Push-Lok for Fuel supply

[Liquid Asset]

I am planning my redesign of my fuel system and was woundering if somone could shed some light on something for me. I was over at the boatdiesel forum and read a post from Tony Athens where he spoke of using Push-Lok fittings with regular A-1 Fuel hose and that it worked well for fuel delivery. I like the idea because it woudl deliver an easily installed clean looking fuel system. The issue I have is that I was under the impression the Push-Lok was not USCG approved for use in the marine enviroment. Is that just the hose, or is it the fittings too? If it is only the hose, and using A-1 hose will solve this problem, then I will do that, but I do not want to do something that is not of ABYC standards or that will cause me a problem later.

 

[Genesis]

There is no way I would use push-lok fittings or hose on fuel systems.

I won't even use them on pressurized systems - they're ok for things like airbox drain hoses (after the check valve!), CCV drains, etc.

Yeah, yeah, I know, they have a pressure rating and such and they're neat. I understand. It may be pure prejudice on my part, but it ain't happening on a boat I own....

 

[captddis]

Push lok is not CG or ABYC approved. That said it works great and outlasts most other "approved" hoses. It has been used for many years without any problems. I use it on oil change systems, engine room gauges, and on selected fuel systems. On high end boats I use the FC234 and reusable fittings. I do not use pushlok on Detroit fuel or lube oil lines. It is widely used on gas engines and smaller diesels. On boats that it has been used on I have never seen it flagged by a surveyor and see push lok on inspected boats as well. The working press is #250 on the push lok and# 1250 0n the FC234.
The push on ends work well on the A1 hose but are not approved. However a plain barb and mini clamp are approved. Go figure.
Dave

 

[Genesis]

I like A-1 rated hose, barbed fittings and clamps for fuel..... I like the FC234 even better, and use it for oil lines, but its SPENDY and used for fuel may be overkill.

 

[Trojan]

I would not use or trust a push-loc fitting any place on My boat. Nor any place where there is vibration or vacuum.


BILL

 

[Boatsb]

Just to be sure. Fuel lines (Suction and low pressure) require 2 clamps per fitting for CG and ABYC is that correct?

 

[Liquid Asset]

That is what I figured. I have always thought that push-lok was not approved, but when I was reading a post over on boatdiesel.com that said push-lok with A1 worked well I was suppriesed. I trust the push-lok for fuel delivery, but if it is not CG approved, then it does not matter. I will not use it if it is going to get me flagged on a survey. I only want to use something that is ABYC or CG approved and since I am a broker and not a surveyor I dont know all of the rules. Thanks for the help. I will stick with crimps or double hose clamps.