I dropped the fuel tank from an '86GT to replace the fuel pump. That's a story in itself, but let's not go there.

Anyway, I thought I should change the short bits of rubber fuel line that are attached to the fuel tank. They're probably original, and with the tank on the ground, this is the time to change 'em.

I phoned the local automotive parts store that I deal with, and I told the guy (who's worked there for at least ten years) what I wanted. I said the fuel line was for a fuel injected car and that it needed to withstand at least 40 lbs of pressure. I was told sure, they've got what I need.

So I go over and the guy shows me their spool of 5/16" rubber fuel line. It doesn't look quite as skookum as the old piece of fuel line I have in my hand. The guys says "Fuel line is fuel line." That concerns me a bit, but I buy it anyway because I figure maybe they only carry the "good" stuff.

I was feeling uneasy about this, so I did a search of the forums when I got home. There really isn't a whole lot mentioned over the years about replacing rubber fuel line, except for not using "regular" fuel line inside the gas tank. Anyway, I find This thread, and now I'm convinced that what I bought isn't safe to use.

quote Originally posted by fieroguru: Specificly ask for fuel injection rated fuel line. If it is not over $5 a foot, they are giving you the wrong stuff.

I was charged $2 for the 12 inches of fuel line I was sold. Why do I now suspect that this rubber fuel line isn't what I asked for?

Be careful out there!

How many PSI does your system run?
If it is under 100 PSI, I would say the same thing, fuel line is fuel line.
Now, if it is over 100 PSI, then I would look to a little beefier hose.
BTW, I just replaced my fuel tank hoses inside and out, the expensive hose inside was about $30 a foot...
And I used regular hose outside.

Any fuel hose that meets the SAE J30R9 spec will be fine. The hose itself should be marked 30R9. I know that both Gates and Goodyear make 30R9 hose in multiple sizes, so it should be easy to find.

SAE J30R9 hose is rated for working pressure up to 100 psi, and is compatible with with gasoline, "ethanol-extended" gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 09-14-2012).]

quote Originally posted by crashyoung: How many PSI does your system run?

For the last six years (at least) with this particular Fiero, it's been 0 PSI.

Seriously though, as with every other stock 2.8 Fiero, I believe it's supposed to be about 40-45 PSI.

I'm not looking for anything special for my fuel system, but I don't want the fuel line bursting either. I hear these cars catch fire!

So, does anyone else agree that "Fuel line is fuel line" and that what I got is fine?

quote Originally posted by Patrick: ... does anyone else agree that "Fuel line is fuel line" ...

No, it's not.

quote ... and that what I got is fine?

Not enough information. What rating is marked on the hose?

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: Any fuel hose that meets the SAE J30R9 spec will be fine. The hose itself should be marked 30R9. I know that both Gates and Goodyear make 30R9 hose in multiple sizes, so it should be easy to find. SAE J30R9 hose is rated for working pressure up to 100 psi, and is compatible with with gasoline, "ethanol extended" gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil.

When I mentioned J30R9 on the phone (before I went to the store), I could tell from the deafening silence on the other end of the line that the guy didn't know what I was talking about.

The metal cabinet rubber hose dispenser was marked "Goodyear", but it could've been stocked with anything. And of course I can't read the lettering/numbering on the side of the hose I got as it's all blurry.

From reading the few posts I could find in the archives, it appears that fuel line rated for carb use is no good. I don't know what I have here.

they may have given you fuel vapor hose.... totally not gonna work out for ya.

Gates makes fuel line now called "Barricade Fuel Line" and its stocked at your local O'Reilly Auto Parts or Carquest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Q0OhTrSKI

quote Originally posted by Pilot Abileen: ....and its stocked at your local O'Reilly Auto Parts or Carquest

Not all that "local" to me.
<<<<<<<<<

quote Originally posted by Pilot Abileen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Q0OhTrSKI

Interesting and informative video. I need to get the counter guy I bought the fuel line from to watch it!

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 09-01-2012).]

Lets get this post back on track.
Fuel Injection hose SAE rated J30R9 should be used outside of the tank
Submersible fuel injection hose rated SAE J30R10 is the only hose that will survive in-tank use

Using standard fuel injection hose in the gas tank will surely get you a fuel line failure a few months down the road.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

*all* fuel injection hose will say "fuel injection" and has the PSI rating printed on it....

standard fuel hose will not, some do, osme say nothing.

quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: Lets get this post back on track. Fuel Injection hose SAE rated J30R9 should be used outside of the tank Submersible fuel injection hose rated SAE J30R10 is the only hose that will survive in-tank use Using standard fuel injection hose in the gas tank will surely get you a fuel line failure a few months down the road.

Dennis, just to clarify things... this thread is about rubber fuel line that's used outside of the gas tank, but nevertheless I appreciate the info you've posted about the submersible fuel line. Thanks.

