Grey gas line problem

[amuller]

Interesting subject. I’ve been using generic auto-parts-store fuel line which is SAE J30R7 and costs around $1.25/foot. This doesn’t have a liner in the inner tube. Most of what I’ve been reading says one should use SAE J30R9, which is often sold as "fuel injection" hose, and costs maybe 50% more. This does have more layers and one has to pay attention to that when inserting fittings. Some of the black "fuel hose" sold at big box stores, etc, is actually PVC, not rubber, and isn’t marked as compliant with any SAE standard. I don’t use this. It appears that the auto industry is moving, or has moved, to teflon (PTFE)hose, but nylon has also been used for fuel lines. There is a set of Coast Guard fuel hose type numbers that tie back to a different set of SAE standards. There are EPA standards for permeation. Blah, blah, blah, all very complicated and confusing. I’ve seen 50-60 year old hoses that seem serviceable, and two-year-old ones failing….

[jerry-ahrens]

The bad part of using the black auto parts fuel hose, is the black that rubs off on your hands after the hose is in the sun. But, it is cheap and will work fine. In my business, I have to install the correct EPA and Coast Guard rated fuel line for liability purposes. I always liked the old OMC [black] fuel line and primer bulb assemblies… maybe one could be found on e bay, perhaps a new old stock? You can also buy the Quicksilver [blue print] fuel line by the foot, for a pretty reasonable cost. Of course you still have to find a good primer bulb. I use Sea Choice brand primer bulbs. They are a Quicksilver bulb, repackaged for Sea Choice, who is owned by Brunswick. Those bulbs have the barrier lining and work very well… same part as an OEM Quicksilver, but cheaper in price.
I agree with Dan and Pappy, with regards to the fuel line connectors. OEM is the only way to go, with hose, or connectors for that matter.

[dan-in-tn]

Boy Jerry I had to look twice when you said you were using Sea Choice bulbs! (Sea Sense being so close). I don’t keep up with Mercury products much, but I did know they had a problem with a particular hose?
Different types of hose is needed for below deck (stern drive vs outboards) vs above deck. Same for anti-syphon valves. Most tank manufacturers just put one in anyway. A cheap one that gives problems! The hose below deck has to meet ABYC/Coast Guard burn test among other things. Some of that hose is over an 1 1/4" in diameter. Too bulky for our use. Very heavy. As far as the black getting on your hands, that is just a good gauge as a time to change it out. I find most of the PTFE hose gets hard as a rock when exposed to ethanol over time. A 2′ piece of that under your front seat makes a great weapon after it gets hard. Just my opinion.

Dan in TN

[david-bartlett]

I now make my own fuel lines when needed. Most of my stuff uses the double line pressure tanks so not a big deal.

Here are a few pics of the problem

[david-bartlett]

I now make my own fuel lines when needed. Most of my stuff uses the double line pressure tanks so not a big deal.

Here are a few pics of the problem

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[Tonino]

I have a 1974 Merc500.  I need fuel hose, primer bulb and a female connector for the engine end of the fuel hose.   The fuel hose (black/gray) topic was helpful as its been so long I couldn’t recall which was the bad one.  “Gray Death” says it all.  Back to the female connector.  There are several out there that look essentially the same but only some are correct.  I like OEM stuff but my parts list doesn’t have the female on the hose end, only the male part number for the fitting on the engines lower cowl.   The parts list calls the male fitting a “Engine Fuel check unit part #30186.  I need the female companion for it to put on fuel hose to the tank.  If anyone can help me I would be forever grateful.  Thanks.

Tonino

[crosbyman]

best to start a new thread  and not revive dead ones  from 8 years ago .

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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