Transparent diesel safe fuel hose?

[svspirited]

Does anyone know of a manufacturer of clear fuel hose that is diesel safe? I would like to install a few clear hoses to be able to see when there is air in the fuel line or as a way to help see good flow after changing out fuel filters, polishing, etc. I see plenty of clear fuel hoses but I'm having a difficult time determining which materials would be safe for use with diesel and which would be able to maintain shape on the pre-filter side of the line.

[donradcliffe]

I've used plain PVC hose for diesel tank sight gauges. It has to be replaced every 10 years or so when it gets too yellowed to see through.

[thinwater]

There are clear drop hoses and vapor recovery hoses (no pressure) for tank truck service, but they are large sizes and are not pressure rated. The material is polyurethane, not vinyl.



PVC hose is not rated for diesel and can get stiff and break, particularly if the diesel is contaminated with other petroleum cuts. Some are vacuum rated, but they are not safe in that service.

[svspirited]

Thanks, that is kind of what I was figuring based on the lack of anything in the google-verse but I was hoping someone here smarter than I may have found something.

Originally Posted by thinwater

There are clear drop hoses and vapor recovery hoses (no pressure) for tank truck service, but they are large sizes and are not pressure rated. The material is polyurethane, not vinyl.



PVC hose is not rated for diesel and can get stiff and break, particularly if the diesel is contaminated with other petroleum cuts. Some are vacuum rated, but they are not safe in that service.

[meridian28]

I used a small, about 3 in long, fuel filter that has a glass cylinder. Got it at an auto store. I took the mesh filter out

[boatpoker]

"Tygon" is a clear fuel line hose approved for diesel. DO NOT use clear vinyl, PVC or other plastic. These will invalidate your insurance.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

"Tygon" is a clear fuel line hose approved for diesel. DO NOT use clear vinyl, PVC or other plastic. These will invalidate your insurance.

BP, are you sure about this? In my former life I used lots of "Tygon" brand tubing in the lab... and it was for sure PVC. Perhaps the trade name covers other formulations... I dunno...

Jim

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

"Tygon" is a clear fuel line hose approved for diesel. DO NOT use clear vinyl, PVC or other plastic. These will invalidate your insurance.

“Tygon” is a brand name (by U.S. Plastics) for a family of flexible polymer tubing consisting of a variety of materials to be used "across a range of specialized fluid transfer requirements". The specific composition of each type is a trade secret.
Which version do you recommend, Wallace?
➥ https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/de...aspx?catid=864

[wsmurdoch]

I have a fuel sight glass with front and back windows and a rotor. While I bought mine on ebay, McMaster Carr has similar. https://www.mcmaster.com/sight-glass I have a light that shines through the windows from behind the sight glass. All my fuel hoses are USCG Type A.

Bill

[Rumpi]

Transparent diesel fuel line is pretty common in Europe. It's made from polyamide 12 (Nylon 12). It's stiffer then standard neoprene or viton hose. Basicly the same stuff used on hydraulic lines. Ask your friendly automotive parts dealer for it.

[boatpoker]

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[a64pilot]

I’ve only seen Viton as O-rings, very goof stuff impervious to almost everything, but I’ve only seen it as brown.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

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Versilon F-5500-A (Viton) Severe Environment Tubing appears to be an opaque, black tubing.
➥ https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...4686&catid=864

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

......................

Versilon F-5500-A (Viton) Severe Environment Tubing appears to be an opaque, black tubing.
➥ https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...4686&catid=864

[Rumpi]

For fuel (and also brake and other hydraulic) Viton is usually used as a thin liner inside a reinforced rubber hose.

The PA12 fuel line is the only one that also comes in clear beside black and other colours. It is proeminently stamped on the outside with MADE IN XXXX, PA 12 XXX, DIN 74324, DIN 73378.
DIN 74324 is equivalent to SAE J844 (air brake tubing) and shows the line can withstand low and medium pressure.
DIN 73378 is the norm for fuel and oil lines in vehicles.
The usual car has PA12 lines for pick-up and return (as long as they are not beside hot components like exhausts) and short pieces of rubber hose to take vibrations and very tight bends. To mount a hose over a PA12 line there is a reinforcing metal tube inserted into the line then the hose gets slipped over and clamped.