Never use a hose that doesn't have the readable markings on the side letting you know what the hose is. Here is a sample of the low cost non-fuel injection rated hose:


Here is the basic fuel line that is used in carb applications.


It is fuel rated and has a 50 psi working pressure, but specifically states that it is not for use in pressurized fuel systems.
http://www.goodyearep.com/P...Detail.aspx?id=10526
Fuel Line/PCV/Emission Control Hose SAE 30R7

Application:
A multipurpose fuel hose that can be used a fuel line, PCV connection, emission control line or fuel return line.

Specific Fuel:
Leaded and unleaded gasoline, diesel fuel, gasoline blends of ethanol (E10), E-85 and sour gas.

Construction:
Tube: Black Chemigum (NBR)
Reinforcement: 2-Spiral Synthetic
Cover: Black Hypalon* (CSM)
Temperature Range F & C: -40˚F to +257˚F (-40˚C to +125˚C)
SAE Specifications: SAE J30R7
Goodyear EP Specifications: 580019
Length: See table below. 1.6', 2' (clamshell), 25' (spool), 250' (reel)
Brand Layline: 5/16" (7.9mm) 50 psi Fuel/Emission SAE J30R7
Made in USA Goodyear
Installation: See selection of Goodyear Engineered Products clamps and connectors

WARNING: Do not use for pressure lines or fuel injected engines.

You can get this low end hose from Summit Racing for under $20 for 25 feet - or about $1/foot shipped.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GTR-65127/

Now look at this one:

http://www.goodyearep.com/P...sDetail.aspx?id=5144
Fuel Injection Hose SAE 30R9

Application:
Designed specifically for auto and truck fuel injection systems. Goodyear EP SAE 30R9 is CARB approved (C-U-06-011) with a maximum fuel permeation of 15 gm/m2/day at 40˚C.

Specific Fuel:
Gasoline, ethanol extended gasoline, oxidized sour gas, diesel fuel, biodiesel, lubrication oil.

Construction:
Fuel Injection 30R9 Construction

Tube: Blue Fluoroelastomer/Nitrile (Discontinued)
Black Fluoroelastomer/Nitrile (Effective 2010)

Reinforcement: Aramid Spiral
Cover: Black Hypalon* (CSM)

Temperature Range F & C: -34° to 135°C (-29 to 275 °F) Intermittent use at 150 °C (302 °F)
SAE Specifications: SAE J30R9
USCG Specifications: NA

Goodyear EP Specification: 580200
Length: See table below. 1.5' (clamshell), 25' (spool), 25' (reel), 50' (carton)
Brand Layline: Goodyear ID" (mm) Fuel Injection Hose SAE J30R9 Country of Origin
Installation: See selection of Goodyear EP clamps and connectors

WARNING: Do not submerse in gasoline.

The same 25 foot roll that was $20 above is now 165+ shipping:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GTR-65153/

Or eBay has the good year fuel injection hose for 4.90/foot + shipping:
http://compare.ebay.com/lik...ceItemTypes&var=sbar

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 09-01-2012).]

Fieroguru, excellent post. Thanks very much!

There are three lines outside your tank. The primary line is the pressurized fuel feed line at 40-48 PSI, that should be 'fuel injection' grade (for legal purposes). The second line is the pressure regulator return line at tank pressure, the fuel just flows back to the tank. The third line is the vent line and it just carries fumes, unless you over fill the tank, but it is at tank pressure as well.
By tank pressure, I mean the compressed vapor pressure you notice when removing the cap, not enough to rupture a hose rated for pressurized fuel line.
BTW, I only buy the Gates brand hoses for fuel.
The 'fuel injector grade' is a label used by the hose manufacturer so you know you are getting a premium hose and hopefully, not a knock off...
If you look carefully, you may notice the tank hoses are held on with clamps, the hoses at the engine are crimped. I cut the crimped hose off the metal line and used 'all stainless' band clamps. Watch the band clamps you buy, they may say stainless, but the jack screw is regular steel, unless it is labeled 'all stainless'.
Is this clearer? I sometimes get confusing when I try to explain myself...

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Dennis, just to clarify things... this thread is about rubber fuel line that's used outside of the gas tank, but nevertheless I appreciate the info you've posted about the submersible fuel line. Thanks.

Sorry that I misunderstood you but you had indicated that you dropped the fuel tank and replaced the pump. If you did you either used a pulsator or J30R10 hose., otherwise you will be dropping the tank again soon. None the less all the info that you need is here for the external fuel lines.

If you care about your car, the only hose clamps you should use for any hose, any size, any hose type are Gator brand:
http://www.compcams.com/cat...Catalog_2012_377.pdf

This got all too complicated for something so basic. I just used the old hoses which actually looked fine under close inspection.

Thanks for everyone's advice and info. Although I jammed out, this thread will be helpful for the next guy who drops his tank and wonders about replacing the fuel lines.