Advice on fuel line connectors

[andrewterri]

After replacing all the fuel lines in my daughters learner ski (96 GTI) we finally got ready to head out for her first lesson with her newly acquired watercraft license. Now I had tested the ski twice in January with not problem or leakage. However, when I started the ski now before heading out I had fuel leakage at 4 different connections on carb. I used what I thought was a better clear blue line thinking it would be better since the manufacture stating is was made for fuel and recommended for ski's plus it was made in America and that's important for me. The last ski was a softer blue line that never caused problems. The new line was much stiffer and I used zip ties like the last ski. Now I know zip ties wont work with this line because its to hard. I am worried about metal clamps having gas leaks. What do you guys recommend? Should I replace all the lines with another kind or try metal clamps?

 

[mikidymac]

I would suggest going with the standard 1/4" black automotive fuel hoses and high quality zip ties with the stainless locking tab. A fuel leak can cause an explosion injuring your daughter and damaging the ski. Fuel leaks are nothing to mess with.

 

[andrewterri]

I like the idea of the clear line to be able to help diagnose problems but I like the idea of my ski and daughter not exploding more. I will go to oriellys or autozone this weekend and get new line and redo everything. Hopefully they will have those zip ties. if they don't are metal clamps okay with the black line? the line is 3/16" inside diameter right?

 

[mikidymac]

1/4” inside diameter. Most electrical supply houses stock the good zip ties. You can also get all stainless hose clamps from Home Depot.

 

[snikwad003]

You gotta watch out for the lines that are for "fuel" then they turn hard and crack. I got got the same way.