Regan Brown
Braided fuel lines are a popular choice for cars, with some manufacturers opting for rubber fuel lines. While rubber fuel lines are common, they are not without issues, with some manufacturers experiencing fires due to their use. Braided fuel lines, on the other hand, offer impact and abrasion resistance and can handle ethanol. When it comes to fittings, brass is a common choice, but it is important to ensure compatibility with the type of line being used. For example, brass flare fittings cannot be used with stainless lines due to the way they connect. Aero fittings, such as those from Aeromotive, offer a range of standard sizes and come with a warranty, but they are not legal for sale or use on emission-controlled vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Braided fuel lines | Can be used with AN fittings |
| Require custom cutting and fitting | |
| Are more expensive than rubber fuel lines | |
| Are harder to assemble than rubber fuel lines | |
| Are more durable than rubber fuel lines | |
| Are safer than rubber fuel lines | |
| Rubber fuel lines | Are commonly used |
| Are prone to causing fires | |
| Are cheaper than braided fuel lines | |
| Are easier to assemble than braided fuel lines | |
| Brass fittings | Can be used with braided fuel lines |
| Are cheaper than anodized fittings | |
| Are less aesthetically pleasing than anodized fittings |
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What You'll Learn
Braided fuel lines are custom cut and fitted
Braided fuel lines are a popular choice for those seeking to upgrade their vehicle's fuel system for performance or safety reasons. They are known for their durability and ability to handle higher pressure levels compared to rubber lines. Additionally, braided lines are less likely to weep fuel vapour, a common issue with traditional rubber racing hoses.
While braided fuel lines offer superior performance, they do come with a higher price tag. The cost of a braided fuel line kit can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the materials, size, and brand. However, for those seeking a more affordable option, rubber fuel lines are the most cost-effective choice and are suitable for low-pressure applications.
When deciding between braided and unbraided fuel lines, it is important to consider the specific needs of your vehicle and the level of performance required. Braided fuel lines are ideal for high-performance applications, while unbraided rubber lines may be sufficient for low-pressure use. Additionally, the compatibility of the fuel line with the type of fuel used, such as ethanol-blended fuels, should be taken into account.
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Braided rubber racing hoses do not have an inner liner
Braided rubber racing hoses without an inner liner can cause issues with fuel vapour 'weeping' through the hose, resulting in a persistent faint fuel smell. This is a problem that can be avoided by using a PTFE-lined braided hose, which is resistant to all fuel types and prevents vapour penetration. PTFE-lined hoses are also less likely to become brittle over time, even when used with alcohol fuels.
While rubber fuel lines are commonly used and can be safe when properly installed and maintained, some car manufacturers have experienced issues with fires caused by rubber fuel lines. As a result, it is generally recommended to minimise the use of rubber fuel lines and opt for steel or hard lines instead, particularly for the main fuel line running the length of the car.
Braided hoses with a stainless steel inner liner, such as the Ace Race Parts brand, are available and can be safely used with fuel systems. However, the cost of these hoses can be significantly higher than that of unlined braided rubber hoses.
When choosing a racing hose, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and any relevant safety regulations. For example, the SCCA mandates the use of metal-braided hoses for oil, water, and fuel hoses in the driver's compartment. Therefore, it is crucial to consult the appropriate rulebook before making a final decision.
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Stainless steel braided fuel lines are ideal for street and racing applications
Braided fuel lines are a common choice for car owners, with rubber, steel, and braided stainless steel being the most popular options. While rubber is the most affordable and suitable for low-pressure applications, braided stainless steel fuel lines are ideal for those seeking high performance and durability.
Stainless steel braided fuel lines are perfect for street and racing applications due to their superior resistance to heat and abrasion. The outer sheath of stainless steel provides excellent protection against impact and abrasion, which is crucial for racing and motorsport events. Additionally, the stainless steel braiding prevents fuel vapour weeping, a common issue with unlined braided rubber racing hoses that results in a persistent faint fuel smell.
The use of stainless steel braided fuel lines also offers extended service life as they do not harden, micro-fracture, or permeate fuel vapour like normal rubber braided lines. This minimises the fuel smell in the vehicle storage area and ensures the fuel system operates at peak performance. The PTFE liner found in some stainless steel braided fuel lines, such as the Aeromotive PTFE Stainless Braided Fuel Line, is specially carbonized for conductivity, an essential feature for fuel handling.
