Fuel Hose/Filter Information

[WHnoob 21]

I'd like to buy ~20 feet of fuel hose and replace the lines in all of my older engines where it is getting stiff/brittle/cracked (2 WH and a couple others).  My local Ace sells black fuel hose that is fairly thick-walled and appears to be fiber-reinforced.  Will this last another 10~30 years or is there something better available?  It seems a bit stiff so might be hard to work with.  I've heard of using clear hose to verify flow but also read that it doesn't last very long, and longevity is more important to me.  I forgot to measure the fittings, but would guess that most small engines use 1/4" ID rather than 5/16".

Any recommendations?  Do you normally replace the hose clamps at the same time or just reuse the old ones?  Anyone add fittings for easy draining of the tank?  I might also add inline filters.

Thanks!
-Peter

[pfrederi 18,343]

I buy my hose (1/4") from McMaster they have been sending Gates Brand made in USA. Should las as long as anything can.  I buy a box of hose clamps (worm style) Size 04 (7/32-5/8")  stainless steel.  Also put in fuel filters and shut off valves near the filters.

[953 nut 58,022]

       As Paul said, do the whole job at once, if you don't Murphy's Law will prevail. Be sure to use ethanol free gas also. Go to buyrealgas.com, put in your zip code and it will tell you who sells it in your area.

[JackC 617]

I only use the clear close to the carburetor where I can see it.  Not the whole line.

[WHnoob 21]

Thanks for the responses so far!  

Paul - I'll have to order some of that tubing from McMaster - it looks like it might be more flexible than the Ace stuff.  What is the purpose of additional shutoff(s) near the filter if there is already one on the tank?

Richard - My small engines have been ethanol-free 91 octane for a couple years now.  Too expensive for cars, but totally worth the extra $$$ for the few gallons per year the small engines use.  Plus it happens to be my nearest gas station and they make some tasty apple sausage and smoked salmon

Jack - Do you mean the short length between the fuel pump and the carb?  Where do you get the clear tubing and how often do you have to replace it?


Any particular recommendations on the filter model/type?

Thanks!
-Peter

[squonk 42,587]

You can get that same hose  that Mc Master sells at Napa. Or you can spend a tad more and get fuel injection hose which has stronger walls. Carful with the filter. Some of those paper ones can get air locked
 

[pfrederi 18,343]

Shut off near the fuel filter makes it less messy to replace filter.
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[305 380]

even though i use only ethanol free 91 octane in all my motors (cars included) , i still use Gates Barricade fuel line.  a bit more money , but i like the peace of mind.   it will stand up to ethanol , methanol , E-85 etc

http://www.gates.com/products/automotive/fleet-and-heavy-duty/fleet-and-heavy-duty-fuel-system/barricade-carburetion-fuel-line-hose

Edited October 8, 2015 by 305

[953 nut 58,022]

                Ethanol free Apple Sausage,  ummmmmm!