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Fuel line

M

mattv

Contributing Member
I recently had someone doing some fiberglass repair on the steps from the cockpit into my cabin and the copper fuel line that is connected to the tank pick up and then T's off to the ball valves and engines had to be removed from its brackets. The guy left it hanging there and never put it back and I jumped in the engine compartment caught it with my sock and folded the line in half. My question is do I replace it again with copper line or would 3/8 marine fuel hose be better? The pickup is not damaged so I would need to remove the old line from it and install a nipple come up with hose to a t fitting where I could attach another nipple and the new ball valves.

Thanks,
Matt
 
I'd be getting rid of the copper, and replace all lines with the current USCG type A1 approved fuel hose.

There are also some great all SS Euro or German style band clamps available. Correct clamp for hose diameter is critical!
They look like these:
note that the worm drive reliefs DO NOT penetrate the band.........
15b1405-a.jpg
15b1406-a.jpg


..... as you will find in this style.
15b1407-a.jpg


.
 
Passagemaker magazine had an article on fuel lines recently and for gas boats copper is still one of the preferred materials. The new flex is OK but you will need a bunch of new fittings.

Dan
 
I do not think that is good advice. If not precisely installed correctly as to avoid work hardening of the copper, it can become a dangerous material to use for gasoline fuel lines.

Here is just one article on the subject of fuel lines/hoses, and clearly states that Copper should not be used.

If you insist on copper, make certain that the correct restraints and supports are used, along with coils or loops at/near any vibration prone transitions.

None-the-less, it begs the question of why we would even want to use copper this day and age, when all of the correct Marine approved hoses and hose fittings are available!
 
30 years ............copper lines lasted still working fine ..took em out to re route fresh stuff

napa has section of epoxy coated steel for the fuel pump to carb Ill look at doing
 
Yep, my 37 year old copper lines look like new also. Wonder what the new rubber ones will look like when they are that old. The passagmaker article said one of the reasons copper is so good is it's ability to absorb movement and vibration. There are many boats in my club much older than mime and they all have copper fuel lines.

Dan
 
All,

I think I will go the fuel hose route as I have everything I need already. If I did go with the copper where do you pick that stuuf up? Home depot? Thanks for all of the input!

Matt
 
Any hardware store sells 1/4 to 3/8 " flexible copper tubing. Be sure you anchor it firmly to prevent vibration that leads to fatigue failures and leaks.

Jeff
 
I'm with Rick. Unless you are going to duplicate the original install, go with the rubber line. Copper is great for fuel line and it does last a long time but, Most will not reinstall it with the correct routing and supports.
 
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