For those seeking to upgrade their fuel system for performance or safety reasons, stainless steel braided fuel lines are a great option. They are compatible with high-pressure fuel injection pumps and low-pressure carburettor pumps, making them versatile for various vehicle needs. The lines can also accommodate different fuels, including petrol, diesel, E85, gasoline, and methanol.
In summary, stainless steel braided fuel lines are ideal for street and racing applications due to their superior performance, durability, and compatibility. They offer excellent resistance to heat and abrasion, extended service life, and the ability to handle various fuel types, ensuring a safe and efficient fuel system for your vehicle.
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Brass fittings can be used on steel fuel lines
While brass fittings can be used on steel fuel lines, it is important to consider the potential safety risks associated with different types of fuel lines and fittings.
Brass fittings are often considered a safe option for fuel lines, especially when compared to plastic alternatives. Plastic T-fittings, for example, are meant for vacuum hoses and are not suitable for fuel lines due to safety concerns. Brass fittings, on the other hand, are generally accepted as a safe choice for fuel lines, although they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as anodized fittings.
When it comes to the type of fuel line, rubber fuel lines have been commonly used by manufacturers for many years. They are typically safe when properly installed and maintained, but some car owners prefer to minimise their use due to safety concerns. Steel fuel lines, such as stainless steel lines, are often seen as a more durable and reliable option.
If you're considering using brass fittings with a steel fuel line, it's important to note that the type of fitting and the angle of the flare are crucial factors. Standard flare fittings typically have a 45-degree angle, while AN fittings have a 37-degree angle. This difference in angle means that a standard brass flare fitting cannot be used with a stainless steel line due to compatibility issues. However, brass flare fittings can be used with other types of steel lines, such as soft aluminium hard lines, by over-tightening the connection slightly the first time they are joined.
In conclusion, brass fittings can be used on steel fuel lines, but it is important to ensure that the correct type of fitting is selected and that the angles of the flares are compatible. While brass fittings and steel fuel lines can be safely utilised, it is always recommended to follow manufacturer guidelines and seek professional advice when making modifications to fuel systems.
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Plastic fittings are unsafe for fuel
Although there is some discussion about the use of unbraided fuel lines with aero fittings, the focus is on the fittings themselves. Braided lines are preferred, with stainless steel being the best option. However, some people opt for cheaper alternatives like unbraided rubber lines, which are more prone to issues.
In addition, plastic fuel lines are prone to bending, bulging, buckling, flattening, and kinking. A kink in the line can cause a split, allowing air in and fuel out. Plastic lines also become brittle over time and are affected by UV rays. Therefore, for large-volume industrial use, only metal pipes are permitted. While fire stations can authorize the use of PVC and other plastics in small quantities (such as in the home), the process is costly and not practical for most.
Rubber fuel lines are commonly used and can be safe if properly installed and maintained. However, some manufacturers have experienced issues with rubber fuel lines, resulting in fires. Therefore, it is recommended to minimize the use of rubber lines and opt for hard lines instead.
In conclusion, while unbraided fuel lines with aero fittings may be usable, plastic fittings are unsafe for fuel lines due to their tendency to deform, leak, and rupture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use unbraided fuel lines with aero fittings. However, it is recommended to use braided fuel lines as they provide better protection against impact and abrasion. Braided fuel lines also have a longer service life as they do not harden, micro-fracture or permeate fuel vapors.
To install braided fuel lines with AN fittings, you need to first measure the length you require. Then, clamp the hose in a vise and cut it with a fine hacksaw. Next, lubricate the blue part with Vaseline and insert it into the red part by hand. Clamp the red part in a vise using aluminum vise protectors and finish the job with a wrench, being careful not to overtighten.
Braided fuel lines, especially those with a PTFE inner liner, can handle ethanol and are smaller in outer diameter. They also provide better impact and abrasion resistance compared to unbraided fuel lines.
One disadvantage of braided fuel lines is that they do not have an inner liner, so they may weep fuel vapor, resulting in a faint fuel smell. Additionally, they can be more challenging to assemble, and the fittings may cost more.
