Clear fuel hose

[chriscallender]

I'm now starting to attack my list of winter jobs - not so much to do this winter as last, but one of them is to replace my fuel hoses.

Currently they are clear plastic (not fireproof/fuel grade!), and there is a section of hose that goes from the bottom connector on the tank to the top which acts as a fuel tank contents guage.

Its also been useful when bleeding the system in the past that the other hoses were seethrough so that I could check if there is any air in them.

So the question is, is it possible to buy seethrough hose anywhere that is designed/suitable for diesel. If not I have some other solutions (cane dipped into the fuel tank to check the level) but I quite like the "contents guage" the way it is, as I can check fuel level without removing the filler cap.

I tried some google searches but didn't come up with anything.

Thanks

Chris

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[dickh]

As far as I know, the clear plastic hose is NOT approved - you will have to get the proper ISO grade to comply. You can get it in standard lengths with proper ends crimped on, or there are firms who will make to youe exaxt length with the ends you require(which is what I did) can't remember the name but they do advertise in PBO.
I believe the clear plastic hose as a sight gauge is also not allowed but I may be corrected on this.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tek-tanks.com>http://www.tek-tanks.com</A> do a mechanical fuel gauge for about £50, also electric gauges.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Avocet]

I'm interested in this - can't help though! My fuel lines are proper "rubber" with a steel outer braid. The steel has rusted so now it sticks into the outer rubber casing (not that good an idea IMHO!) so I will probably replace them this winter. I'm interested in the "having to be approved" thing. Are there any laws about this? Also, if they need approving, by whom? Will anything that says "oil / fuel" on it be OK or are there different ones for petrol and diesel?

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[chriscallender]

Hi

Thats what I suspected, so I will need to use the proper ISO hose to make my installation "legal" which is fine. I just thought I'd check in with the experts in case there is such a thing as clear hose that meets the ISO standard, and doesn't cost £££$$$$ more.

I think the answer to the contents guage will be a calibrated dipstick, since I don't have the 1 1/2 inch BSP fitting on the top of the tank and it would be a big job to remove it, cut the hole and tap a thread.

Chris

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[AndrewB]

Pretty certain you are right. It was certainly impossible to get a commercial certificate for a yacht with clear plastic fuel sight tubes when I checked a couple of years ago: even though we have fitted a stop-cock at either end to isolate the tube when not in use.

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[chas]

When I had my FD pump reconditioned by Lucas CAV a couple of years ago, they supplied some clear(ish) plastic pipe to connect to the filter and return. It was the same diaimeter as the previous metal fuel connecting pipes and has the same olive and compression fixings. It might be worth contacting the local Lucas office to see if yoiu can adapt it for your use.

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[sailorman]

put a gas tap or similar on the bottom bend / fitting on the tank u can then only turn it on when checking fuel levels

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

From the boat safety scheme ;>

All hose used in the fuel system must be fire resistant to at least 2 1/2 minutes, as
specified in the internationally agreed marine fuel hose Standard (BS EN ISO
7840), although there are hoses available with superior fire resisting qualities
(e.g. BS ISO 15540). Both of these hoses will also meet the current
requirement for reinforcement and wall thickness.


<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/TC_IrishCruise_2003_00.html>Irish Cruise</A>

 

[andyball]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.asap-supplies.com>asap supplies</A> sell clear "seaflow" hose with wire reinforcement in a "desaigned to withstand flash engine room fires" grade. Dunno if it'll be any good with diesel inside, since it's in their water intake section.

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[Talbot]

definetly different hoses for petrol and for diesel. Some petrol hose is sold as suitable for diesel but is not reallly. The hose can delaminate inside and the bits of rubber can then block up the hose/filter/injector - which I am told is not a very good idea!!!!!!!!! Go to a specialist hose supplier - you will not only get the correct item, but also get it cheaper!

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