Anyone use clear fuel line?

[mesquito_creek]

Since I am convinced that about 75% or more of all issues with carbed motor is always somehow fuel related... I am think about going to clear fuel line to take some of the guess work out of the normal operation. Any reason not to use clear fuel line at least in the section running from the carb to the pump? Along with a fuel pressure gauge and the easy clear line "visual" seems like the best way to go?

 

[rivrrts429]

The gauge alone will tell you the story.

 

[Runs2rch]

The clear will turn to yellow quite quickly as well.

 

[coolchange]

I saw this written on the wall inside of a race tralier at El Mirage and I live by it, "82% of all fuel problems are electrical"

 

[RadMan]

You could look for a glass fuel filter if you want to be able to see the fuel in the line. I used them for years and never had one break.

 

[Deja_Vu]

You could look for a glass fuel filter if you want to be able to see the fuel in the line. I used them for years and never had one break.

THIS.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-55241/

 

[guest hs]

Glass fuel filter is not Coast Guard approved either will the clear line on the psi side of the fuel system. Coast Guard wants a steel line with fittings or braided line with fittings no hose clamps on the psi side of the fuel system.

 

[mesquito_creek]

I thought it would be nice to be able to visually see every aspect of the fuel line delivery. Any bubbles at every connection, any dirt debris anywhere in the system etc... with just a quick visual. There isnt that much line overall in my system so cost isn't really an issue. But is sounds like I am over thinking the issue or something.

 

[rvrrun]

If glass is a no-go for boats then this post will be mute, but an early Ford gravity/sediment filter is a great way to see what's passing through the system.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

THIS.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-55241/

View attachment 493660

I have one of these in my boat. Right after the fuel selector switch, before it goes to the fuel pump. Sounds like since it's on the inlet side of the fuel pump it's USCG approved. It is nice to see what the fuel is doing or, in my case with pre-mix, it's not to visually verify that I do have at least some oil in the fuel and didn't completely forget it. Lol!

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Look at the dinky little filter element in these.
Get a real filter as well if you must use this piece of crap.

 

[Cgrohe223]

I run a filter that's clear but.... It's plastic and they tend to get soft quick so glass would be be better. Boat started to sputter had my chick drive as I looked at the filter getting no fuel due to clogged line, switched tanks and it filled up so it was very convenient.

 

[ka0tyk]

if you're having that much problem with the fuel system, its time to throw it away and do things the right way. a pressure gauge at the rail is all you need, not some dangly thing so you can see the fuel is yellow.

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

Glass fuel filter is not Coast Guard approved either will the clear line on the psi side of the fuel system. Coast Guard wants a steel line with fittings or braided line with fittings no hose clamps on the psi side of the fuel system.

I had my carb rebuilt, and because the mechanic used a standard wrench, instead of a flange style wrench to loosen the fitting, he striped nut. Instead of replacing it with another S.S. tube with fittings, he used a rubber fuel line and clamps. We argued about the sloppy workmanship and material used. I've never been back.

Always use Fuel lube on all fuel fittings so they don't leak, and make it easy to remove the fuel lines down the road.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

THIS.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-55241/

View attachment 493660

Ive tried these and they suck. I figured it would be good since I was trying to clean and save one bad tank and I wanted to see what was going on. The filter area is way too small and next to nothing will interrupt the fuel flow. Mine also sucked air in between the end caps which would cause the engine to stall at high speed. I tossed it and bought a handful of the plastic one piece ones to use, changing them out pretty often until the tanks issues got cleaned out.

 

[AzGeo]

you are currently having ?

You claim to have 'very short fuel line runs', but have you replaced all of them recently ?

Any fuel filters on the inlet side to the fuel pump ?

The 'glass filter' is not USCG legal because it can vibrate loose and leak . (in any position)

USCG actually calls for "a solid metal or high pressure, flexible fuel hose with mechanically attached end fittings", between the fuel pump and all carburetors . So an EFI style one piece, or a hard line, one piece fuel line, without the use of any 'hose clamps' between the carb and pump .

Some Mercruiser systems have used 'in line fuel filters', between the pump and carburetor, or within a system that uses 'high and low pressure fuel pumps' . In these cases (like 525HP motors) Merc 'certifies' that when installed correctly, the fuel lines and filters will not leak .

Does your current fuel system allow 'dirt or particulates' to be pumped into the carb (s) ?

WHAT do you expect to SEE with the 'illegal glass filter' ? If there is dirt, find the source, clean it out .......

 

[mesquito_creek]

if you're having that much problem with the fuel system, its time to throw it away and do things the right way. a pressure gauge at the rail is all you need, not some dangly thing so you can see the fuel is yellow.

