Roll-your-own fuel hoses?

[tomcostanza]

Hi,

Van's sent me 2 hoses with the FWF kit. One is about 3" too long and the other is about 12" too short. They're giving me a hard time about returning them because I'm 9 months over the 2 year limit.

Has anyone made their own? Any advice? I have a Superior XP engine with the SilverHawk FI.

I was looking at a video by the EAA, fabricating one from Aeroquip 816 hose. Looks like a no-brainer.

[Sid Lambert]

I found my local guy that makes aviation hoses for a living was cheaper than me purchasing the pieces and doing it myself. Hoses are not something to experiment with in my opinion.

[MS19087]

Worked out very well and a fair price for fully molded firesleeve hoses. Sell your Van's hoses on the forum. How is your progress otherwise?

[Ron Lee]

Fuel and oil lines are NOT the the place to go cheap.

[fstringham7a]

Give Tom a call .... You will be happy....

http://tsflightlines.com/

[erich weaver]

Well, guess I will be the contrarian here. Nothing wrong with purchasing your hoses outright, but making them yourself is not hard, and with a little care you can produce a good product. There are multiple websites with links to videos showing you the correct procedures to follow. I dont consider it going cheap and it is certainly not any more experimental than building the rest of your plane. Besides, its one more bit of knowledge that can be tucked away in your brain for future use someday when you need it and quick and easy access to a supplier is not possible. I actually find the hose making process somewhat enjoyable and satisfying, and its also nice to have the option of making a last-minute change to the hose length. Decide for yourself, but dont let fear be the basis for your decision.

erich

[gasman]

Hoses are like any other part on the project. A learning experience. Yes you can make your own hoses. Purchase the proper hoses and ends and follow the instructions and you will have hoses that fit your project the way that you want. I have made many high pressure hoses in the propane field and once you do one you will see how easy it is.

Now, having said that....... I don't like the bulk of the reusable ends, so I would have my hoses custom made.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by tomcostanza

Hi,

Van's sent me 2 hoses with the FWF kit. One is about 3" too long and the other is about 12" too short. They're giving me a hard time about returning them because I'm 9 months over the 2 year limit.

Has anyone made their own? Any advice? I have a Superior XP engine with the SilverHawk FI.

I was looking at a video by the EAA, fabricating one from Aeroquip 816 hose. Looks like a no-brainer.

Except for the governor line, I made all my own hoses. At 2,200 hours on the hobbs, I made all new hoses again.

I used the hose and fittings that Van sells. Can buy the same stuff from Aircraft Spruce if you like.

[Rupester]

...they'll make hoses to order for oil, fuel, brakes, vacuum ... you name it. Great service too.

[JonJay]

I have gone both ways. If you do make your own, any local hydraulic shop can test them for not a lot of money.