Should I replace fuel line?

[Robob]

I have a 17.5 Osprey with an Evinrude and the only parts of the fuel line that are exposed to UV are the bulb and a short line to the engine at the transom. The line to the filter is also partially in the sunlight but seems stiff and runs under the deck.

The bulb looks kind of rough, not shiny like the new ones but is still very pliable and seems to pump okay. I don't really want to tackle the line to the filter or the tank if it's not necessary.

Replacement of the short line to the outboard and bulb should be easy.

Is there any way to tell if the fuel line is in need of replacement besides an obvious leak?

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Bob on Tampa Bay

[pete]

definately replace as much as possible.especially the primer bulb,a pinhole or crack in it can suck air and cause fuel starvation.The rubber bulb is much thinner an not as reinforced as the fuel line,so it wears out faster.Buy 2,carry a spare on board along with a couple of new clamps.

[John Jones]

Replace all of it.  Older hose will fall apart inside when exposed to E-10 gasoline, usually sooner than later.  Then you will be overhauling the rest of the fuel system including carbs.  Make sure the replacement hose says alcohol resistant right on the hose.

[seabob4]

Robob,
Replacing the feed hose off the tank shouldn't be that big of a deal.  Pull the old hose off the barb, drill a small hole through the end of it, run a stiff wire through the holes, then attach the new hose to the old the same way.  Pull the new hose in while pulling out the old...

Your fill and vent lines should be fine, as they really don't hold fuel, and thus the evil effects of Ethanol aren't nearly as prevalent...

[fitz73222]

Hey Robob,

The problem is you don't know how old the main fuel line is. Unlikely, but it could be original! Now the issue is if you don't have a screw in pie plate access over the fuel line connections at the tank you are going to have to pull the fuel tank coffin hatch assuming you have a hatch; in order to change the fuel line. Not a huge deal but this will be an all day job from start to finish. Lots of silicone removal, cleaning and resealing. This may also be an opportunity to check the fuel tank exterior bottom for corrosion. Buy USA made fuel line 3/8 ID thick walled Alcohol resistant fuel line per SAE J1527. Avoid Asian made fuel line if possible just because of counterfit specs and potential poor quality. Ethanol fuels will eat up older fuel line and crystalize the ID and break it up into little chunks that block up filters and carb jets.

Good Luck!

[Robob]

Thank you.

As far as I know no ethanol gas has ever been used in the boat but the fuel lines feel hard and rough and I will probably replace the whole works

[Capt. Bob]

Thank you.

As far as I know no ethanol gas has ever been used in the boat but the fuel lines feel hard and rough and I will probably replace the whole works

All the more reason to replace with ethanol resistant line.
Look close at your existing fuel line, most I've seen have the spec type and date of manufacture on them.

Like your joints, fuel hose stiffens over time.

[Robob]

I don't know if the line is 5/16 or 3/8 and I can't see any diameter or brand name marked on the fuel line or the fitting on the engine but the bulb has the part number 328492 on it.

Does that indicate diameter?

Should I just go with 3/8?