Actually the whole system is basically new. I cleaned all the tanks and replace every line etc... And that is the way I would like to keep it, BUT over the last 30 years of boating the strangest shit has showed up in my fuel/fuel lines/filters etc.. and I would like to just see everything going on with it. Fuel is supposed to just be yellow but the new fuels turn orange and leave "the goo" pretty fast also...

 

[ka0tyk]

Actually the whole system is basically new. I cleaned all the tanks and replace every line etc... And that is the way I would like to keep it, BUT over the last 30 years of boating the strangest shit has showed up in my fuel/fuel lines/filters etc.. and I would like to just see everything going on with it. Fuel is supposed to just be yellow but the new fuels turn orange and leave "the goo" pretty fast also...

I hear ya. I'm a fan of KISS especially when it comes to stuff that can explode. I keep a spare sierra filter for my water separator/filter in case it gets clogged or saturated with water somehow. Considering that a good filter is like 85 microns or smaller I just dont understand what you expect to "see."

 

[mesquito_creek]

I hear ya. I'm a fan of KISS especially when it comes to stuff that can explode. I keep a spare sierra filter for my water separator/filter in case it gets clogged or saturated with water somehow. Considering that a good filter is like 85 microns or smaller I just dont understand what you expect to "see."

Who knows? ... I hope to see fuel!.. but I just figured why not put in clear lines, what's the downside. I understand it might not do much, but what can it hurt to have a little visibility. Oh well, just thought I would ask.

 

[waterhorse]

I use one of these and it works well.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/frm-hpg1

 

[rivermobster]

THIS.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-55241/

View attachment 493660

Those are very problematic, as far as leaks are concerned. I would never use one it a boat engine compartment. It would be a good way for things to go boom.

What I would use is a sealed one clear plastic fuel filter. Yes they will turn yellow, but if it does, that's a good sign you need to replace it. Change annually just for good measure. Really cheap insurance. :thumbsup

 

[spectra3279]

I ran them. But only cause I had a fuel check valve somewhere that leaked the fuel by. I used them with an electric to prime. When I saw fuel in them I knew the mechanical would pickup the fuel.

 

[Deja_Vu]

I found this with a clear sight bowl, but it says not for inboards...

http://www.go2marine.com/product/393070F/racor-490r-rac-01-series-gasoline-filter.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CMPTuJfywM0CFYqPfgodo9MMpg



This is USCG approved with a metal bowl but you can't see through it... lol

http://www.go2marine.com/product/385187F/racor-660r-rac-series-gasoline-filter-fuel-water-separator-spin-on.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CKyZm4f7wM0CFVFlfgod5G8Dvw

•Metal Bowls: USCG regulations require the use of flame resistant metal bowls below deck

 

[ka0tyk]

I found this with a clear sight bowl, but it says not for inboards...

http://www.go2marine.com/product/393070F/racor-490r-rac-01-series-gasoline-filter.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CMPTuJfywM0CFYqPfgodo9MMpg

View attachment 493935

This is USCG approved with a metal bowl but you can't see through it... lol

http://www.go2marine.com/product/385187F/racor-660r-rac-series-gasoline-filter-fuel-water-separator-spin-on.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CKyZm4f7wM0CFVFlfgod5G8Dvw

?Metal Bowls: USCG regulations require the use of flame resistant metal bowls below deck

*I* am not a fan of water seperator/filters that have a drip. I know it should be just water, but possibly dripping fuel into the bilge is exactly what I dont want. ever.

 

[guest hs]

I found this with a clear sight bowl, but it says not for inboards...

http://www.go2marine.com/product/393070F/racor-490r-rac-01-series-gasoline-filter.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CMPTuJfywM0CFYqPfgodo9MMpg

View attachment 493935

This is USCG approved with a metal bowl but you can't see through it... lol

http://www.go2marine.com/product/385187F/racor-660r-rac-series-gasoline-filter-fuel-water-separator-spin-on.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=CKyZm4f7wM0CFVFlfgod5G8Dvw

?Metal Bowls: USCG regulations require the use of flame resistant metal bowls below deck

That filter assy. is for outboards. You can eliminate the primer bulb, because that black button in it is a primer.

 

[guest hs]

Coast Guard doesn't like the glass filters because they can bounce around and the glass can break.

 

[BoatCop]

Whatever you use, make sure that it is NMMA, ABYC and USCG certified. Fuel hoses, filters, connections, carbs, etc.

No, the fuel line police won't come and whack your pee-pee, but if (when) the non-USCG stuff fails, leaks, and your boat (and possibly passengers) explodes and burns, the investigator will come along and discover what caused the fire/explosion (the illegal stuff) and your insurance company will decline coverage.

And because you willfully put this stuff on, you could be criminally liable for any injuries or deaths. (Recklessly or negligently causing injury or death to another person)

Stick with the required standards and approved/recommended stuff. You'll be better off in the long run.