Ethanol Advantage

[John D.]

Not long ago someone here was talking about the correct hose for a 63-E 64 PCV valve. The real deal hose has a pattern made up of small diamonds.
ID is 1/2".
Well old JD here found some identical hose as far as pattern and texture of the rubber except for one major problem. The ID was/is only 7/16"!!

So I soaked the hose in ethanol for about a day. And wouldn't you know the hose grew in diameter so that now it fits the pcv valve and the vacuum line like a glove. In fact it's a nicer fit than the original one my 63 FI car. It's a tighter fit.

Goes to show you just what the ethanol is doing to our rubber hoses, etc.
Here's how I did the above. I got a tall beaker and filled it up with 89 octane ethanol and soaked it OUTSIDE for one day or less.
Then I brought the hose in and threw it in my ultrasonic cleaner that has watered down Simple Green. That got rid of the odor of the ethanol.
Next step was to blow it dry. And then to keep it's shape I stuck a PCV valve on each end of the hose and let it age for a few days.
End result was a hose that is dead nuts and sure to please.
Moral of the story above is this. Doesn't matter if you have a carb car or fuel car. Keep an eye on those rubber fuel hoses. They are easily replaced from your local auto store. Just ask for hoses that are compatible with ethanol. John

[Duke W.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

So can you give us the hose manufacturer and SAE spec number, which should be ink stamped every few inches along the length of the hose.

Duke

[John D.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

Duke, Here is exactly what is on the hose. Heat-Ozone Resistant Fuel/Vapor 7/16"
No SAE spec number which you would typically see. I bought this hose a few years ago from a vendor at Spring or Fall Carlisle.
It did not come with a box. On the cardboard spool is says " Fuel Line Hose 7/16". John

[Duke W.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

Low pressure fuel/PCV/evap hose should be marked SAE 30R6 or30R7. My Gates catalog shows it in 1/8" increments from 1/8" to 3/4" with a couple of 32nd increments - 9/32" and 15/32".

Sizes greater than 3/8" are not usually carried by parts stores that cater to the light duty automotive trade, but are usually carried by stores that cater to the medium/HD truck trade.

SAE 30R9 is commonly called "fuel injection hose" and is used for low pressure FI systems common on modern cars. It is thicker and stiffer than the 30R6 and 30R7 hose.

Duke

[Philip P.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

Is there any concern with the inside deteriorating and being sucked into the engine?

[David G.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

Not long ago someone here was talking about the correct hose for a 63-E 64 PCV valve. The real deal hose has a pattern made up of small diamonds.
ID is 1/2".
Well old JD here found some identical hose as far as pattern and texture of the rubber except for one major problem. The ID was/is only 7/16"!!

So I soaked the hose in ethanol for about a day. And wouldn't you know the hose grew in diameter so that now it fits the pcv valve and the vacuum line like a glove. In fact it's a nicer fit than the original one my 63 FI car. It's a tighter fit.

Goes to show you just what the ethanol is doing to our rubber hoses, etc.
Here's how I did the above. I got a tall beaker and filled it up with 89 octane ethanol and soaked it OUTSIDE for one day or less.
Then I brought the hose in and threw it in my ultrasonic cleaner that has watered down Simple Green. That got rid of the odor of the ethanol.
Next step was to blow it dry. And then to keep it's shape I stuck a PCV valve on each end of the hose and let it age for a few days.
End result was a hose that is dead nuts and sure to please.
Moral of the story above is this. Doesn't matter if you have a carb car or fuel car. Keep an eye on those rubber fuel hoses. They are easily replaced from your local auto store. Just ask for hoses that are compatible with ethanol. John

Whew........... I never thought that I would hear you say anything good about ethanol.

Dave Gray
# 3627

[John D.]

Re: Ethanol Advantage

Duke, As mentioned I bought this hose in a flea market. I too am surprised it has no SAE markings on it. But since I am using it for a PCV setup I don't think it will matter.
Email me please. johndegreg@aol.com