1yr old fuel lines cracking

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by PSG, Jun 26, 2016.

  1. PSG

    PSG

    So I installed this engine from new and replaced every breather pipe. All fuel lines were new about 1 year ago roughly.
    Jacked the van up at the rear to do some work. Smelt fuel. Looked around and saw one perished line here

    [​IMG]

    Which is odd. I changed this immediately as it had residue of a leak.

    Then I inspected near the tank outlet where I have my in line filter, and there is the beginnings of cracks but no residue just yet.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Is this normal? Fuel lines are [​IMG]

    Which I have always used.
    Is it because they are exposed to the elements? I didn't drive it much at all on salted roads although there were a couple of exceptions.
     
  2. Where did you buy from?
     
  3. PSG

    PSG

    Can't remember. Sorry.
     
  4. Just had to replace my R9 hose because of this

    [​IMG]

    Have now installed 100% ethanol resistant hose
     
    PSG likes this.
  5. That is scary, mine are R9. Where is the best place to get the bioethanol fuel line and what does is best?
     
  6. PSG

    PSG

    Yeah I always thought the r9 was the one to have.
     
  7. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Advanced fluid solutions sell it, or a few of the VW places (but no doubt with a massive mark-up).
     
    The Drama Man, matty and PSG like this.
  8. PSG

    PSG

    What an annoying job to have to do! Oh well. Safer than sorry eh.
     
  9. vinnyboy

    vinnyboy Supporter

    This seems very common. I've read many threads about it. I'm sure you'll get lots of replies. Personally I always use fuel hose from Vauxhall main dealer as I work there. That always lasts for years. Some on my bug is over 20 years and still looks mint.
     
    PIE likes this.
  10. Yeah got mine from AFS, I have no doubt paid over the odds for the Bio-ethanol stuff but had to get it sorted asap and I didn't know where else to get it from.

    As @PSG says better safe than sorry.
     
  11. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Mine hasn't lasted 6 months, but although cracked like Phil's, no leaks. Phil may have over-tightened the clip on the leaky one?

    The R9 Spec it only covers the inner layer in any detail, the outer being merely "heat resistant" so to conform to the spec yet still make rubbish hose is possible, as we have found?

    Don't know what I'm going to do, I have 17 odd clips on my fuel system and the whole lot needs replacing before the decomposing and hardening outer allows the clips to work loose. :(
     
  12. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Is that the soft opaque stuff with the weeny stainless clips?
     
  13. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Would they sell the likes of us decent stuff? Would they have 8mm?
     
    PSG likes this.
  14. PSG

    PSG

    Is the 8mm reference to the tank outlet size etc? I have various areas where I have to join 5.6 to a larger dia Hard line from the old Fi set up. Maybe this is where I mess up by just using the 5.6mm all round.

    I think the jubilee on that one was a bit tight but the fuel was leaking from the cracks on the outer layer.

    It is bloody annoying. I did all the lines before I put the engine in and all the jubilees point handily to where I was sitting in the engine bay lol.
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  15. No, Cohline 2240 rubber fuel hose which is E15 rated and supposedly 100% ethanol proof.

    I suppose I will have to wait and see if it lives up to the spec.
     
  16. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I have both. 5.6mm from tank, but lots of 8mm too from dells through pressure regulator, elec pump and it's filter.
     
  17. Gates barricade stuff is hard to find but is superb .
     
  18. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    As I've had a couple of split fuel pipes I read these threads pondering on the best type. However, as I needed ones swiftly I just went to the local motor factors and bought by the length required, for not a lot of cash, and all seem fine. I just took a bit of the old pipe to match.
     
  19. I had a look at my t25 ones ,they have been on at least six year (probably much more might even be original)and they are good as new ,I did buy new ones ,but decided not to swap...:hattip:
     
  20. PIE

    PIE

    Whats going on with rubber nowadays, Its the same with ball joint gaiters, All I can say is thank god I have had the snip!!
     
    mgbman, Flakey and ckandjk like this.

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