Fuel line question
 

Fuel Line in the boat is now too short for new intakes (cast iron pancake toilets have been flushed!)
So now the line from the fuel pump to the carb is way too short due to the increase in height to the performers.
Do I get steel braided lines? Or put a rubber extension on this one?
What is coast guard approved for this?
This is just about the last thing I have to do to fire it up.
Please im on the edge of my seat here
Someone help me!!!!!
Thanks
Jason

I would go with the braided stainless myself but there seems to be some question as to Coast Guard approval.
Something about certain lettering and codes not being visible.

Can some one shed a little light on this?

Braided lines are not approved as they have never been through the certification process, but they work fine and I use them as do many others. If you go braided, make SURE they are well anchored as they will cut through just about anything if they are allowed to vibrate around.

You can get coast guard approved line at your local boat supplier, or cheaper from McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com), just make sure it is Jxxxxx SAE approved fuel line.

-Greg

Hey GregP, that hose listed on that site is the same stuff at home depot plumbing section.
can I just get a flex stainless steel flex line from there?
that does not seem right to me.
I know they have fittings and stuff that will work and that wont leak or anything but like a sink faucet supply line?
Would the fuel have an effect of the type of rubber hose used inside the steel braids?
Jason

Would an auto store Pep boys, autozone sell some sort of fuel line fittings and hose. that would work?

Im going to stop at poop boys on way home, have to pick up a few hose clamps and some other small goofy stuff.
Ill see what they have there, but a faucet supply line, I dont think I would be comfortable with that there.
Just because.............
I think at least for the time being, im just going to get some fuel hose (rubber) and cut the metal supply line, double flare it on each end, and use rubber hose to connect the 2, double band clamp them down and deal with it until I can come up with something more solid than that.
Jason

Jay

I just ran into the same problem when changing my 330 low profile manifold for a 2" higher one. DON'T COB THIS UP ! ! You need a full metal fuel line. This is important !! Two things that you can do. You can order a fuel line from your Mercruiser dealer for a carbureted 454 / 365 magnum engine. This has the higher intake from the factory and this line will fit. Or you can take the fuel line you have now to a mechanic, a machine shop, a transmission repair shop, and have them custom bend one up like yours except 2" higher at the end that bolts to the carb. Thats what I did with mine because I didn't want to wait to order one. I painted it black & it looks just like stock. Find a place that has the proper bending tools and a person that knows how to use them. Make shift fuel lines in a boat is inviting trouble. Good luck with your new engines. Please let us know how they run ! !

Bo

You can buy the steel line at autozone and probably pep boys, it comes with the flares and fittings attached. They sell it as 3/8" brake line. Just figure out how long a piece you'll need (I think they sell it in 6" increments) and you can bend it or get it bent to fit. Then add a little paint and you're done.

I ment that McMaster has "plain rubber" SAE approved fuel line. For braided line and fittings the best prices are Wicks Aricraft. Jeg's etc are not too bad a source, about the same cost for hose and hose ends but much more for the An-to-pipe fittings stuff.

-Greg

Got cha
Stopped at National auto (freakin morons)
Got 2 feet of 3/8ths rubber fuel hose.
I double clamped it on the fuel lines and it is flared on each end so the clamps cant slide off.
I dont feel 100% comfortable with this setup and I think im going to have 2 metal ones bent for me somewhere and I can pick up the fuel lines brake lines whatever anywhere.
Some things Ill deal with the home made version
This im not thrilled about.
Ill use it until I get a solid fuel line made probably in a week
Just want to get this thing running and out there
Race against time now.
Test drive tonight
Cruising tomorrow
Jason

Hmmm...Is there a problem with running 3/8" USCG approved fuel hose from the fuel pump up to the dual inlet fitting using barbed fittings and hose clamps?:rolleyes: Seems like an unecessary hassle hard lining the fuel line unless you are very concerned about aesthetics.

Paul

Re: Fuel line question
 

Yeah it can be a big problem. Rubber hose should not be used on motor. only into water seperator. Heat, even the potential of an overheated motor melting a hose or being cut or abraded by a thrown belt, oil damage etc are things that do happen to rubber hose on the motor. I even had a copper fuel line rupture due to cracking. and even with a check valve I found the boat with a bilge full of fuel, (I had a full tank). I now flare double annealed stainless from summit. 3/8 20' , is $30, what a bargain... BBB