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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Fuel Hoses

2 years ago I replaced all the engine compartment fuel hoses when I fitted refurbished carbs. Came to drive it last weekend and found I had a petrol leak on the hose that goes from the metal fuel line to the fuel filter. I only use super unleaded as I have read about ethanol content in modern fuels.

My question is, where can I get better quality hoses from? The current hoses were supplied by minispares. It's a bit concerning that they only last 2 years, is everyone else changing them regularly?
Peter Ottewell

Hi Peter
If you look in the Archives there is loads of comment on this. But to cut it short, search on-line for fuel hose of the follow spec 'J30 R9'. This is ethanol proof and better than unleaded proof. I changed all my fuel lines with that spec hose after finding all the existing (only 2 year old) hoses were disintegrating.

Others on this BB may know who sells this stuff - I can't recall where I got it from.
Chris Hasluck

I don't know what the latest position is, but I spent some time googling and researching the various grades of fuel hose a couple of years ago. There's an SAE something-or-other code hose available in the US that's proof against high levels of ethanol but at that time I could not find a supplier in the UK unless I bought a massive length of it..
I also remember there was an interesting article on the MGCC V8 Register's website on this very subject. It was also inconclusive - but may have been updated since.
- you need to know the *exact* spec of hose required
- you need to question closely all potential suppliers, most of them will feed you BS to get a sale.
David Smith

As Chris said, R9 spec. Like you I only use super unleaed but you have to be careful as not all s/unleaded does not contain ethanol.
http://www.groups.tr-register.co.uk/wessex/ethanol-update.html
The article's a bit lenghty but at the bottom there'e a list of petrols which don't have ethanol added.
Jeremy Tickle

Lots of sources in the UK. Here are some:

http://www.volksbolts.com/faq/fuelhose.htm

http://www.machine7.com/product_highslide.php?xProd=13183

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?pCode=015.366

There is quite a bit of variation in price so it pays to shop around. Hope that helps

Chris Hasluck

Thanks for the input chaps!
Peter Ottewell

<<The article's a bit lenghty but at the bottom there'e a list of petrols which don't have ethanol added.>>

The article was written in 2011, so the information is likely to be somewhat outdated.
Dave O'Neill 2

I've ordered some R9 hose from Machine7 in Nuneaton.
Peter Ottewell

'The article was written in 2011, so the information is likely to be somewhat outdated.'

Yes it may well be - do you have anything more up to date Dave?

Peter any reason what you chose Machine 7?
Jeremy Tickle

No, I'm afraid not.

The article does suggest that more ethanol is/was likely to be added by 2013, so it's a bit of a lottery, I guess.

I'm still using Esso super unleaded, but I've no idea whether it has ethanol, or not.

I did have a hose failure on the current B, but it may well be due to damage incurred before I bought it, last year.

There is some information from FBHVC here, regarding fuel. I don't have time to read it tonight, unfortunately.
Dave O'Neill 2

Jeremy, I chose Machine 7 based on price rather than reputation, they seem to be mid-range. This based on my previous experience in project purchasing. We'll see how it goes.
Peter Ottewell

Peter,
asked only because I've bought bits from them before for an old VW in which they specialise. They seem pr for the course (alongwith most of the other VW suppliers!).
Jeremy Tickle

Ooops, forgot the link.

Well, it was late...

http://www.fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuels/fuel-information/
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Jeremy that's good to know.
Peter Ottewell

This thread was discussed between 21/03/2016 and 22/03/2016

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