[Ray Flores]

Is there a braided line on the market that does not emit gas fumes? I've had the same problem with both Russell and Earl's braided hoses. Not noticeable until I park in the garage. Is there any other flexible line I can use that would be safe and NHRA/IHRA legal? I plan to replace the majority of the lines using hard line along the frame rail but I need something flexible on the ends. Am I doing something wrong? The lines are not leaking fluid, no moisture on the lines or fittings but when I remove them the problem goes away.
Thanks

[saturnstyl]

Well I can't help you with the front end, but in the back end I am using some black plastic tubing of some sort with compression fittings. The guy who made the fuel lines for me recommended it over the braided lines due to what you described. I have had no problems with any of the fuel lines though.

[Gokou]

Welcome to the world of braided hoses Ray. You're definately not the only one to have an "odor problem."

I've found XRP hose is the best for "stench prevention." You have to stick your nose right on my XRP braided hoses to smell any gas fumes, unlike some other brands as you said which will stink up a whole garage in just a day or so.

The other option is to use Push-Lock type hoses and fittings. They do not stink, are quite secure (especially if you use the little crimp-clamps) and look pretty good too. I do not know of their NHRA legality though. My guess is they would fall under the "rubber hose" category in which case you are limited to a total of 12"... correct me if I'm wrong on that, I don't have my rulebook handy.

Either way you slice it, the best way is to run as much hardline as possible and minimize any sections of rubber hose, braided or otherwise. Braided line will in fact rot out over time and create a very hazardous condition, but because of the braiding it is very difficult to inspect the condition of the rubber line inside.

Aluminum hardline is easy to work with but will fatigue over time and crack-- keep an eye on them. They are also easily "chafed" through so use rubber insulated clamps and don't let anything rub on them. Your best bet is to buy annealed stainless tubing, which is a bit harder to work with, but will last just about forever.

Troy

[undee70ss]

Its been discussed here before, gas fumes . Of course I didn't see this post till after I had all ready bought all of my braided line

[Chris R]

So can having the fumes present without leaks still be a fire hazard?

I have braided line from the carb to the steel line. Every now and then I smell fumes. I did notice a clamp that was slightly loose near the tank and took care of that.

Still catch a whiff every once and a while when I drive. I dont mind it. At least it wont leak for quite some time if at all. I have looked several times for leaks.

I am not sure if its a fire hazard to have fumes but if its good for racing I will not get to over concerned about it, I cant smell it outside the car. I figure if it holds up in racing, why not mine then.

Chris.

[TW]

Well, this solves one of my car's mysteries!! Since I put my car together with braided 1/2" hose for feed and return lines (Russell Pro Flex, I think), I've had a fuel smell for a couple of days after the car has been run. I just assumed it was the fuel tank vent, since I could not find even the smallest leak anywhere. At least I know where it's coming from now.

Tom

[Ray Flores]

I have pulled every fuel related item off my car including the tank just so I am able to store the car in the garage. I noticed odor from the line going from the rear mounted pump up front to the regulator soon after installing the line so I don't think it was because of the age of the hose.
Wasn't real bad outside but once I put it in the garage it only took 5 or 6 hrs. before I realized it was a big problem.
I have searched a few websites of manufactures and haven't found a great deal of info on what type of materials they use and what would be correct for my application.
If anyone out there knows a specific manufacturer and model of line that will solve my problem I'm all ears!

[CarlC]

What about using the high-pressure Teflon hose? There's only a $10 difference for a 20' length.

[Ray Flores]

My hats off to Earl's in regards to their website.
It has alot of informative information on it. They actually mention problems with new fuel additives and smell. They suggest a carbon laced teflon inner lined braided hose but as far as I can tell the larges size is 11/32" or #6. I think I need 1/2" or #8. The teflon is more impervious to fuel and fuel additives and the carbon helps eliminate a static electricity issue related to teflon.
I have found an automotive plumbing company in AZ that does offer teflon lined hose in 1/2" size with AN fittings installed. I would just need to provide lengths to them. They mentioned the static problem with teflon but said they have some way of resolving that issue. I need to double check with them to see if carbon is their fix. If I am comfortable with their answer to the static issue and find #6 won't cut it I plan to purchase the lines from the AZ company. I will post the results once I have new lines installed.

[CarlC]

Aeroquip offers -8 teflon hose and fittings. The fittings are super easy to use, much easier than the standard braided rubber hose.

[mc71454]

I have a LOT of -8 AN Fittings for Teflon Hose for Sale. They are all EARLS...

$16 for two -8 Straight and -8 45.

I will be holding on to enough to convert my system over to Teflon to get rid of that smell....

P***es Me Off to no end, That I didn't know this would happen..

[Ray Flores]

From what I can find on the web Aeroquip does not recommend TFE racing hose for fuel. Everywhere I have looked they list compatible fluids with all of there hose models and fuel is not included under the TFE model. I may be wrong but I would suspect there is a reason they omit fuel as a compatible fluid.