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fuel line sizes chart

by Pierce Mraz V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Horsepower Rigid Line Size -AN Hose Size Pump GPH at System Pressure Pump GPH Free Flowing
200 5/16" -04 17 46
350 3/8" -06 29 81
550 1/2" -08 46 127
800 5/8" -10 67 184
May 2 2022

Full Answer

What size fuel line should I run?

No matter how many bends and what not you have in the line to the pump, you still cannot flow more than the 5/16 tube can supply. In the short run, you can make 3/8 rubber fuel line connect 1/2 and 3/8 hard line. Not a good long term, but it will work until you have time.

What size is a fuel line?

What size is 6an fuel line? Similarly one may ask, what size are fuel lines? Most stock applications came with 5/16-inch fuel line, but for many street vehicles and mild race applications 3/8-inch (AN 6) fuel line is a good upgrade. High performance applications and racers using alcohol will use 1/2-inch (AN 8) fuel line.

How to measure fuel line fittings?

Tapered Thread

  • Thread Types: Straight Thread - With straight thread the threads run parallel. ...
  • AN Standards. High-end racing and performance fuel delivery systems most frequently implement fuel lines and fittings manufactured to AN Standards.
  • Common Types of Fittings. ...

What is size of fuel line do I Need?

Hoses come with different US Coast Guard ratings; A1, A2, B1, and B2:

  • A1 Hoses: Are used for feeding fuel from the boat fuel tank to the fuel filter bracket or the engine. ...
  • A2 Hoses: Are used for the fuel tank vent hose below the deck. ...
  • B1 Hoses: Are used for feeding fuel from the boat fuel tank to the fuel filter bracket BUT ABOVE THE DECK OR NOT ENCLOSED! ...

More items...

What size of fuel line do I need?

Recommended Size, Based on HorsepowerRecommended Fuel Line Size (from the tank to the pump)Engine OutputSize (inches)Size (AN)350 hp or less5/16 in.-5350-450 hp3/8 in.-6450-650 hp1/2 in.-81 more row•Sep 16, 2017

Which fuel line is bigger 3/8 or 5 16?

The 5/16″ fuel line is actually perfect for smaller outboards. Being a little smaller than the 3/8″ hose, it works great for little kicker motors, and sailboat outboard engines. Being smaller allows it to go easily into a smaller rigging tube, depending on the application.

Does bigger fuel line size matter?

Fuel line diameter matters A LOT! A larger diameter is generally better, but the correct diameter is the best choice. If the diameter is too small: you won't be able to support your horsepower goal. If the diameter is too big: the lines will take longer to pressurize.

Is a shorter fuel line better?

In the case of fuel lines, two influences increase friction and therefore fuel pressure drop. The first is the length of the fuel line – the longer it is the more friction will be incurred. The second is flow rate – as the rate is increased so is friction.

Is 3/8 fuel line big enough?

A 3/8”id fuel line can easily support 600 HP given sufficient “pump head”! Given a big enough pump a 3/8” steel line could support 1000 HP. The simple way to know is to install an electronic fuel pressure gauge. If the pressure falls as the engine RPM's go up you need more pump head.

Can a fuel line be to long?

Your fuel line should be about the same. Too long and your engine may have trouble scavenging for fuel. This makes it difficult to tune the engine.

What size fuel return line should I use?

The Fuel Return Line should be at least the same size, or one size larger than the supply. Make sure there are no sharp bends or kinks. The return line should direct fuel close to the bottom of the tank and away from the pickup.

What size is metal fuel line?

For most recent cars, supply is 5/16" and return and vent are both 1/4".

Does fuel line size affect fuel pressure?

It's because fuel line size and length have a direct effect on the amount of fuel pressure drop your fuel system will experience. Too much pressure drop can inhibit the performance of both carbureted and EFI systems and can adversely affect the way a bypass or return-style regulator operates.

Do I need a return fuel line?

Return-style systems require fuel pumps to work all the time—it never shuts off as long as the engine's running, which can shorten the life of the pump. Your plumbing system can become more complicated because you have to run a separate return line from the regulator to the tank.

How much horsepower will a Holley black pump support?

750 hpThe Holley Red pump flows 97 gph and supports 425 hp, while the Blue pump flows 110 gph and supports 550 hp. Stepping up to the Black pump yields 140 gph and 750 hp.

Why should fuel pressure lines be sized?

Fuel pressure lines should be sized to expected capacity and fluid velocity should be kept below 4 FPS to reduce the Reynolds Number which signifies excess turbulence and will result in reduced performance . With such low volume use of the fuel system capacity, return fuel lines are usually inadequately sized.

What is the purpose of a return fuel line?

The purpose of the return line is to return unused fuel delivered to the engine back to the fuel tank. Any pump ran at a constant volume cannot be dead headed.

When the pressure drop in the line is not sufficiently close to ambient, the gasses do not condense back into

When the pressure drop in the line is not sufficiently close to ambient the gasses do not condense back into the fuel and the air does not form complete bubbles in the line to escape the fuel in the tank.

Can a fuel pump be dead headed?

Any pump ran at a constant volume cannot be dead headed. When the fuel is bypassed it experiences a pressure drop and any air dissolved or entrained in the fuel boils out forming air bubbles, as well as any fuel components transforming into a gaseous state.

