Fuel line woes

[oldbilbo]

Continuing my saga of refurb'ing this MAB, I note the 1/4" copper fuel supply and return pipes are essentially unsupported over long runs to/from the tank. That must be changed.

Given that I expect I'll need to add several points of support in damned awkward places, with some new compression fittings and make some 'flared ends' in the copper - which would seem to involve buying a dedicated tool - and peering at the pre-made flexible fuel hose in e.g. ASAP Supplies' online catalogue, I wonder if it wouldn't be easier and more satisfactory to replace the complete runs with the flexible stuff.

I'll also want, I think, a manual primer 'add-on' to the CAV filter. What's to choose, please, between 'inlet side' and 'outlet side'

The fuel tank is located portside, aft. The CAV filter is fixed starboardside, forward in the engine compartment. The existing fuel supply pipe runs from the tank aft, across inside the lazarette to the starboard side, then forward about 3 metres inside the compartment below the cockpit to the CAV course filter ( There appears to be no fine fuel filter ). Would it make better sense to route a new flexible supply pipe from the tank along the PORT side of this compartment, then up and over the engine to the filter on the starboard side - or must this supply run below the level of the tank bottom for uninterrupted gravity feed?

Lastly, why is it that more than 90% of work on a sailboat has nowt to do with the sails and spars....?

 

[30boat]

There were long unsupported copper fuel lines on my boat as well and I replaced them with flexible hoses.I was then easy to take them to the bulkhead for support.

 

[Hadenough]

Lastly, why is it that more than 90% of work on a sailboat has nowt to do with the sails and spars....?

How right you are! In order of size my toolboxes are mechanical, electrical, plumbing and then rigging.

 

[rivonia]

Continuing my saga of refurb'ing this MAB, I note the 1/4" copper fuel supply and return pipes are essentially unsupported over long runs to/from the tank. That must be changed.

Given that I expect I'll need to add several points of support in damned awkward places, with some new compression fittings and make some 'flared ends' in the copper - which would seem to involve buying a dedicated tool - and peering at the pre-made flexible fuel hose in e.g. ASAP Supplies' online catalogue, I wonder if it wouldn't be easier and more satisfactory to replace the complete runs with the flexible stuff.



I'll also want, I think, a manual primer 'add-on' to the CAV filter. What's to choose, please, between 'inlet side' and 'outlet side'

The fuel tank is located portside, aft. The CAV filter is fixed starboardside, forward in the engine compartment. The existing fuel supply pipe runs from the tank aft, across inside the lazarette to the starboard side, then forward about 3 metres inside the compartment below the cockpit to the CAV course filter ( There appears to be no fine fuel filter ). Would it make better sense to route a new flexible supply pipe from the tank along the PORT side of this compartment, then up and over the engine to the filter on the starboard side - or must this supply run below the level of the tank bottom for uninterrupted gravity feed?

Lastly, why is it that more than 90% of work on a sailboat has nowt to do with the sails and spars....?

I would 100% change to proper diesel flexible hose. Then life will be so much easier for you and the flow (diesel that is). The pipe need not be below the the tank.

 

[TQA]

Check with your insurance co. if they are OK with flexible hoses. There is an issue over fire resistant pipework.

 

[KellysEye]

> I wonder if it wouldn't be easier and more satisfactory to replace the complete runs with the flexible stuff.

That's the way to go amd what I did.

 

[oldbilbo]

Check with your insurance co. if they are OK with flexible hoses. There is an issue over fire resistant pipework.

That's hoisted in, thanks. I'm a long way from conversant with such requirements, but noted the following on a relevant ASAP Supplies page....

Standard Fuel Hose

Seaflow marine fuel delivery hose suitable for diesel and unleaded fuel. This fuel hose can be used in fuel supply and return lines, fuel tank vents and fuel tank filling, as well as other applications that are in fire risk areas. This hose is specifically manufactured to meet ISO 7840 requirements, meaning it is fire resistant for at least 2 minutes.

This Seaflow fuel hose features a textile reinforced black, synthetic rubber cover, which is resistant to abrasions, ozone, weather, heat and oil. The inner tube is also a synthetic rubber which encloses up to 60% of fuel odours.

I have 'enjoyed' the consequences of an un-noticed failed copper fuel return pipe on a dark and stormy downwind night passage to Guernsey which resulted in almost all of the tank's contents being pumped with bilge water into the Channel. I couldn't understand why I was being so frequently seasick....
All became clear the following day passing through the Percee Pass between Herm and Jethou, in a sluicing crosstide, when the engine stopped - tank empty. Fortunately, we had the mainsail up, with roller genoa some seconds away, so were able to pick up a ferryboat mooring off Rosiere Steps without too much ado.

Diagnosis and solution was not as easy.