Fuel Line Size

[Liquid Asset]

Could someone tell me what the proper fuel line size is for My detroits. 8v92's 650hp TAs. I am going to be re-desinging and replacing the fuel system very soon and Want to get your opinions.

Also, what type of fuel line do you recomend? Aeroquip or is there some type I can asemble myself at the boat. What I am most concerned about is being able to get hose sizes correct and if I were to have them made there would be more of a chance of error. Opions and advice are welcome.

 

[Genesis]

If you want to keep costs reasonable 5/8" A-1 fuel hose is perfectly acceptable. Its also a LOT cheaper than the Aeroquip stuff.

If you're doing Aeroquip I'd recommend the same size ID, and you're NOT going to like the price. The fittings and hose can be assembled by you on board.

I would use the Aeroquip stuff for high pressure oil lines and such (and do), but for fuel it's overkill. Another option for hardline parts of the fuel system (e.g. from tanks to the primary filters) is thick-wall copper - this is what Hatteras used originally on my boat and its still a very viable option. It definitely lasts longer than hose does!

 

[Liquid Asset]

Karl,
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to use the A-1. I dont really like the copper. I know that what is in there lasted for 20 years, but I am of the opinion that I would prefer that it would not be affected by vibration.

 

[saltshaker]

I have 3/4" aeroquip supply and 1/2" return for my 550HP 6V92's. Mine were changed during a repower. I would've used the Parker lines instead but the yard was willing to match the price and use Aeroquip since that is what they stock. The Parker lines are a lot cheaper and are easier to clean up.

Jack Sardina

 

[Liquid Asset]

I looked at some of the parker lines today and they were $19 a foot, but said they were comparable to aeroquip. I Dont think that is what I want. Do yall have a part number for me?

 

[Genesis]

5/8" A-1 hose is a LOT cheaper than that.

5/8" thickwall mallable copper is probably the least expensive - and most durable. If you use ANY form of hose in a fully-flooded fuel system (return and supply lines) you should change those hoses out on 5-year intervals.

Go work up the numbers and then make sure you like the additional costs involved. There's an argument for using A-1 rated hose with barbed fittings, but its damn hard to make the argument for the Aeroquip product.

If you REALLY want it I can get it at a reasonable price as I have a distributor-level account with a major vendor and can save you a fair bit of cash over the "cash and carry" price at retail. Let me know exactly what you need (hose sizes, fittings, etc) and I'll price it for you.

 

[DLCameron2]

IMHO you should stick with the Coast Guard approved blue hose. I tried to get this thru Parker here withouit success, Aeroquip was able to supply both hose and fittings. Karl...is that what you are referring to as "A-1"?

DC

 

[Genesis]

No.

The "Blue Aeroquip" hose is FC-234 (most of the time anyway for marine use) and is stupid expensive. Good stuff, but its pressure-rated (not necessary for the feed and return sides of the fuel system) and very expensive in this application. It also has a steel braid reinforcement which is prone to deterioration over time.

"A1 hose" is just that - fabric-reinforced hose. The A-1 rating means it passes the USCG fire test. The Aeroquip hose also passes the fire test, but isn't what I was referring to.

Rigging with A-1 hose will cost you about 1/3rd what the Aeroquip product will for the equivalent installation. It is NOT pressure rated (for significant pressure anyway) but in this application there is no need for pressure ratings in the 250-2000psi range (depending on diameter)

 

[saltshaker]

Pat,
Call Mid-Atlantic Engine Supply 1-800-257-8133 or http://www.maesco.com. They can supply any hose you want and can price each option out for you. They are great to deal with and their prices are some of the lowest you'll find. The Parker lines are a lot less than what you were quoted. Parker 5/8" is $2.96 pr ft and 1/2" is $2.14 pr ft, you will also need the reuseable brass fittings.

Jack Sardina

 

[Liquid Asset]

Jack,
Thanks for the tip.

