Can I use clear vinyl tubing from lowes for oil injection hoses?

[x2nervisx]

I have a 97 xp that I'm currently doing maintenance on. I would like to replace the old clear (now brownish in color) oil lines from the oil tanks to the motor and oil pump. I believe they are 12mm ID. I can't seem to find any near that size in fuel lines at 2 of my lawn mower shops. The closest thing I can find is clear vinyl tubing at lowes or ace hardware. Are these lines ok to use? I already replaced the smaller oil injection lines with 3/32 tygon fuel lines.

 

[Coastiejoe]

As long as it is rated for petroleum products I see no reason why not...

Several have replaced their fuel lines with clear as well as they like to SEE the fuel system working..

 

[x2nervisx]

The thing is the box that the tubing is in doesnt list petroleum as its intended use. I understand not using it for fuel but does oil degrade these type of lines?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Oil and fuel are basically the same thing. Both come from crude oil and then get purified and have additives and what not.

I would be shocked if the tubing would fail to be honest with ya. You will be able to tell as it would become soft or mushy if the oil did affect it..

 

[WhiskeyD]

For what its worth.. I've got a few pieces of 5/8"(?) clear tubing from lowes that I use in the garage for random things like siphoning gas, putting on the end of a funnel when pouring oil, etc and they've held up just fine to petroleum products over the past few years. Though, mine are not always filled with oil like your lines would be so take that into factor.

 

[LouDoo]

Personally I wouldn't chance it, you can get petroleum rated vinyl tubing from McMaster Carr, and you only need a few feet.

Lou

 

[AdamXP800]

I don't think it's worth the risk. I would shop around and purchase the correct grade line for the job. Oil is your motors life line, not an area to skimp on

 

[donkey]

well,im feelin a little worried now,3 of my skis have the clear tubing on them,from home depo,just the rotary lines,feed and return.the little oil injection lines are from a lawnmower shop.almost a year on some of them,i just checked them(like right now i checked them) and they appear to be as new.no discoloration nor break down as far as "melting" from the petroleum.
so far so good.

 

[richardpr]

you can find that tubing on ebay

 

[Dacapster]

wrong dia....