Regan Brown
Nylon is a popular material for fuel lines due to its flexibility, ease of installation, and resistance to rotting and ethanol. However, there are concerns about its durability under high pressure and temperatures above 200°F, with some users reporting failures and cracks. This raises the question of whether nylon fuel lines are suitable for use under the hood, where they would be exposed to high temperatures and pressures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nylon fuel line compatibility with standard barbs | Not ideal, but possible with correct tooling |
| Nylon vs. steel fuel line | Nylon is cheaper, easier to work with, and doesn't rot, but may not hold its shape as well as steel |
| Nylon vs. rubber fuel line | Nylon is more durable and less prone to cracking than rubber |
| Heat resistance | Should not be exposed to temperatures over 200°F |
| Cutting | Hacksaw, good side cutters, or a specialised tool can be used |
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What You'll Learn
Nylon vs rubber fuel hose
Nylon and rubber fuel lines have their own advantages and disadvantages. Nylon fuel lines are resistant to ethanol, easy to bend by hand, and will never rot. They are also cheaper than rubber fuel lines, costing about 16 cents per foot. However, nylon does not hold its shape well and requires more frequent connections to the chassis.
On the other hand, rubber fuel lines are known to deteriorate within a couple of years, especially with modern fuels, and can become hard and brittle over time. They are also more expensive than nylon, with correct "rubber" fuel injection hose costing about two dollars per foot. However, rubber fuel lines can be a good option for carbureted vehicles with high under-the-hood temperatures. For example, the Goodyear Hysunite Fuel Line/Emission Control Hose is designed for such applications and can withstand exposure to fuel, vapour, moisture, and high heat up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some car owners prefer to use a combination of nylon and rubber fuel lines in their vehicles. For instance, one user on a forum mentioned that they use stainless steel hard lines from the tank to the engine bay to avoid rotting or deterioration, and then use nylon lines in the engine bay. Another user mentioned that they use a rubber fuel hose only where connections require it, as rubber tends to deteriorate over time.
When it comes to splicing nylon and rubber fuel lines, there are a few methods that can be used. One method is to cut the nylon line at the valve and slip the rubber hose over it, securing it with a hose clamp. Another method is to use compression fittings that connect nylon to steel or nylon to nylon. It is important to ensure that the correct fittings and hose ends are used to avoid leaks and other issues.
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Nylon fuel line compatibility with standard barbs
Nylon fuel lines are a popular alternative to steel fuel lines, which are more prone to rusting and leaking. They are also flexible, easy to bend by hand, and resistant to rot. However, nylon is not suitable for use in the engine bay or anywhere it could be exposed to temperatures over 200°F.
Nylon fuel lines can be used with standard barbs, but it is important to ensure that the correct tooling and fittings are used to avoid leaks. Some sources suggest that nylon fuel lines are not suitable for high-pressure applications and that they may not be compatible with certain plastic fittings designed for rubber hoses. The barbs on fittings designed for rubber hose are typically larger, and nylon may not fit over them properly.
One method to ensure a secure connection between nylon fuel lines and barbs is to heat the line in boiling water, which helps it slip over the hose barbs and fit snugly. Compression fittings can also be used to connect nylon to steel or nylon to nylon. It is important to note that nylon does not hold its shape like steel and may require more frequent connections to the chassis.
When splicing nylon fuel lines, it is important to use a sharp cutting tool, such as a good pair of side cutters or a baby hacksaw, to avoid leaving jagged edges or particulate matter that could break off. Additionally, it is recommended to use fuel injection clamps with nylon fuel lines to ensure a secure connection.
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$37.89
Nylon tubing
When cutting nylon tubing, it is recommended to use a good pair of side cutters or a baby hacksaw to ensure a clean cut. Boiling the tubing in water can also help it slip over hose barbs for a snug fit. However, some people have found it challenging to fit nylon tubing onto connectors, even with the use of heat.
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Splicing nylon fuel line
Nylon is a popular choice for fuel lines because it is pliable, easy to work with, and will never rot. However, nylon is not suitable for use in the engine bay or anywhere it could be exposed to temperatures over 200°F.
When splicing nylon fuel lines, it is important to use the correct tools and techniques to ensure a secure and leak-proof connection. Here are some steps and tips to help you splice nylon fuel lines:
- Use compression fittings that connect nylon to steel: You can use compression fittings designed specifically for connecting nylon to steel. These fittings provide a secure connection between the two materials.
- Cut the nylon line cleanly: When cutting the nylon line, it is important to use the right tools to ensure a clean cut. While a hacksaw blade can be used, it may leave jagged edges and particulate matter that can break off. Good side cutters or a utility knife are better options as they provide a cleaner cut.
- Heat the nylon line: To make it easier to connect the nylon line to the fittings, it is recommended to heat the line. Boiling water can be used to soften the nylon, making it more pliable and easier to slip over the hose barbs for a snug fit. However, boiling water may not always be effective, and an alternative method is to use a hair dryer or heat gun to apply direct heat to the line.
- Use quick-connect adaptors: Steel adaptor ends with quick-connect features can be used to connect the nylon line to the fuel filter. These adaptors have barbs that attach to the nylon line.
- Consider the type of clamps and hoses: When working with fuel lines, it is important to use the correct type of clamps and hoses. For high-pressure applications, some recommend using fuel injection hose rated J30R9 and fuel injection clamps to ensure a secure and leak-proof connection.
- Use a tool kit: If you plan to do the splicing yourself, consider investing in a tool kit specifically designed for pressing lines and fittings together. This can help ensure a secure and proper connection.
It is important to note that splicing nylon fuel lines requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and prevent leaks. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, and if you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional or a mechanic.
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Nylon's resistance to ethanol
Nylon is a popular choice for fuel lines because it is resistant to ethanol, will not rot, and can be bent by hand with ease. It is also cheaper than steel and has outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alkalis, greases, fuels, lubricants, and ketones.
However, nylon is not recommended for use in the engine bay or anywhere it could be exposed to temperatures above 200°F. Some car owners have expressed concerns about using nylon fuel lines under high pressure, and it is recommended that fuel injection hose rated J30R9 be used instead, along with fuel injection clamps.
Nylon tubing can be spliced using a hand press tool with the action of a caulking gun, which has fixture attachments to secure the line and fitting alignment to press them together. The boiling water method can also be used to splice nylon tubing, where the line is heated in boiling water to help it slip over the hose barbs and fit snugly.
While nylon offers excellent chemical resistance, it is important to review the specific chemical resistance requirements for your application and test the material under actual conditions of use. This is because stresses found in moulded parts may negatively influence chemical resistance test results.
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Frequently asked questions
Nylon fuel lines can be used under the hood, but they are not suitable for high pressure. They are also not recommended for use in the engine bay or anywhere they could be exposed to temperatures over 200°F.
Nylon fuel lines are lightweight, flexible, and easy to work with. They are also resistant to rotting and can be bent by hand.
Nylon is not as durable as other materials and can crack or fail under certain conditions. It is also more expensive than some alternatives.
Boiling water can be used to help slip the nylon line over hose barbs for a snug fit. Compression fittings can be used to connect nylon to steel, and barb fittings for nylon-to-nylon connections.
