See full version: Fuel Lines; Hoses
Of course, as it’s always a good idea to wear safety glasses when doing automotive work, it is especially important when you’re working with the fuel system. The fuel is highly pressurized. You’ll have to depressurize the fuel system before you begin. To do that, remove the fuel pump fuse from your fuse box, start the engine, and run it until it stalls.
The biggest problems that affect fuel lines are clogs and leaks. Fuel lines can become clogged if debris finds its way into the fuel tank or if the fuel tank begins to rust. Rubber fuel lines can crack with age, leading to leaks. They can also wear out from rubbing against nearby metal parts. A clogged fuel line can sometimes cause an overflow elsewhere, resulting in a leak.
Fuel line leaks present their own particular signs. The most obvious of these would be a fuel leaks underneath your vehicle. You may also smell gas fumes when you are driving. If the gas is leaking onto something hot, then you may see or smell smoke. Obviously, fuel leaks are a fire hazard, so you’ll want to replace a leaking fuel line as soon as possible. [links]
Since both clogs and leaks reduce the amount of fuel reaching the engine, they can cause many of the same symptoms. If the engine isn’t getting enough gas, it may have a hard time starting, or it might not start at all. If it does start, it might stall out later. more
Fuel lines carry fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. These rubber hoses or steel lines run from the fuel pump to a fuel filter, which may be located in the rear of the vehicle near the fuel pump or in the engine compartment. They then transfer fuel from the fuel filter to the carburetor, throttle body, or a fuel injection rail. The hoses carry fuel, under pressure, to the engine to keep it running. more
Although you can replace your own fuel lines, you should be forewarned that it is a tough job, and a messy one. We recommend doing this job yourself only if you have some serious automotive experience under your belt.
Propane, which used to be called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is a colorless, nontoxic and almost odorless hydrocarbon. Ethyl mercaptan is added to produce an identifying odor similar to rotten eggs. Propane is used in a camper to power water and space heaters, and for convection ovens and stove-top burners. Some recreational vehicles (RVs) are also equipped with a propane-powered electrical generator. The main gas supply line under a camper is vulnerable to compression damage from road contact or to crimping from inadvertent jacking, and internal spurs can become worn or fragile. In these situations, an update of the propane lines is advisable.
Install an inline shut-off valve rated for propane after every junction between the iron pipe and copper tube, three inches up the copper tube. Locate the valves where they are away from appliances but easy to access, usually beneath the camper and close to an outside edge. more
Clean the exposed black iron pipe with mineral spirits on a rag. Prime with a metal primer, and then topcoat with an oil-based exterior paint. more
Replacing a corroded fuel line is often a frustrating job. Original equipment fuel lines are often difficult to re-route under the vehicle. And while braided steel fuel lines are available in pieces or in bulk, they still require significant work to get them ready for installation.
These Dorman OE FIX lines are flexible stainless steel, cut to the full length of the original on specific vehicles, with connectors for the easiest possible installation. By enabling a faster installation that’s more reliable, they are better in every way than traditional solutions. more
With all of these problems, why in the world is the practice of using rubber hose for this application accepted by installers, owners and regulators? The answer is that, in spite of its shortcomings, rubber hose was (up until the last few years) the only reasonably effective product available for the areas where the water level would change substantially over the course of a day or season. more
With experience in designing and installing piping systems for more than 100 marina fueling facilities, we feel strongly that the piping system merits special attention and discussion. Especially in areas with severe periodic variation in water surface levels, such as reservoirs or oceans, the design of the marina piping system is critical to the long-term economic and environmental success of the site. These systems need to be durable, permeation-resistant, flexible, fire-resistant, crush-proof, easy to install and (last but not least) economical.
Photo 2: Marina piping is in an underdeck piping trough with the deck plates removed. Courtesy of Total Containment, Inc. here
At this time, there is no specific UL protocol for marina piping, and most regulators do not readily accept other third-party test reports. Therefore, obtaining local regulatory approval for these improved piping systems is not always easy. more