Fuel lines (hoses) - Make or buy?

Dean Pichon · #1 02-04-2008, 10:37 AM

I need some new fuel lines for my -4 and am considering building them using Aeroquip 701 hose and Aeroqup 816 fittings (or similar). To date, I have always purchased pre-manufactured hose assemblies, but would like the flexibility to make lengths "on the fly". Can anyone offer any suggestions or cautions regarding D-I-Y hoses? Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies seems to offer a broad selection of hose and fittings (http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/adv...oryID=PLUMBING). Any input would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Dean
RV-4/400 hrs

Mel · #2 02-04-2008, 10:46 AM

With the proper mandrels, they are not difficult to make. I have made several. However, having said that, I had my last set made with the Teflon lined hose with integral firesleeve. They are really nice and much smaller than regular firesleeve.
I replaced all FWF hoses on my -6 for $400.
If you do make them yourself, make sure to inspect them very carefully to insure there are no "slices" just inboard of the fittings.

Michael Burbidge · #3 02-04-2008, 10:49 AM

Where did you have your fuel hoses made Mel?

Leland · #4 02-04-2008, 10:55 AM

I've had fujel hose made by these folks: http://www.aircrafthose.com/ , and found them to be reasonably priced.
Leland

rv6rick · #5 02-04-2008, 11:18 AM

Hey Dean

,
I just ordered ALL my hoses AND fittings for the Rocket...they are sitting on the workbench as we speak. I got all the #4 for the brake lines from the pedals to firewall and firewall to the calipers. #4 for all the firewall forward sender lines. #6 for all fuel lines firewall forward and from the tanks to the fuel valve. Plus all the #8 hoses for the oil cooler. Oh yea....got all the firesleeve as well.

Hoses, and all fittings plus the firesleeve came to $844 plus shipping. Vans prices were about the cheapest I could find....Spruce matched Vans price PLUS gave me a 15% discount for ordering 'quantity' so I saved $100 (give or take). Plus it was here in 2 days instead of the usual 10 days from Van. Don't get me wrong....I send my share of business to Van but a hundred bucks pays for some gas

.

This was the for hoses that I cut to length and fabricate all the ends. I used a piece of string and measured all my runs and added a few inches for each run. This way I can 'custom' fit each hose and get the best fit possible. I've done it this way on some of my other RV's and prefer this method over 'premade' hoses. They are a cinch to put together and I've NEVER had a leak.....I suppose I will now that I said that

. The exception was my RV10 as Van had the hose lengths figured out pretty good with the FF kit.

Hope your SWEET RV4 is running good. Don't forget....I have 1st dibs on it if you ever want to sell

.

Good Luck buddy,

Dean Pichon · #6 02-04-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

With the proper mandrels, they are not difficult to make. I have made several. However, having said that, I had my last set made with the Teflon lined hose with integral firesleeve. They are really nice and much smaller than regular firesleeve.
I replaced all FWF hoses on my -6 for $400.
If you do make them yourself, make sure to inspect them very carefully to insure there are no "slices" just inboard of the fittings.

Mel,

From what I have been able to garner from the AS&S and Pegasus websites, the Aeroquip 601/701 SS hose does not utilize mandrels for fitting installation whereas the cloth-covered Aeroquip 303 hose does use mandrels. Is this consistent with your understanding?

az_gila · #7 02-04-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv6rick

Hey Dean

,
I just ordered ALL my hoses AND fittings for the Rocket...they are sitting on the workbench as we speak. I got all the #4 for the brake lines from the pedals to firewall and firewall to the calipers. #4 for all the firewall forward sender lines. #6 for all fuel lines firewall forward and from the tanks to the fuel valve. Plus all the #8 hoses for the oil cooler. Oh yea....got all the firesleeve as well.

Hoses, and all fittings plus the firesleeve came to $844 plus shipping. Vans prices were about the cheapest I could find....Spruce matched Vans price PLUS gave me a 15% discount for ordering 'quantity' so I saved $100 (give or take). Plus it was here in 2 days instead of the usual 10 days from Van. Don't get me wrong....I send my share of business to Van but a hundred bucks pays for some gas

.

This was the for hoses that I cut to length and fabricate all the ends. I used a piece of string and measured all my runs and added a few inches for each run. This way I can 'custom' fit each hose and get the best fit possible. I've done it this way on some of my other RV's and prefer this method over 'premade' hoses. They are a cinch to put together and I've NEVER had a leak.....I suppose I will now that I said that

. The exception was my RV10 as Van had the hose lengths figured out pretty good with the FF kit.

Hope your SWEET RV4 is running good. Don't forget....I have 1st dibs on it if you ever want to sell

.

Good Luck buddy,

My sample costs showed prices may not be that much cheaper for DIY... and you don't get integral firesleeve and teflon hoses.

Check out this post...

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...5&postcount=15

gil A

szicree · #8 02-04-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Pichon

the Aeroquip 601/701 SS hose does not utilize mandrels for fitting installation whereas the cloth-covered Aeroquip 303 hose does use mandrels. Is this consistent with your understanding?

The 601/701 uses no mandrel. Some folks will tell you that you need a special tool that helps to keep the braid in place while sliding the fitting over the hose, but I found it completely unnecessary. The nice thing about making your own is that you can get the length exactly right, the downside is that it really won't be much (any?) cheaper than having them made. Also, the ones with the integral firesleeve are darned nice.

Mel · #9 02-04-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mburbidg@adobe.com

Where did you have your fuel hoses made Mel?

I had them made by Precision Hose Technology in Tulsa, OK.
Total cost including shipping was $414.68.
Their phone number is 800-331-5946.

fstringham7a · #10 02-04-2008, 12:28 PM

Because my install to an ECi IO360 FI system was so custom in nature I decided to build my own. So far so good........still have to fire up the engine to insure no leaks / and durability........time will only tell the tale. Will report after 500 hrs.

Frank @ SGU...1L8...... last 1000000000000000000000 detail.....moving to the airport shortly