Can you use rubber hose for fuel return line?

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asked Nov 18, 2022 in Repairs/Maintenance by JoeBonner (1,400 points)
Can you use rubber hose for fuel return line?

2 Answers

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answered Feb 27, 2023 by 7maxwarren (13,880 points)
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.
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answered Apr 11, 2024 by JHsealstrip (340 points)

Rubber hoses are commonly used for fuel return lines in many vehicles. However, it's essential to ensure that the rubber hose you choose is compatible with the type of fuel it will be handling and meets the necessary specifications for your vehicle. Hoses designed for fuel applications typically use materials like nitrile rubber, which are resistant to degradation from gasoline or diesel fuel. Additionally, make sure the hose is rated for the appropriate pressure and temperature ranges to ensure safe and reliable operation. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines when selecting hoses for your vehicle's fuel system.

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