Re: Fuel line fittings; what did I do?

[jerry-ahrens]

I’ve replaced a truck load of those aftermarket fuel lines at my shop, over the past several years. I see it all the time… folks will go to Wal Mart, a Sierra dealer, etc. and buy a new replacement fuel line with primer bulb and quick connect fittings. After running with these for a while, their motor develops a running problem. When I cut the fuel line open with a razor blade, I find the inner barrier has came loose an d clogged it’s self shut. I’ve also found that the aftermarket quick connectors either leak fuel, or develop an air leak allowing air into the fuel stream while the engine is running. This will cause all sorts of driveability problems.The only solution I’ve found, is to only use OEM hose and connectors… Personally, I have not found anything in the aftermarket world that works here.
if you happen to still be running a Quicksilver fuel line (silver or gray in color with RED PRINTING on the hose) they are notorious for the inner barrier lining coming loose. I think age is the main culprit on these, although ethanol fuel doesn’t help here either. Mercury changed their hose some years back to a now stiffer hose with BLUE printing on it. Bottom line is, RED print hose should be replaced with the new BLUE printed hose to avoid problems. I like to heat up a cup of hot water in the microwave, then insert the hose end to soften it a bit before sliding it on to the connector end. This helps to not damage the inner barrier lining, inside the hose. Unfortunately, the barrier lined hoses are here to stay, due to EPA requirements.