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steel fuel line sizes

by Dena Davis Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Aeromotive PTFE Stainless Braided fuel line is available in standard sizes including AN -06, -08, -10 and AN-12, and comes in pre-cut lengths (from 4-ft, 8-ft, 12-ft up to 16-ft).

Recommended Size, Based on Horsepower
Recommended Fuel Line Size (from the tank to the pump)
Engine OutputSize (inches)Size (AN)
350 hp or less5/16 in.-5
350-450 hp3/8 in.-6
450-650 hp1/2 in.-8
1 more row
Sep 16, 2017

Full Answer

What is the correct size fuel line?

correct fuel line for Predator 212 3rd generation

  • Coverfire. Hey all, I tore the original fuel line on my Predator 212 plus it wasn't long enough to reach my new carburetor anyways and I'm having a hard time ...
  • landuse. I would say you found the right stuff.
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  • Karttekk. ...
  • Coverfire. ...
  • madprofessor. ...
  • Coverfire. ...
  • madprofessor. ...
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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 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! ...

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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 size is metal fuel line?

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

What size is standard fuel line?

The sizes typically used in fuel systems are AN6 / Dash 6 / -6, which equates to a thread measuring 9/16” x 18 (threads per inch) with a hose bore around 3/8”, and AN8 / Dash 8 / -8 which has a thread measuring 3/4” x 16 (threads per inch) with a hose bore of around 1/2”.

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

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.

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.

What is the best material for fuel lines?

The best fuel line material depends on your needs. However, the best material for fuel lines is polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. PTFE fuel line is made of plastic material specifically known as Teflon. This fuel line material is impervious is resistant to the degenerative fuel effects which could form vapor barriers.

Does size of fuel line matter?

Does size really matter when it comes to fuel lines? According to the fuel delivery system experts at Fuelab, it does. It's because fuel line size and length have a direct effect on the amount of fuel pressure drop your fuel system will experience.

How are metal fuel lines measured?

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.

What is the OD of 3/8 fuel line?

FUEL LINE HOSE 9.5MM (3/8") NITRILE TUBE ID 10MM X OD 16MM NON-FUEL INJECTION 50 PSI - Collier & Miller.

What is the outside diameter of 5/16 fuel line?

Universal Fuel Line - 3/16" ID x 5/16" OD, Sold by the FootInside Diameter3/16 InchOutside Diameter5/16 InchTypeFuel Tank Line

Are bigger fuel lines better?

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.

Does fuel line size affect pressure?

Shows the relationship between measured pressure drop as a function of flow rate, for four different fuel lines (two different sizes at two different lengths). Every fuel line experiences pressure loss depending on fuel line length, and fuel flow rate.

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 Fuel Line Do I Need?

When choosing steel fuel line for your ride, you can use this same guideline. A good guide here is anything under 350 horsepower, you can use 5/16 fuel line or fuel hose. If your combination makes between 350 and 450 horsepower, 3/8 fuel line or fuel hose will work well. For those of you making 450 to 600 horsepower, you’re going to need 1/2-inch fuel line.

What is a fuel line?

A vehicle’s fuel line carries fuel, gas, E85, or whatever fuels your vehicle, from the fuel tank to the carburetor or fuel rails/throttle body and injectors. Your vehicle may have a return-style fuel system, such as when older vehicles have been retrofitted with a throttle-body style EFI system. In these cases, you will also have a fuel line returning unused fuel back to the tank. There are many sizes of fuel line in many different materials. It can be a daunting task choosing the correct fuel line combination for your ride, but we’re to help you make a sound decision based on your budget, type of fuel used, carb or EFI setup, and horsepower levels. Our assortment of quality fuel line options includes everything from bulk rubber hose, stainless braided fuel line, cloth braided fuel line, steel and aluminum hardlines, and more!

How Long Do Fuel Lines Last?

