Braided Hose Lifespan
 

I'm curious how often other people replace the braided hose on their race cars. I am just putting my Super-Gas car back together after almost 16 years (it spent that whole time either indoors or in the trailer), and just discovered that the Russell braided stainless fuel lines are leaking severely. This was just the section of line from the tank to the fuel pumps (no pressure). As soon as I filled the tank, fuel just poured right through the hoses. When I removed the fuel filters earlier to clean them, I noticed these hoses felt pretty stiff.

These hoses were on the rolling chassis when I bought it in 1988, but I think they were new the year before.

Incidentally, I recently came across some braided hose which I had bought at a swap meet around 1985, and it was completely falling apart.

Interestingly, the section of hose near the carb seems to still be very flexible. I'll know shortly if that section leaks.

Regards,

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

I've replaced all of mine with the teflon braided hoses. It ain't funny when the rubber ones act like a lawn sprinkler after a couple of years.

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

Braided hoses are just a rubber hose with a sheathing on them. As I understand it, 5-7 years is about all you can expect from a rubber hose, regardless of use or storage. Just like tires, they deteriorate over time.

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

Who makes it in teflon? Does it use the same fittings? How much more is it?

Thanks,

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

I get mine at Bonnaco's Hoses and Fittings in Upland, CA.. Teflon is more expensive but it's a lot better for the long haul. The fittings are all crimp fittings. All the same sizes as hose available,
Ask for Tom, tell him I sent you.

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

I finally got through on tech support at Russell (Edelbrock) today, and spoke to a helpful tech. He said they may last as few as 3-5 years with the seasonal cycles of racing and sitting for months. He recommended trying their new Pro Classic Black hoses, which are a black nylon braid but use the same AN fittings as stainless but for less money, and they have been selling it for 4 years and have not heard of a failure yet, or their Pro Race series which has 1 more barrier in it (but is more expensive).

Unfortunately I already re-plumbed everything in Russell Pro Flex, but I'll keep that info handy when it's time to replace it again.

Regards,

Re: Braided Hose Lifespan
 

Thanks guys.. I can use this info to add to my preventative maintenance schedule.