Sylvie Willis
The amount of fuel in a fuel line depends on the vehicle and the length of the fuel line. According to some sources, the amount of fuel in a fuel line can range from less than 1 gallon to up to 2 gallons. For example, the stock feed line of a '93 Stealth DOHC non-turbo is approximately 3m in length and holds less than 200ml (7 oz) of fuel. On the other hand, a user on a motorcycle forum noted that the amount of fuel in the hose at a gas station is typically about one-third of a gallon, which can be a mix of the previous customer's fuel and the new fuel.
Fuel in a fuel line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of fuel in a fuel line | Less than 1 gallon or 200ml (7oz) |
| Amount of fuel left in the hose at the pump from the previous sale | 1/3 of a gallon or a few ounces |
| Amount of fuel in a hose at a gas station | 3.5oz-7oz of gas out of 128 |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel lines hold less than 1 gallon of volume
The amount of fuel in a fuel line varies depending on the vehicle and the length of the fuel line. However, it is generally accepted that fuel lines hold less than 1 gallon of volume.
For example, the stock feed line of a '93 Stealth DOHC non-turbo is approximately 3m in length and holds less than 200ml (7 oz) of fuel. This is significantly less than 1 gallon, and it only takes a few seconds to pump the line clear of fuel.
In another instance, a user on a motorcycle forum noted that their bike's fuel line holds "less than 1 oz per foot," which equates to less than 1 gallon over the typical length of a fuel line.
The American Petroleum Institute estimates that a gas pump hose typically retains about one-third of a gallon of fuel. While this is not a vehicle fuel line, it demonstrates that even over a longer hose length, the volume of fuel retained is still less than 1 gallon.
It is important to note that the amount of fuel in a fuel line is relatively small compared to the total fuel capacity of a vehicle. However, the precise volume can vary depending on the vehicle's make, model, and fuel system design.
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Switching valves and internal piping
The amount of fuel left in the hose at a gas station pump from the previous sale is a common concern among vehicle owners. This is especially true for those purchasing small amounts of fuel or using high-performance vehicles that require specific fuel types.
The general consensus is that the amount of fuel left in the hose is minimal and not something to worry about, unless purchasing less than a gallon of fuel. Estimates vary, with some sources claiming it is about a third of a gallon, while others state it is much less, ranging from a few ounces to 0.6 litres. The variation may be due to the length of the hose, with one source calculating that a 15-foot hose would retain about a third of a gallon of fuel.
The switching valve is not always located where the dispensing hose exits the pump, so there may be a small amount of the previous fuel type in the internal piping. This means that when filling up, the first few seconds of pumping may dispense the 'wrong' fuel type. This is not a significant issue when purchasing large amounts of fuel but can be a concern for those buying small amounts.
To ensure you are getting the correct fuel type, it is recommended to find a gas station with individual hoses for different fuel grades. This provides more peace of mind, although it does not guarantee that there won't be any mixing behind the cover of the pump.
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Octane ratings and ethanol content
Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion, caused by the air/fuel mixture detonating prematurely in the engine. Most vehicles are designed to run on 87 octane, but others require a higher octane fuel. For example, the 2016 Honda Civic requires fuel with a minimum octane rating of 87, while a high-performance vehicle like the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 requires at least 91 octane.
Ethanol is often talked about as a high-octane fuel. It has a rating of 113 and is a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum-based octane boosters. It is also cheaper than synthetic aromatics, so gasoline blended with ethanol reduces the price at the pump. Almost all gasoline in the US contains 10% ethanol, and blends of up to 15% ethanol are available in some areas.
The higher the ethanol content, the higher the octane. The octane rating for E15 (15% ethanol) is 88 octane, and E85 (85% ethanol) is 108 octane. A national transition to an optimized mid-level ethanol blend, between E25 (25% ethanol, 75% gasoline) and E40 (40% ethanol), would lower consumer fuel costs and standardize the fuel supply.
As car manufacturers increase the number of models equipped with high-compression engines to maximize performance and efficiency, higher octane fuels will be required, and ethanol is set to play a crucial role.
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Fuel left in the hose from the previous sale
It is a verified fact that gas pumps do retain fuel from the previous customer. The amount of fuel left in the hose varies across sources, with some claiming it could be as much as 2 gallons, while others estimate it to be around 1/3 of a gallon or 4 to 5 cups. This discrepancy may be due to the length of the hose, with longer hoses potentially holding more fuel. Additionally, the type of hose may play a role, as vapor recovery hoses are reported to hold less fuel per foot.
The impact of this leftover fuel has been questioned. Some individuals express concern about the potential dilution of their chosen fuel grade, especially when using a pump with a single hose for multiple grades. However, experts suggest that the amount of leftover fuel is not significant enough to noticeably dilute the fuel in a customer's tank. Furthermore, inspectors in every state monitor gas stations to ensure consumers receive the octane level they pay for.
The practice of having individual hoses for different fuel types varies across regions. For example, Europe, Australia, and Japan predominantly utilize individual hoses for each fuel type, while the presence of multiple hoses at a single pump in the United States is less standardized.
To mitigate any concerns about fuel dilution, some individuals opt to pump the first portion of fuel into a separate container or wait for a pump that aligns with their desired fuel grade. However, others suggest that the impact of any leftover fuel is negligible and not worth worrying about.
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Fuel pump hose retention standards
Fuel lines are used to transfer fuel from the tank to the engine. The amount of fuel in a fuel line depends on the size of the line and the vehicle. Generally, fuel lines hold a small amount of fuel, less than a gallon.
- Hose Material and Compatibility: The choice of hose material is crucial. Ethanol-containing pump fuel, for example, requires an R9 specification fuel hose to prevent issues like swelling, cracking, and leakage. Hose compatibility with the type of fuel is essential to ensure the longevity of the hose and the overall safety of the fuel system.
- Fittings and Connections: Standard fittings, also known as adapter or union fittings, are commonly used to connect fuel lines to fuel pumps, regulators, and filters. The AN standard, originating from the US Army-Navy specifications during World War II, dictates the use of straight threads and O-rings for adapter fittings. Port fittings, which also use O-rings, offer greater sealing ability and reliability compared to tapered threads.
- Thread Types and Sealants: Knowledge of thread types is essential for proper hose retention. National Pipe Thread Taper (NPT) is a common standard for tapered threads in North America. NPTF (National Pipe Thread Fuel) is used in carburettor fuel pumps and fuel pressure regulators, forming a seal through the tightening of male and female threads. Brass or stainless steel are recommended materials for these components. Sealants, such as Aviation Form-a-gasket Number 3 or Permatex's High Temperature Thread Sealant, are also used to ensure secure connections.
- Safety Considerations: Fuel hose selection and installation must prioritise safety. A1 fuel hoses offer the highest fire resistance and lowest permeability, making them suitable for high-pressure applications. It is recommended to seek assistance from certified professionals if there is any doubt about the correct installation procedures.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel in a fuel line depends on the make and model of the car. For example, the stock feed line of a '93 Stealth DOHC non-turbo is around 3m long and holds less than 200ml (7 oz) of fuel.
The American Petroleum Institute estimates that a gas pump hose typically retains about one-third of a gallon of fuel. However, this amount can vary from 1/3 of a gallon to 2 gallons.
The amount of fuel in the hose at a gas station can vary depending on the type of pump and the grade of fuel. It is usually less than a gallon and can be as little as a few ounces.