Fuel hose, and especially braided line, stainless steel fuel line, and aluminum fuel line can last many years, decades even, and regular upkeep can help extend the life of fuel hose and fuel line. The enemy of fuel hose, braided line, stainless steel fuel line, aluminum fuel line, and the like, is corrosion. A super dry climate and a vehicle sitting around without fluid running through it will also reduce fuel hose life. Therefore, if you’re trying to get a vehicle back on the road after sitting many years, make sure to check the condition of the fuel line, or the fuel hose will let you know if it’s good or bad. If the vehicle in question is just a few years old, chances are the fuel hose and fuel line is in good shape. However, if the fuel system features aftermarket fuel lines or a braided fuel line kit, we recommend making sure those lines are in good condition before putting your ride back on the road. If you don’t know who installed them (they could’ve been incorrectly installed) then verify proper routing, condition, and so forth before pressurizing your fuel system. Fuel leaks are something you want to take seriously.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Line?

Fuel leaks are a dead giveaway, but if the fuel hose is old, cracked, or dry-rotted, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new fuel line kit. Rubber fuel hose should be treated like tires. You probably wouldn’t drive a vehicle with dry-rotted tires, so why would you trust dry-rotted rubber fuel hose?! Doing so is asking for problems. Remember, fuel leaks are extremely dangerous, so don’t take any chances.

What Is the Best Material for Fuel Lines?

Most factory fuel hose for carbureted applications is made of rubber. Most factory fuel line is made of either aluminum, steel, or stainless-steel materials. When searching for the best material for your fuel hose, you want to choose a high-quality nitrile rubber hose, which in many instances, is made even stronger by a braided fuel line or braided hose covering. However, fuel hose for a carbureted, low-pressure fuel system doesn’t have to be as heavy duty as fuel hose for a fuel injected, high-pressure fuel system. A carbureted system may run on 6 to 8 psi, whereas a fuel injected system could require 60 psi, maybe more. For that reason, you can get away with just about any fuel hose for a carbureted system, but when it comes to EFI, nitrile reinforced rubber fuel hose or PTFE is the best route. Otherwise, any aluminum or steel fuel line kit is compatible with EFI. Remember though, aluminum is easier to bend than steel tubing, so keep that in mind if you must make your own fuel line kit.

Do you need a fuel line for E85?

We most often associate E85 with a larger than stock fuel pump and -8 or -10 AN fuel line. So yes, if you plan to run E85 in your vehicle, make sure the fuel pump and fuel line kit can carry the volume needed to keep up with demand. E85 attracts more moisture than traditional fuels, which is where its corrosion issues come from. Having E85 compliant fuel lines (both metal and rubber) will go a long way in ensuring your fuel system serves your needs for many years.

Where to put 100 micron fuel filter?

We recommend you install a 100 Micron In-Line Fuel Filter between the tank and the pump.

Why do you need an external fuel pump?

However, when using an External Fuel Pump, you can starve it for fuel if the line is too small.

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.

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 a fuel line?

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.

Can you disconnect a fuel line?

Uncover the fuel line so that it is visible and can be reached easily. Do not remove the fuel line or disconnect it.

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 is a pipe fitting?

Pipe Fittings Pipe Fittings can be used to connect fuel lines to the port on a fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator, as well as connect fuel pressure gauges to gauge ports. One end (the port end) of the fitting can be described as a male open-ended cylinder with Tapered Thread (also called Pipe Thread) on the outer diameter. This fits into a female port of corresponding size and thread pitch. The other end typically uses a 37° cone and Straight Thread. The Tapered Thread on the port end of the fitting must use sealing compound or Teflon tape to help avoid leakage. However, in high-pressure fuel system applications this method has proven more leak prone than the O-ring seal method used with Straight Thread fittings. As well, Teflon tape has the potential to leave debris in the fuel systemWhich leads us to the description of Port Fittings.

What is AN thread size?

AN Standards as Applied to Fluid Carrying Fittings Each AN size also references a standard male and female thread size that is used on fittings - such as hose end fittings, adapters, and port fittings. This is known as “AN Thread Size”. AN fittings have Straight Thread, and use O-ring seals. The O-ring size is typically defined by the "AS" standard. Dash Numbers are typically assigned based on the size. Boss-Seal style O-rings are typically in the "900" Series. For example -906 is for -6AN ports, and -908 is for -8AN ports. AN Size and AN Thread Size Reference Chart The chart below references the tube (or flexible hose) OD and thread size for each AN size.

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.

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