replacing gas lines

[mkeller]

I have a 2010 nitro x5 that I have bought this year and it seems to have a vapor leak somewhere that I cant find. So I thought about changing out the gas line to the motor and the vent hose first to see if it goes away. Can I just go to my local autoparts store and get hose that will work for my boat?

[wilbur]

I would go to a boat dealer and get the new Ethanol resistance line. The Merc stuff is grey with blue letters and has arrows on it every foot.

[Barnacle Bill]

Auto parts fuel line will work just fine.

[Archerguy1]

Auto parts fuel line will work just fine.

Auto parts fuel lines are not really coast gaurd approved. All marine engine fuel lines have to pass testing for fuel line applications in marine environment. I would recomend using a marine grade fuel line if for no other reason if a problem where to arrise and an insurance company became involved you would have a leg to stand on. JMHO

[SeaRay]

Just to add my 2 cents to the mix. I have a 25 Merc on a Tracker. I decided to upgrade the fuel line since it was 12 years old. I priced them at Wallmart and K-Mart and only because I was not positive of the size hose, I went to my local marine hop (not a dealer, but an independant repari shop) and he pulled the Mercury OEM line for me and when I paid hime, it was $10 cheaper than the off brand at the box stores. But here is where the real value was. When I replaced the line (I have a built in tank) I could not get the bulb to pump up tight. I tried every combination you can imagine, and finally called the shop. Buddy, the owner, laughed and said "You won't believe me, but stand up in the boat and hold the line straight up in the air above the tank and pump it up. Two or three pumps and the bulb was tight. Seems the check valve in the line needs to have all the air pumped out and you have to hold it straight up to do that. Would not have gotten that help from the big box stores.
Bottom line, go to your Marine dealer!!
SeaRay

[Barnacle Bill]

You really don't have to stand up. Just point the arrow on the bulb up and it will do the job. This really comes in handy when adding or replacing a water seperator filter.

[CrappiePappy]

You really don't have to stand up. Just point the arrow on the bulb up and it will do the job. This really comes in handy when adding or replacing a water seperator filter.

Bill, my friend .... that's good to know, seeing as how I have a Moeller water seperator unit coming !! I'm pretty sure I'm going to install this as a DIY project, so I may be asking for some assistance.

MKeller ... sorry for highjacking your post, but this is exactly why I tell members that there's no such thing as a dumb question. Sometimes the answer to one man's question can spin off information to another member's problem, even in a totally different situation or circumstance.

... cp

[Barnacle Bill]

Bill, my friend .... that's good to know, seeing as how I have a Moeller water seperator unit coming !! I'm pretty sure I'm going to install this as a DIY project, so I may be asking for some assistance.

MKeller ... sorry for highjacking your post, but this is exactly why I tell members that there's no such thing as a dumb question. Sometimes the answer to one man's question can spin off information to another member's problem, even in a totally different situation or circumstance.

... cp

They're pretty easy to install and definitely a good investment.

[shermanator]

I would think the ones connected to an outboard are different so the sun would not deteriorate it like archerguy1 said. I would buy a new primer bulb for that engine and make sure it's pointed up at the engine so the check valves seat properly, just my opinion...

[skeetbum]

I bought my boat in May of '08 and as the boat had been sitting for several years I replaced the fuel line in a proactive effort. 2 years later the motor began misbehaving and end result was the new fuel line had delaminated and chunks of rubber were blocking sections of the fuel system. This was the gray fuel line sold at BPS with the ball installed. Replaced the entire line and ball and problem solved. Since then I haven't much faith in the gray line, but you folks say that the Mercury stuff is better than the rest? I used automotive line and figure that the ethanol will deteriorate whatever I buy and the days of fuel line lasting for many years are done and fuel line is now an expendable item. I haven't installed a separator yet but it's another item in my never ending list of things to do.