 

[Banshee36]

The nice thing about the Parker hose is that you can get brass or stainless reuseable hose ends. The areoquip seems to be steel. and measco is a great place to by the parker hose and fitting and filter elements as well.
JW

 

[saltshaker]

The areoquip lines also use reuseable brass fittings, but they are not designed to be installed by a DIY'er. Parker makes twist on or crimp on fittings you can do yourself.

Jack Sardina

 

[Genesis]

Sure they are (Aeroquip being reusable by a DIYer.)

Some require a mandrel, but all can be installed by a DIYer without problems. I redid my entire oil system (both engines and gears) two years ago with the Aeroquip hose and it was not a big deal. A lot of work to cut the hose and put the fittings on, but not really difficult - just time-consuming.

 

[Liquid Asset]

So I talked to the parker store today and the A1 fuel hose is in 5/8" is pretty cheap. about $2.50 a foot. The thing I dont like is that I have to use hose clamps according to them.

The fittings the man said I have to use are barbs and to use hose clamps which is because he said the press on fittings are not USCG certified.

What is this discussion about twist on ends? I am interested in those. Please give me some more information.

Pat

 

[Genesis]

Correct - the push-on fittings are not fuel-rated, and you need to use clamps. Same with the black A-1 rated hose - it requires clamps.

The Aeroquip hose uses "twist on" fittings, but they're not the way you think. The outer case of the fitting screws on the hose, then the inner screws into the outer, and is pushed into the hose bore at the same time, clamping the hose in the process.

These fittings are specific to the hose and fitting and must be matched. Using them with the incorrect hose (or the right hose with the wrong fitting) will lead to a coupler that does not have the proper integrity.

The Aeroquip system works very well, but is quite expensive compared to the other alternatives. For pressure-rated applications (e.g. oil lines, fuel after the lift pump, etc) I use it because of its better integrity under pressure. But for suction and return lines in the fuel system that are not under significant pressure its gross overkill.

 

[Liquid Asset]

ok, Well I am convinced to use the A1. I dont think the Aeroquip is worth it for non pressure rated lines, but it shure does look so much more professional.

I forgot to ask, do I need to use 5/8" hose for the return? or should it be smaller?

 

[MikeP]

My local marina store sold me 5/8 A1 fuel hose at $2 a foot if buying a 50 ft roll. I used 43 feet to replace my RACORS with Athens' filter setup and relocate them.

I went with 5/8 for supply based on Genesis recommendation. I did not change any return lines since there was no need to do so. Initially I planned to use 1/2, thinking that 5/8 was a bit on the overkill side since 5/8 ID is huge compared to the internal diameter of the aeroquip hoses that used to be on the boat. But as I thought about it, I realized that like electrical wire, you can't go wrong with bigger! I'm showing about 5" of vacuum at 1500RPM which is a bit less than the Racors showed (7psi) even though there is over 20 additional feet of hose to accomodate the relocation!

 

[Genesis]

You can use smaller for the return - 1/2" should be fine for the return line, but using the 5/8" won't hurt.

The big deal on the suction side is keeping the vacuum levels low. Where possible avoid fittings (especially elbows!) and use gentle curves of the hose instead.

 

[captddis]

I assume you are dealing with Goodyear. They have copper sleeves that go over the A1 hose and are crimped on and are fuel rated. They make a clean connection. The Aeroquip push on hose is rated a1 and works with the push on fittings. It is widely used on fuel systems.

 

[saltshaker]

The Parker is now standard on Vikings, Post, Egg Harbor, Bertram and several others. New Cummins engines are being delivered using Parker lines. I have all Aeroquip lines and wish I went with the Parker, again much easier to keep clean etc. Tom Slane told me he uses Parker for that reason. He doesn't go with what's cheap, he uses what he feels is best. The Parker #10 hose is as good if not better than Aeroquip, is Coast Guard rated as are their brass fittings. You may have to use the crimp fittings, but I believe the twist on fittings are CC rated. I have some on water lines and can assure you they don't come off easily. Again I would call MAESCO, they supply a lot of marine products to builders and service facilities here in NJ. They will know what you should or should not use.

Jack Sardina