Effect of Ethanol on original rubber fuel hoses

dcdoug · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 05:41 AM

I am updating my fuel lines/log to an NOS set-up and could also add the NOS rubber fuel hoses that run from the log to the carb. Will modern gas additives and ethanol break these hoses down? Is this a bad idea and I should just go with some repro hoses?

kitcarbp · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 06:27 AM

Doug, by NOS I assume you mean new old stock , not the nitrous company, but you dont want to use old hose material compounded (manufactured) before the days of the alcohol blends the gasolines have today. Unless you know the exact rubber compound used on these old hoses as being alcohol compatible, they will degrade much "faster" with the modern gasolines, faster being a relative term here. On my ride I use modern fuel line materials compatible with alcohol by reviewing the specs from the manufacturer before I installed it. My 2 cents.

dcdoug · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 06:56 AM

OK, that sounds like good advice.

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 07:04 AM

Same here as I replaced the fuel hose on my 65 Comet with a newer rubber compound and this gas we get here still eats it away after a time. I think I am going to just buy a roll of it and change it every year.

Ron

Bob In Ct · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 07:18 AM

Could someone please show me the data to support the feeling that Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol) is tougher on hoses than is gasoline. I'm not sure it exists.

Bob

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:00 AM

No data, but you are welcome to call and talk to any of the small engine repair shops in this area. It is hard to even get a lawnmower in as they are so loaded with small equipment that is full of rubber sludge and some corrosion. As for myself, all I had to do was look in the fuel filter, I use a clear glass one with the changeable screens. Also seems strange that they want more fuel mileage and then add something to it that causes it to drop. This I have proved by using the pump gas and then using the 93 octane with NO Ethanol in it. Everything runs better, goes farther, and no problems.

Ron

Bob In Ct · #7 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:49 AM

Ron:
You're absolutely correct that the mileage is reduced with ethanol. Ethanol does not have near the energy of gasoline.

I don't have any data either way regarding hose degradation, but I remember back in the 60s when the PCV valves were being blamed for every engine problem around. Maybe when the ethanol was added something else was also added which causes problems. If I have a piece of fuel hose in the garage I'm going to soak it in the gas I have to see if it degrades. My guess is it won't.

Bob

Ron61 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 09:00 AM

Bob,

Let me know what happens. I have only seen the sludge in my filter and the hose seems to be weaker. Looking inside one hose that I split open it was very rough all the way through and I could see where some small pieces had came loose. But I don't know for sure that the Ethanol did it. I just never had a problem before they added so much of it and the small engines around here are really having problems.

Ron

Excaliber · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 09:29 AM

I've done a lot of small engine work and they are extraordinarily sensitive to "bad fuel". The alcohol tends to draw water to the fuel and small engines often sit for a long period of time and the gas begins to degrade. So you have multiple problems when it comes to clean, good fuel for an already sensititive little motor. Same issues would apply to a car that sits through the winter or is seldom driven.

mickmate · #10 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 11:28 AM

I think that ethanol fuels sitting is alot to do with the problem. It really is causing problems for seasonal vehicles like our fair weather cars, boats, lawnmower and small engines as mentioned. Our local marinas have been plagued with rubber components and lines degrading.

Ron61 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 11:42 AM

I always put Sta Bil in all of my cars and lawn equipment and that has seemed to really help with my problems. That and the Ethanol free gas and everything is running great now and no stuff in the filters.

Ron

dcdoug · #12 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 02:36 PM

So since gas doesn't really sit in the fuel hoses from the log to the carb as it would drain back down immediately with no fuel pressure, this probably isn't really an issue for me?

Dirty Harry · #13 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 05:02 PM

Thsi is the first year that I have used Sta-bil in my mowers and motorcycles. I even put a little in the Cobra. I had some Sta-bil left over but I didn't know how to keep it from going bad.

madmaxx · #14 (**permalink**) 03-31-2010, 08:21 PM

I have a 22 year old boat with rubber hoses which has sat for years at a time between uses. Never a problem except it wont die