30 R9 to withstand this. Things will get worse in the future when we move up to 10% ethanol as they have in many places around the world. (The USA is going up to 15% at some time). Don’t buy cheap R9 hose from dodgy eBay sellers - it’s usually fake - as I well know to my cost. Stick with known quality brands like Gates Codan etc. You’ll pay a bit more but at least it’s fit for purpose.

[Engineer1949]

this has been covered before but just to reiterate i use marine grade 7840 hose from gates, i get it from a local chandler the hose is marked with the year of manufacture as the american coast guard and our own boat safety scheme insist on this hose, it is 30 minute fire resistant and virtually no bleed out and runs up to 140psi comes in many sizes and dosent kink on tighter radii hope this is helpfull


john

[John042]

Thanks James/John. I will obtain hose with your recommendations. Cheers J C.

[pasogrande]

On the left side of the pond our gas/petrol has "up to 10% ethanol" as normal. Rec fuel with 0% ethanol is also available at an exorbitant price. Here the solution is to go to a marine store, where appropriate fuel hose is available; yes even the hard-to-find 5/8" diameter. I like the one with a red stripe (Trident?)