Time to replace fuel lines?
 

My boat was built in 1994, is it time to replace the fuel lines considering the ethanol content of gas we run now? Thanks!

- Jeff

Most of us would never run ethanol....

I run ethanol free gas, but if I'm in a pinch I keep ethanol treatment in the boat.

No choice in my area - land or water. It's a bummer.

For the OP: We've had ethanol for only maybe 6-7 years now and have not seen issues with fuel lines with the few boats I work on. Earliest is an 86.

Handful from say 1990-1995.

I, however, would keep my eye on them and if it's worrying you at all, I would replace them. Not too hard in most boats, especially since rubber.

Make sure to get the latest Coast Guard Approved rubber line.

Mass is also epa friendly,,we're screwed too

Yes, safe vs sorry when your injectors get plugged, leans out your engine, then booooom. After that happens lots of cuss works can be hurd.

some of us have no choice !!!!

Now a days it is said to replace every 4 to 8 years. The longer your boat sits the earlier spam like 4 to 6 years. the problem is water and E-10 forms acids and hurts aluminum forming aluminum oxide corrosion. That same acid formed over time can break down rubber / internal fuel lines.

We see it cause a lot harm on the outboard fuel lines side and primer bulbs. On that side (outboard) they need to be changed out every 2 to 5 years max. I have seen your lower quality outboard fuel lines like what Walmart sells lasting only 1 to 2 years max.

Also older fuel lines no matter of the app look for dry rot / or dry cracking externally also hardness of the fuel line as it still needs to be pliable. If not replace it. The best advise when in doubt replace it. We like MPI fuel line. I buy it in bulk 50 ft rolls. You can buy less of course.