Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:40:10 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: ALERT! Brand new fuel hoses failing!!!!
In-Reply-To: <5ebe10a0809271233u3a59de19i1bc63f09628e3590@mail.gmail.com>
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You will get lots of feedback on this, as this is very serious business.
I have in the4 past replaced all my fuel lines with hoses from Ken
Wilford at Vanagain.com. In my case experience has taught me to trust
the source. As many fuel leakage problems as I have had, it was never a
fault of the hose itself. Over time the habit I have developed as a self
defense and protection is to check those bloody hoses at least once a
month. Give them a good going over whether you think they need them or
not. Reason being, as much as anything - "Sh*t Happens!" You don't want
to be caught with a fuel leak for any reason. One must keep in mind
there is a lot of jigglty-jog in these engines, and that vibration
causes things to rub and wear, and just a cursory look doesn't cut it.
Hoses wear through in places not readily seen, so you want to give them
a good going over at least once a month. Another point - and I realize
this is a personal choice but I believe in it - replace those hoses
every 5 years. Thats $12 worth of safe driving a year - pretty cheap
protection in my book.
A few years ago, I stopped for fuel up just north of Huntsville, AL.
When I pulled away and started down the highway, I noticed the level of
my fuel guage dropping like a stone. My first reaction was WTF? - then
it dawned on me - and I looked through the rear view mirror and saw a
foot wide swath of gasoline down the middle of the lane coming right up
to my vehicle. I pulled over immediately, and shut down. I looked under
the engine. Fuel was pouring down all over the place. When I popped the
hatch, the entire upper surface of the engine was wet. I let it sit for
a spell until all the fuel was evaporated and the air clear of fumes.
Then I had a buddy who was with me just turn on the ignition momentarily
to pressure the fuel system. Instantly I saw the source of the leak. I
was able to effect a repair and limp home, but it was a scary event.The
line had rubbed and simply chaffed through, making a leak on top of the
engine. I could have easily had a fire.
I can't emphasize enough - ROUTINELY inspect those fuel lines.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL driver
Chris S wrote:
> I bought a bunch of fuel injection hose from one of "our" online vendors.
> The FI hose becomes soft, swells, separates and starts leaking. My hoses
> have been exposed to fuel for less than 1 week. All the hoses are very
> soft now. One failed.
>
>
> - The name of the fuel line is COHLINE.
> - If you bought and received COHLINE please CHECK YOUR FI hoses NOW!
> - If you are a vendor and carry COHLINE fuel injection line, test yours
> to make sure it's safe to use.
> - If you are about to buy FI line, make sure it's not COHLINE.
>
>
>
> I'm going to deal with the vendor separately and will allow them to deal
> with this issue on their own, hence no name will be given.
>
> --
> Chris S.
> Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"
>
>
>
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