Fuel line - they are not all alike!

Dave Diefenderfer

Dave Diefenderfer

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When I got my new Yamaha OB last year, it came with a fuel line. My experience in the past was the fuel lines purchased at Wal-mart, or BassPro, all the same grey plastic line that got stiff and brittle in a year. The new line from Yamaha is very flexible all Winter long. I am working on a through the deck set up on my BBSB, and anticipate that I may need to lengthen my line. I anticipate at the very least switching the orientation of the primer bulb as mine is positioned in the line off center. I will want the shorter length toward the tank which is positioned under the foredeck.

So where do I buy this fuel line? It is more flexible than anything I have seen in an autoparts place? Also can I find the crimp clamps and a tool to install them reasonable? I like the smooth clean result the factory clamps provide vs the worm clamps that have a sharp tab and screw on the side?
 
Dave,

My local marine dealer has this same quality fuel line in bulk. I can buy as much as I need. The clamps he and I prefer to use are plastic and SIMILAR to zip ties but special made for clamping hoses. You see them used as OEM parts on new motors all the time. Do NOT use standard zip ties, they will leak because they are not designed for clamping hoses.

Yes, the better quality fuel line is a good investment.
 
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Thanks Dave, I will check the Marina and see if they have it there.... I have some of the plastic clamps you describe, I will use them next time.
 
Dave, As ussual HuntinDave has good advice. Make sure it is marine fuel ine and the zip ties are shaped different to fit the fuel line. DAMN ALCHOL, not the drinking kind but the fuel kind, we're going to see more of the goverment mandated garbage fuel soon it sounds like.
 
Try this website to find non ethanol gas http://pure-gas.org/ It turns out there is a gas station just down the road from me that sells non ethanol gas. I use it now in my boat and all of my small engine yard equipment
 
Get it at your Yamaha dealer along with the proper tank fittings. It will very flexible and you will be able to tell the difference rather easily.

It's all I use on my Yamaha motors and have never had an issue.
 
Some of the dealers still have the old line in stock, You will know if its the new or old by the price, Iam a certified Yamaha Tech, and have been in the Marine buisness for many years, If ethanol is getting the best of you? try formula X2. I was skeptical at first, But have been very happy with the results.

Hope this helps
good luck
 
Its a additive, From what I was told they were under contract with the Coast Guard and oil companies for many years. Again I was skeptical, Alot of companies claim their product is good, So far I have been using Formula X2 for 5 months. One particular outboard that was sensitive to fuel quality has never run better. Pricey stuff but seems to do what they claim.

Good luck.
 
Funny this topic is on here. Just rerigged my Fuel line on my outboard tank this weekend. I went with the old Black flexable farm and ranch fuel line. Held it all together with spring clips.

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As long as fuel lines is the subject, does anybody know if there is a maximum length which if you exceed that max the motor won't draw the fuel through the line? I'm particularly concerned about small motors and their ability.
 
Rich,
I used that old 70's merc 9.8 and had about 10ft of gas line cuz I put the tank as far foward in my sneakbox as I could and I didn't have any trouble with the motor getting gas. Not sure how long of a line you are talking.
 
You can always buy good fuel line at a "Parker Store",
they make industrial hydraulic hoses, etc... The fuel line
I bought 10+ years ago is still good and pliable, never an issue
and still holding up good. It is a 3-ply hose...

Tim
 
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