Question

Are rubber fuel lines safe?

Answer 1

Rubber fuel lines are safe as long as they are installed away from heat and as long as the rubber fuel lines are rated for fuel.

Rubber fuel line can withstand pressures of up to 50 PSI although there are some fuel injection lines that can withstand higher pressures up to 60 PSI.

The best thread sealant for fuel lines is Permatex Thread Sealant with PTFE that is resistant to fuel, oil and even air and hydraulic systems.

You can use PEX clamps on fuel line and even in submerged fuel as well.

PEX clamps are fuel resistant and are great for fuel line both in take and out of tank.

Fuel lines such as rubber fuel lines do need clamps to prevent them from coming off under the pressure of the fuel.

Always use clamps on all fuel lines and especially the pressure fuel lines.

Plumbers tape can be used on fuel line although there's a potential for it to break free and get into the fuel system.

A fuel line can be too big and a fuel line that is too big can take longer to pressurize and could have a drop in fuel pressure as well.

It can take a larger pump to pump the fuel in a larger fuel line.

Fuel lines should be sized correctly to get the correct fuel pressure and prevent fuel leaks as well.

Fuel line length does matter as the longer the fuel line the more pressure it will need to get the fuel to the engine.

However most times there's no worry about the length of fuel line from the fuel pump to the engine as the fuel pump should provide enough pressure to send the fuel to the engine.

You can use rubber hose for fuel return line as long as it's rated for fuel.

It is OK to use rubber fuel lines for fuel as long as the rubber hose is rated for fuel such as gasoline and diesel.

The size that most fuel lines are would be 3/8 inch size.

The most popular fuel line sizes are.

-6AN (=3/8" OD)
-8AN (=1/2" OD)
-10AN (=5/8" OD)
-12AN (=3/4" OD)

You can use braided hose for fuel line as long as it's automotive type braided hose and rated for fuel.

You cannot use braided hose that is rated for water or non fuel as it can degrade and leak.

But use of braided hose such as stainless steel braided automotive fuel line is good and can be used for fuel including gasoline.

Polyurethane tubing can be used as fuel line as polyurethane is resistant to gasoline, diesel and most other fuels and chemicals which make it an ideal tubing type for fuel lines.

Vinyl hose will not work on fuel lines as vinyl cannot withstand the contact with fuel and will degrade and leak.

Also gasoline and other fuel tends to make a clear vinyl hose go hard, and when that happens the pipe may become brittle and the seals at each end may be compromised.

Silicone tubing and hoses are not resistant to gasoline as silicone hoses are porous and not suitable for fuel or oil.

Stainless steel can be used for fuel line as it's resistant to fuel and good for high pressure as well.

The best material for fuel line is braided stainless steel fuel line that has much higher heat resistance and withstands high pressure liquid better than other fuel hose.

Rubber fuel hose is also good for fuel line.

Fuel lines don't usually need Teflon tape if you're using compression fittings.

However some fuel lines may need Teflon tape depending on the type of fuel line connector you're using.

You can Zip tie fuel lines to hang them or to also submerge the fuel hose in gasoline or diesel.

Plastic zip ties are fuel resistant and safe to be submerged in fuel.

Nylon fuel zip ties are also fuel resistant and also resistant to most chemicals.

The hose clamps for fuel line should be tight enough so that it's squeezes the fuel line somewhat and tight enough so the hose cannot be pulled off.

Tighten the hose clamp a little at a time and check the hose.

Just make sure the fuel hose clamp is not tight enough to cut into the hose.

You can use polyurethane tubing as fuel line as it has exceptional resistance to most gasoline, oils, kerosene, and other petroleum-based chemicals, making PU tubing and hose an ideal choice for fuel lines (although additives in today's gasoline and petroleum products warrant field testing).

The kind of hose you can use for fuel line is rubber fuel line hose that is rated for fuel.

SAE 30R7 hoses are designed for fuel.

Rubber hose that is rated for fuel can be used for return fuel line as well as pressure fuel line.

When using rubber hose for fuel line pressure make sure the rubber hose is rated for the fuel under pressure.

However any fuel hose that is rubber will be okay for fuel return line.

However just note that regular non fuel rated rubber vacuum or heater hose should never be used in fuel applications.

The hose will deteriorate from the inside out and can plug fuel filters and carburetors with rubber debris, long before it springs an external leak.

SAE 30R7 hoses are designed for fuel.

These can go under the hood and are typically used for low-pressure applications like carburetors or a fuel return line.

It can also be used for PCV connections and emissions devices.

SAE 30R9 hoses are designed for high-pressure applications like fuel injection systems.

Answer 2

Rubber fuel lines can be safe for use in vehicles when they are designed and manufactured to meet specific safety standards and regulations. It's crucial to ensure that the rubber used in the fuel lines is compatible with the type of fuel it will be in contact with (such as gasoline or diesel) and is resistant to degradation from chemicals present in the fuel.

Additionally, proper installation and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of rubber fuel lines. Over time, rubber hoses can degrade due to factors such as exposure to heat, oil, and other environmental conditions, which can lead to leaks or failure. Regular inspections and replacement of worn or damaged fuel lines are essential to prevent potential hazards.

When selecting rubber fuel lines, it's essential to choose hoses that meet the relevant industry standards and regulations for fuel system components to ensure their safety and performance. Following manufacturer recommendations and guidelines for installation and maintenance can help ensure the safe operation of rubber fuel lines in your vehicle.

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