Any way to soften hardened fuel line?

[sno-kart]

So the 1/4 transparent fuel line we bought off ebay for our go kart seemed fine at first but now after some time it has become rock hard. We had to take the kart apart and are putting it back together now but it's impossible to get hard fuel line like that back onto the fittings. Is there any way to soften it again? Hot water maybe?

 

[mysteryboy28]

fire! lol.

just get some new fuel line at the auto parts store. its pretty cheap. just bring a piece with you so you get the right size.

 

[sno-kart]

Problem is they don't sell the translucent type anywhere.. just the thick nitrile stuff used in cars.

 

[sno-kart]

Just tried sticking a piece into boiling water and it softened right up. For about 30 seconds anyway. As it cools, it becomes hard again.. but it's enough time to fit it again so that works for me. As long as it doesn't start to crack...

 

[mysteryboy28]

weird that it's gotten hard after only having the new hose for such a short period of time...

i ordered extra hose with my last BMIkarts order. plus i keep any good hose i pull of of sleds too.

 

[devino246]

Any hardware store will sell the type of line you need. Lowe's and Home Depot should even have it.

 

[mysteryboy28]

they've got clear hose, but it doesn't say if it's fuel safe or not. hate to have it melt on ya. lol.

 

[devino246]

I seem to remember them carrying that translucent green-yellow line, though I could be wrong.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There's no saving it. Beware clear plastic tubing at the hardware store, PVC and vinyl are commonly sold and are not fuel-friendly.

 

[firemanjim]

Lawnmower repair shops carry the clear/yellowish fuel lines. I would just buy some auto quality hose and slip in a see through fuel filter. Safety is key here when doing your fuel line. Remember, if it catches fire, thats your butt with a seat back between you and said fire. Too close for my comfort,..... and I run INTO burning houses..... Better to be safe than look cool.... That hose looks good to me too,but real fuel hose is the way to go .

 

[J_Walker]

ace hardware has some clear stuff that I used to bleed my old DOT4 brake fluid. didn't do crap to the hose. or the plastic water bottle I used... and DOT4 brake fluid is suppose to "eat" anything. So you decide. Its clear too.. so give it a try. Soak it in half and half in a bottle for a couple of weeks. if it doesn't even show signs of melting, I'd say its good.

edit: if your in no hurry, I have plans to head up there tomorrow to go look at their selection of multimeters [someone stole mine ] I can find out what plastic they used for the tubing, then I, or someone can reference to see if its "gasoline safe"

 

[devino246]

ace hardware has some clear stuff that I used to bleed my old DOT4 brake fluid. didn't do crap to the hose. or the plastic water bottle I used... and DOT4 brake fluid is suppose to "eat" anything. So you decide. Its clear too.. so give it a try. Soak it in half and half in a bottle for a couple of weeks. if it doesn't even show signs of melting, I'd say its good.

DOT4 brake fluid is made up mostly of diols, ethers, and esters. Gasoline is comprised of so many different chemicals that it would take me all night to even list them. If it's not rated for gasoline, don't use it as fuel line. It might be fine for a month, but forget to drain the tank over the winter and you might come back to a leaky fuel line in the spring.

 

[J_Walker]

DOT4 brake fluid is made up mostly of diols, ethers, and esters. Gasoline is comprised of so many different chemicals that it would take me all night to even list them. If it's not rated for gasoline, don't use it as fuel line. It might be fine for a month, but forget to drain the tank over the winter and you might come back to a leaky fuel line in the spring.

He could always carve himself out some fuel lines with some wooden dowels...

Edit: also no winter breaks down here in the sunshine state!

 

[devino246]

He could always carve himself out some fuel lines with some wooden dowels...

I'm sure that would turn out marvelously.

 

[patriot]

A full service hobby shop that caters to super scale model aircraft will have it. It's rated for nitro-methane so pump gas will certainly be compatible. It appears to contain a silicone derivative and I've never seen it get brittle with age.

 

[firemanjim]

Patriot is absolutely correct! Now that he mentions it, my aunt's father built big r/c planes. His biggest had like a 8' wing span, and 4 big rotary engine's. It was plumbed with 3/8 fuel line, that fluorescent green/yellow see through stuff. And he used hi/po fuel.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I can't remember if it was vinyl or PVC, but I did a test awhile back- I dropped a 2" length of tube in a jar of gasoline. Within a day, it has swollen to twice it's normal size!

 

[zbuck]

If I am not mistaked, clear fuel hose is called Tygon. As mention any rc/motorcycle shop should have it.

 

[firemanjim]

I can't remember if it was vinyl or PVC, but I did a test awhile back- I dropped a 2" length of tube in a jar of gasoline. Within a day, it has swollen to twice it's normal size!

More than likely, it was pvc, but neither are good for a fuel line long term.