Vinyl tubing is a great alternative to a fuel line, especially if you have a boat or an older car.
No wonder many people ask if they can use vinyl tubing for the fuel line. The answer is yes, you can use vinyl tubing for fuel lines, but there are some things you should know before applying them.
First of all, it’s recommended that you use the smallest diameter of vinyl tubing possible for your application. You can also opt to use small-diameter hose clamps instead of a hose clamp with a metal band because these will not scratch the surface of the tube as much as metal clamps do.
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Polyurethane, vinyl, and fuel lines
Polyurethane foams are thin-walled, a bit stiffer than I anticipated, but they still provide flexibility. They might not fit some complex shapes seamlessly, but they can follow the path you want them to on the inside of cylinders without touching.
Best of all is that they come in different colors, including clear. The only problem is shits in millimeters.
Vinyl will harden quickly. Add ethanol to it, and it’ll crack within.
I enjoy exploring new angles of old problems. I used to utilize a lot of my spare time thinking about improving my fuel lines. When you’re not competing, it’s nice to have more time on your hands to think creative thoughts. I used thinner and more flexible fuel lines that account for any unforeseen situation or bump in the track.
Can you use vinyl tubing for the fuel line?
If you’ve got an old machine with a rubber fuel line, should you choose something more modern or stick with what you already have? PVC is too stiff, and the Gates Barricade hose is designed to resist the impurities in contemporary fuel.
It is black rubber but has some additional layers inside. It does fit through shrouds on the older Tecumsehs. I used PVC on an old 2 stroke outboard. It seemed to work fine.
I’ll go for rubber instead of the PVC stuff. By the way, the 1/2″ stated on the PVC product description above is for the outer dimension.
Polyurethane is what I want, but I’m not sure how well it will hold up. Manufacturers aren’t open about any information, and user opinions are mixed. For now, I think I’ll go with Gates injection stuff instead.
Best way to secure fuel lines I had a bit of an issue at racer practice on Friday. My motorcycle sprung a fuel leak! Fortunately, the bike wasn’t on track, it was fairly cool, and fortunately, someone was there to notice and do something about it.
Is Tygon the ideal choice?
Tygon is a very flexible tubing used for small engines. It can be either clear or yellow and comes in short sections or long rolls.
Tygon silicone fuel line is a better solution when choosing a clear line. This product comes in either yellow or green, and the company’s track record should be considered when making a decision.
I haven’t seen any complaints so far, but I’ll keep an eye out for any problems. It does seem like an expensive investment at first glance, but in the long run, it’s worth it for its many benefits.
Tygon F-4040-A is often used for gas lines. They are reasonably priced and were the standard gas line solution until another, cheaper brand Tygon F-4411 became available.
Gasoline seems to be the problem of the day. Some people blame ethanol, but it can’t be an issue because of its popularity in most gas formulas.
Is there another product recommendation?
Yes, of course. You have several options to choose from based on your needs and condition.
Viton is an excellent all-around fuel line, and overall, the only thing I can say bad about it is its cost. Some people have been using the Tygothane C-210-A polyurethane line. It’s been catching on because it’s cheaper than the yellow F-4040-A.
McMaster Carr also has a line of Fluorosilicone Rubber for use with gasoline – this is more expensive than Viton but is more flexible. It’s extremely flexible.
If you have more money, you try the AN route. It makes worm-style ones that you tighten with a screwdriver. You can get heavier duty spring clips in various sizes from NAPA/etc.
Nickel-Copper seems to be the greatest if you don’t want rubber or plastic.
Automotive fuel injection hose works fine for gasoline, pure methanol, blends, and oil. eBay prices for cut lengths usually beat the auto store.
Well, cheap ones suck. And I’m not even sure a well-maintained bike needs one unless you put crap gas in it.
The parts store’s 1/4″ gas line works perfectly on small motors like lawnmowers and snow blowers. The downside is that you need a 7/16″ ID for your standard fuel oxidation to allow the gas to flow well through your gas line.
How to apply vinyl tubing for the fuel line?
Worm-style hose clamps have been used since the 1970s by OEMs. More commonly seen on EFI applications where the fuel pressure is significantly higher. Put a quick disconnect in place if you’ve got a line that you’re pulling and reinstalling often.
Spring clamps are sometimes referred to as constant tension clamps. They can keep clamping even as the hose breaks down like a spring.
One safe way to secure barbed fittings is to run wire through them. Please be careful not to over-tighten it when you’re attaching the tubing! You might want to check out that local repair place for small engines.
Next time you have the carbs off, replace all the fuel lines. This stuff swells from the ethanol in the gas and causes havoc.
Can vinyl tubes withstand gasoline?
Vinyl tubes can be used for chemicals, gases (like air), and greases. Can it withstand gasoline?
No. Please do not use plain ordinary vinyl tubing for gasoline and other hydrocarbons unless specially made for this purpose.
In general, it needs to be a cross-linked polymer to work with fuel. Only use a hose that is power rated.
Can diesel be used in vinyl tubing?
My friend has converted his VW diesel to burn vegetable oil. The car starts on diesel then uses heat to warm the veggie oil—diesel fuel lines made out of clear vinyl tubing.
Biodiesel is tough on all kinds of fuel lines, and it would be hard for any plastic to stand up to it. But we’re dealing with vegetable oil, not biodiesel, so the fuel line should be able to withstand normal use just fine.
More and more vehicle repair shops have been encountering fuel-line-related issues ever since the introduction of ethanol to the nation’s gas supply.
There were more problems with rubber, plastic, and metal when using leaded gas in the past. But these days, since they have to spend so much time fixing fuel delivery systems at the stations, it’s easier to use ethanol instead.
Fuel line fittings have evolved with new sizes, materials, and attachment fittings. It has caused many shops to expand their fuel line products to meet consumers’ demands.
This guide provides insight into the right products to buy for your home garage. Purchase a neoprene fuel line made of petroleum-resistant nitrile tube, and you can use it in different situations you might need.
Nylon lines can be purchased by the foot or in short sections with the attached right ends. Hose for marine fuel is different from standard fuel hose and needs to be Coast Guard approved.
