Transparent diesel safe fuel hose?

[donradcliffe]

Of course you realize that the nanny state is run by the insurance companies. The sooner you self-insure, the more successful your cruising will be.

[Adelie]

If you are willing to blowoff insurance, most places won’t care how you fix your boat.

[HopCar]

I’d stick with USCGA hose but if you must look here.
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/de...kid=topnavmenu

[donradcliffe]

In a parallel universe, the same discussion on a powerboat forum. I particularly like #11

Fuel Tank Sight Glass Material - Trawler Forum

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

In a parallel universe, the same discussion on a powerboat forum. I particularly like #11

Fuel Tank Sight Glass Material - Trawler Forum

don, if IRC psneeld is a member here as well... and again IIRC, he is retired USCG. Interesting that he has this attitude (with w hich I often agree!).

Jim

[Montanan]

Do not use inappropriate grades of tubing for fuels. Generally there are different chemistries for diesel and for gasoline. And be sure that they are of appropriate pressure and heat and flame cycle ratings.

An A-1 rating will protect against open flames for 2 1/2 minutes.

I don't know of any clear or translucent fuel lines.

USCG approved fuel lines.

Marine Fuel Hoses J1527_201102
This SAE Standard specifies requirements for two types, three classes and four styles of reinforced hose and non-reinforced tubing for conveying gasoline or diesel fuel aboard small craft including pleasure craft whose fuel systems are regulated under 33 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 183 Subpart J.

A common question to our sales team is type of fuel line needed. To maintain a solid stream of fuel minus air and obstructions, use marine grade fuel line components. Think of the fuel line rating system like a report card- A1 is the best! It has the highest fire resistance (2.5 minutes open flame) and lowest permeability making it appropriate for any application. Newest evolution is A1-15, which meets new higher EPA standards for ultra low permeation. The EPA standards became effective Jan 1, 2009, meaning any new boat build with gasoline filled hose in confined areas must use A1-15 hose. At Jamestown Distributors, it's safe to assume any A-1 rated hose sold now is the newer A1-15 type.

Ratings are determined on these two factors, permeability and fire resistance. Particularly with volatile gasoline, permeability is a concern due to vapor build up. If it is in an enclosed space "below deck" it must not give off explosive vapors. Manufacturers often refer to hose as "above deck"/"topside" or "below deck" hose, which is simply a trade gimmick way of phrasing the permeability rating.

The rating system exclusively for marine hose is known as SAE J1527 and it provides for grades as follows:

A1--fuel feed hose; has a fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Least permeable with highest fire resistance.

A2--fuel vent hose; has a fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times.

B1--fuel feed hose; without fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times; intended for non-enclosed spaces. Diesel engines or above deck outboard gasoline applications.

B2--fuel vent hose; without fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Diesel vent lines.
Refer to SAE J1942 Hose and Hose Assemblies for commercial marine nonmetallic flexible hose or hose assemblies used in systems on board commercial vessels inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Refer to SAE J2046 Personal Watercraft Fuel Systems for fuel hose used on Personal Watercraft.

[jjjacq]

I use a teflon hose as a level gauge. It is certainly resistant to diesel, it does not become yellow or lose transparency, but it is not very flexible and some sealant is required at the joints to avoid weeping.

[svspirited]

Thanks for that, I'm currently in New York but from what I'm reading, both here, and online is that none appear to be fuel safe to USCG regs and as I am a US flagged boat I need to follow those to the best of my ability.

Originally Posted by Sailorbob8599

Where are you? What size? I have a number of pieces in my shop I'm willing to give you, for the price of postage. tell me what you require & I'll tell you if I can help.
You can PM me. I'm home all day tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8th. Pacific time.

[sanibel sailor]

Only mandatory to follow USCG regs if you are an INSPECTED VESSEL, eg carrying freight or more than 6 passengers for hire. If you are not inspected, anything goes- as any surveyor can attest. It is not illegal or prohibited, just unwise. Insurance company may squawk, but only when the initial survey is done. Mine has never required a routine reinspection. If the boat burns up, they won't be able to figure out what that charred/melted fuel hose was anyway.


I think a sight glass or equivalent is generally a poor idea. Best approach is to fix any fuel system problem and keep it spotless rather than trying to develop a monitoring method. If the engine is running, you've got flow. Unless you get a sight glass with a spinner, you may not be able to see fuel flow unless the fuel has bubbles. If there are bubbles, that suggests a different problem. A sight glass creates more joints in the system and more opportunities for problems. Seems like a good idea, but may not be.

[arcticmonkey]

regarding transparent hose... I would be leery of growth in transparent line
good glass filter will give outstanding point of observation.. 2 racors worked better...

[sanibel sailor]

Growth is from water, doesn’t require light.

[sanibel sailor]

BTW. Transparent fuel bowls not permitted on inspected vessels.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

BTW. Transparent fuel bowls not permitted on inspected vessels.

Even with the metal bowls?
On edit, the metal heat shields that cover the plastic bowls

[sanibel sailor]

Drip catcher not heat shield. Bowl has to be metal.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

Drip catcher not heat shield. Bowl has to be metal.

I don’t think so, they are not drip catchers, they are heat shields, I’m certain of that.
I’m also pretty sure to be mounted in the engine compt. that they are required, and that has to be to pass the 2.5 min burn test.