What is the standard for port fittings?

Port Fittings conform to AN standards - typically per Military Standard MS33649. The cone end uses Straight Thread and a 37° cone. The male port end of the fitting uses Straight Thread, and is received by a female port of corresponding size and thread pitch. Port Fittings require use of O-rings.

What are the different types of fittings used in racing?

The fittings we will discuss are Adapter Fittings (also called Standard, or Union), Port Fittings, and Pipe Fittings, as well as thread types and size standards associated with each.

What does AN stand for in the Navy?

These standards are headed under “AN” which is the abbreviation for “Army-Navy", but is also known as "Air Force - Navy Aeronautical Standard". After the war many used surplus aerospace parts were used for racing, and thus introduced the AN standard into the racing and performance world.

Can mismatched lines come apart?

Mismatched lines can come apart under pressure. Verify that inner diameters match! Common Types of Fittings. Adapter Fittings Adapter Fittings – also known as Standard Fittings or Union Fittings – are commonly used to connect fuel line tubes and hoses to fuel pumps, fuel regulators, and fuel filters.

Do pipe fittings need O rings?

Threads must be clean and precise, to make up for gaps between threads that allow for leakage. Pipe Fittings, which use Tapered Thread, don’t use O-rings, but rather must use compounds or Teflon Tape to help seal the threads.

A Reference Chart for Propane Tank Pipe Sizes

It is best to always consult a qualified and certified technician to advise on the best piping that is needed for your propane tank to properly fuel your appliances. Provided here is a guide for more information for you to refer to.

What You Need to Know About Copper Piping with Your Propane Tank

The service line from the propane tank to the building must be safe and maintain a constant energy supply for the appliance needs. Copper piping is an exceptional option for this connection line as it is flexible and bendable to maneuver through other appliances and obstacles.

What is Polyethylene Tubing?

Not to be confused with PVC piping, which is polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, PE for short, is often used in underground utility work. PE has the added benefit over PVC of being more flexible and is able to work with natural gasses as PVC cannot.

How to Read this Chart

Before jumping into the Line Sizing Chart, here is a key for you to refer to in order to translate any abbreviations you do not know:

How to know what fuel line is on a combustion engine?

The basic functionality of a combustion engine and the fuel demand for the horsepower is the same! You will also know what fuel line is supposed to be there by looking at the hook up on the engine. Wherever you hook up the fuel line on the engine there will be a hose barb. If it is a 5/16″ or a 3/8″ hose barb, that is what you should use.

What is the difference between a 5/16 and 3/8 fuel line?

We get it. But there is a little more to it than that. The 5/16″ fuel line is actually perfect for smaller outboards. Being a little smaller than the 3/8″ hose, it works great for little kicker motors, and sailboat outboard engines.

What size hose do I need for a 115 HP outboard?

But most smaller outboards have fittings or quick connects on them that are set for a 5/16″ hose. It’s basically the standard hose for the smaller engines. Like we said in the beginning, the 3/8″ line is required on anything that is larger than a 115 HP engine.

What is the difference between a B2 and A1 hose?

They are basically the same as the A1 hoses but do not have the fire-resistant covering that is on the outside of the hose. B2 Hoses: Are used for the fuel tank vent hose BUT ABOVE THE DECK OR NOT ENCLOSED! Basically the same as the A2 hose but without the fire-resistant covering on the outside of the hose.

What fuel line do you need for a Honda engine?

The general rule of thumb still stands regardless of what manufacturer engine you have! Whether it be Honda, Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki, Tohatsu, Nissan, or Johnson/Evinrude. Any engine that is above the 115 HP requires you to use a 3/8″ fuel line! The basic functionality of a combustion engine and the fuel demand for the horsepower is the same!

Why is it important to have a fuel line installed?

Going back to the straw theory, having the correct fuel line installed will help ensure the proper fuel consumption for the engine. Thus, keeping up and even prolonging the life of the engine. You don’t want to cause premature failure of the engine or any of the components that are in the fuel system.

What is an A1 hose?

A1 Hoses: Are used for feeding fuel from the boat fuel tank to the fuel filter bracket or the engine. AKA Below Deck Rating. They have a fire-resistant covering on the outside. They have the least permeable rating and are designed to have fuel in them at all times.

How to determine fuel line size?

The size of the fuel line is determined by the outside diameter. Completing the measurement is simple and takes relatively few tools. The same steps can be used to measure other types of tubing, such as those for brake lines.

How to measure fuel line diameter?

Place the top of a 1/4-inch wrench with an open end over the fuel line. Slide it carefully over the line so that it fits snugly against the tubing. Read the wrench's measurements to determine the diameter of the fuel line . Place a caliper over the fuel line if the wrench did not give an accurate reading. Calipers are used to measure distance ...

Why is it important to know the size of the fuel line?

It is important to have the right size so the vehicle operates efficiently.

How to measure distance between two sides of an object?

Calipers are used to measure distance between two sides of one object. Adjust the tips of the caliper to fit tightly on either side of the line. Remove the caliper. Place the tips on a ruler and read the measurement. 00:00.

Prime Line Fuel Line

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Prime Line Fuel Tubing

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