
When it comes to choosing the right O-ring for your fuel line, it's important to consider the compatibility of different materials with various types of fuel. O-rings are colour-coded to make it easy to visually identify what type of part is being used. Different materials have different strengths and weaknesses, particularly in terms of resistance to swelling, degradation, and chemical interactions. Some of the most common materials used for fuel line O-rings include Nitrile (Buna-N) and Viton (Fluorocarbon).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| O-ring colour | Brown, purple, grey, green |
| O-ring material | Nitrile (Buna-N), Viton (Fluorocarbon) |
| O-ring size | 5/16”, 3/8” |
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What You'll Learn
- O-ring colours are used to visually identify the type of part being used
- The compatibility of different materials with various types of fuel is crucial when selecting an O-ring
- Nitrile (Buna-N) has good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels but with limited resistance to sunlight and ozone
- Viton (Fluorocarbon) has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and has a broad temperature tolerance
- O-rings come in different sizes, such as 5/16 and 3/8

O-ring colours are used to visually identify the type of part being used
The original o-rings were brown, purple, and grey, and the new AC o-rings are purple, while most older systems use green o-rings. The purple o-rings cost three times the price of the green ones.
When it comes to fuel lines, Viton/FKM O-Rings are commonly used and come in a variety of sizes, such as 5/16 inches and 3/8 inches. It's important to select the right size and material for your specific application to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
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$7.99

The compatibility of different materials with various types of fuel is crucial when selecting an O-ring
O-rings are available in a variety of colours, and these colours are used to visually identify the type of part being used. However, when selecting an O-ring for a fuel line, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of different materials with various types of fuel. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, particularly in terms of resistance to swelling, degradation, and chemical interactions.
For example, nitrile (Buna-N) O-rings have good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels but limited resistance to sunlight and ozone. On the other hand, Viton (fluorocarbon) O-rings have excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and a broad temperature tolerance.
The type of fuel also plays a role in selecting the appropriate O-ring. For instance, if your gasoline contains a high percentage of ethanol, some materials will be more durable than others. Most gasoline in the United States contains 10% ethanol, with some places going as high as 15%.
When choosing an O-ring for a fuel line, it is important to consider the specific fuel type and the material's compatibility, resistance, and durability to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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Nitrile (Buna-N) has good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels but with limited resistance to sunlight and ozone
O-rings are used in fuel lines to create a seal and prevent leaks. The colour of the O-ring is not indicative of its function, but rather is used to easily identify what type of part is being used.
Nitrile (Buna-N) is a type of material used for O-rings that has good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. This makes it a good choice for use in fuel lines, as it can withstand the chemicals and temperatures present in these applications. However, Nitrile has limited resistance to sunlight and ozone, which can cause it to degrade over time if exposed to these elements. For this reason, it may not be the best choice for outdoor applications or in areas with high levels of ozone.
When selecting an O-ring for a fuel line, it is important to consider the compatibility of the material with the type of fuel being used. Different fuels can have different chemical compositions, which can affect the performance and durability of the O-ring. For example, gasoline in the US typically contains 10% ethanol, but some places have gasoline with up to 15% ethanol. This can impact the durability of the O-ring, as some materials are more resistant to ethanol than others.
Viton (Fluorocarbon) is another material commonly used for O-rings in fuel lines. Viton has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and has a broad temperature tolerance. This makes it a good choice for applications where the O-ring may be exposed to extreme temperatures or a variety of different fuels. Viton is also less susceptible to degradation from sunlight and ozone, making it a more durable option than Nitrile in some cases.
In summary, when choosing an O-ring for a fuel line, it is important to consider the compatibility of the material with the specific fuel being used, as well as the environmental conditions the O-ring will be exposed to. Nitrile (Buna-N) is a good choice for applications with petroleum-based oils and fuels, but it has limited resistance to sunlight and ozone. Viton (Fluorocarbon) is a more versatile option with excellent chemical resistance and temperature tolerance, making it suitable for a wider range of fuels and environmental conditions.
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Viton (Fluorocarbon) has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and has a broad temperature tolerance
O-rings are colour-coded to allow for easy visual identification of the type of part being used. Viton (Fluorocarbon) is a material used for O-rings that have excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and has a broad temperature tolerance. This makes it a good choice for fuel line O-rings. Viton O-rings are available in a variety of sizes, such as 5/16" and 3/8", and can be purchased in packs of 12.
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O-rings come in different sizes, such as 5/16 and 3/8
O-rings also come in a variety of colours, which are used to visually identify what type of part is being used. For example, the original o-rings were brown, purple and grey, while newer AC o-rings are purple. It's important to note that the colour of the O-ring can indicate the material it is made from, and different materials have different compatibilities with fuels. For instance, Nitrile (Buna-N) has good resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels but limited resistance to sunlight and ozone, while Viton (Fluorocarbon) has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and a broad temperature tolerance. Therefore, when choosing an O-ring for your fuel line, it is crucial to understand the compatibility of different materials with various types of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
O-rings for fuel lines are available in a variety of colours, including brown, purple, grey, and green.
O-rings can be made from a variety of materials, including nitrile (Buna-N) and Viton (Fluorocarbon).
Viton has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels, and has a broad temperature tolerance.
The size of the O-ring depends on the size of the fuel line. For example, a 5/16” fuel line requires a 1/4” ID x 3/8” OD O-ring, while a 3/8” fuel line requires a 5/16” ID x 7/16” OD O-ring.











































