5 year rubber alternatives

[seagull]

Are you talking about the balance tubes coming off the carburetor? 11mm ID sounds too big for that hose.

You don't want to use silicone near gasoline, the gasoline will swell it up and make it useless.

[John-G]

Originally Posted by seagull

Are you talking about the balance tubes coming off the carburetor? 11mm ID sounds too big for that hose.

You don't want to use silicone near gasoline, the gasoline will swell it up and make it useless.

Your right! The balance tube is subjected to fuel vapors ... silicone hose would be a poor choice for that hose. Guess I was having a "senile delinquent" moment and caught up in an ordering frenzy..

Happy flying,

[RFSchaller]

The short run (2”) at each end of the balance tube doesn’t seem like an issue for silicone.I wouldn’t put it in, but I wouldn’t lose sleep over it if I had. I’d just put it on the list to replace next annual.

[seagull]

I am using a vinyl tubing from the aviation department at Home Depot. The length is about 10" and runs from the carburetor vent to the air cleaner.

[n74846]

My Rotax trained A&P has suggested waiting on the five year replacement while monitoring condition of hoses. He says hoses will show signs of deterioration and are braided to prevent blow-out. He manages a fleet of trainers with Rotax 912ULS engines.

Are any RV-12 owners taking this approach as well? Thanks for your input.

Steve

[TS Flightlines]

Steve---they will deteriorate from the inside out. Hard to see without taking them off. Gates part number 27005 is 7/16 fuel rated.
Tom

[RFSchaller]

Might not blowout, but how big of a fuel or oil leak are you willing to deal with before it finds you. Remember firesleeve makes it hard to assess hose condition.

Having experienced a fuel pressure sensor line failure in a Piper, I don’t press my luck with such a trivial expense/work effort like hose replacement.