Fuel Lines and Ethanol

[TX82FIAT]

Public service fuel line announcement.

Over the last couple month I have had to prime the fuel injection system by turning the key to the 1st position three times for the car to have enough fuel to start after it sat for more than a few days between runs. This weekend I did a fuel pressure test before and after the fuel pressure regulator and determined the fuel pump was not putting out enough fuel pressure. Previously (9 years ago) replaced all fuel lines in the engine compartment as well as inspected and painted the metal lines going through the car with POR15. I replaced the fuel pump and filter yesterday. However, in the process I also discovered what might have been the issue. Microscopic pin holes had developed in two spots in the 7.5 MM fuel hose from the pump to the metal line just in front of the drivers side rear wheel well. I purchased about 4 foot of 3/8 fuel injection hose and replaced the lines. Here is where it gets interesting, the old fuel lines disintegrated in my hands. These lines were fine when I inspected them about 9 years ago. So, in 9 years the fuel with ethanol had deteriorated the hoses to the point of absolute failure. I know there have been lots of posts about old fuel lines and ethanol. If you have original rubber fuel lines and you are using gas with ethanol you will at some point need to replace the lines. You may want to add this to your preventive maintenance schedule. Car is running great now, starts right up as the lines are holding pressure and the pump check valve is functioning.

[TX82FIAT]

Correction, memory fade, I used 5/16 FI hose not 3/8.