Using Fuel Line as Coolant Line: Worst Idea Since tronc?

"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
02/16/2017 at 22:25 • Filed to: Oppo Questions, Volvo, DIY

Hear’s the dealio Oppo: I need to replace the coolant line traveling from the top of the expansion tank to the top of the radiator. The line is part Volvo #918376; however Volvo assigns this number to any length of this tubing. I need a 152 cm line; the dealer only has 100 cm.

Another parts store has the right size line, but it’s a fuel line. If I use it, even until I can find the coolant line, will everything I know and love die?

DISCUSSION (22)

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:32

What was this tronc idea?

Urambo Tauro > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:35

Oh, I wouldn’t hesitate to use fuel hose for that (unless there’s something in the coolant that’s bad for it?). It can certainly handle the pressure. It’s not like you’re trying to use vacuum hose for hydraulic lines. I’d say go for it!

For Sweden > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time
02/16/2017 at 22:37

It’s when the Chicago Tribune tried to create #content to #engage #millennials. It’s a sarcastic buzzword among the young hip blogging elite.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:44

“but VW/porsche don’t have coolant.... oh hey Pelican now sells Volvo stuff.”

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/fuel-hose-as-coolant-line/42581/page1/ somebody else has tried it.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:46

It will hold. Fuel will cause the hose to degrade (damn ethanol) so I don’t think coolant will cause failure. Even the most basic fuel line is designed for 45psi or 90psi. So the world will not end.

For Sweden > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
02/16/2017 at 22:47

Thank you for helping those who cannot properly internet

Biased Plies > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:49

Not only will everything you know and love die, you will anger the Viking gods, incite their wrath and then step on some Legos. It’s not worth it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:51

Synthetic rubbers = non-polar substances, mostly. Suitable for polar substances such as glycols, water. Oil/fuel/etc. = non-polar solvents. Synthetic rubbers as used in fuel line = non-polar substances with additives to prevent non-polar solvent interactions, possibly capable of leaching over time into a polar solvent. Verdict: should be fine in the short term, a guy in gmporschenut’s link claimed that the line would harden over an extended period of time. Eh, it’s possible, but no emergency, and the hose itself is fiber-reinforced and rated to probably six times the pressure.

On consideration I say go for it. Eff the po.

Orange Exige > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:55

I can’t imagine that it’d be a bad idea, especially for short term....

Wouldn’t a fuel line be built to be more durable?? I guess it could be made for lesser pressures, but it’s not like a serious hydraulic hose with crazy pressure running into the expansion tank. I think you’re fine. Probably even long term if one was such a daring cheapskate.

EL_ULY > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 22:59

I have 3 meters of that part number

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 23:02

It will be fine in the short term. The temperature and pressure will be well within the limits of what even low pressure fuel hose can handle. Over the long term, you could probably dig around the hose manufactures website and find the fluids compatibility chart for that material and learn if it would work and play well with coolant over the long run.

For Sweden > EL_ULY
02/16/2017 at 23:04

That’s probably worth many dollars on the open market; like an unbroken Ming vase.

For Sweden > Orange Exige
02/16/2017 at 23:04

I think the potential issue is the glycol and heat breaking down the fuel line.

EL_ULY > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 23:07

Just like R22 refrigerant

For Sweden > EL_ULY
02/16/2017 at 23:08

I know a guy with a large bottle of that, though he doesn’t own any cars that use R22.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 23:15

I think Volvo uses rubber fuel lines under the hood so heat shouldn’t be an issue. Over time, if the hose isn’t made to handle glycol it could break down. I don’t think this would be bad in the short term. Honestly you’d probably be fine just buying generic coolant hose of the right length and diameter or if you be extra sure go to McMaster-Carr’s and website and get something rated for coolant and high temperatures.

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 23:41

I did this on my Jeep. This is what the O’Reilly guy gave me when I asked for coolant overflow hose. I do know it was ethanol resistant hose.

jminer > For Sweden
02/16/2017 at 23:47

If it’s the EFI rubber line that’s high quality stuff it is excellent for many uses. I’ve used it for coolant lines, vacuum hoses and transmission coolers (gasoline too).

You won’t have any problem with it on the overflow tank.

If it’s carb fuel line it’ll work for an emergency but I wouldn’t run it on there permanently.

RallyWrench > For Sweden
02/17/2017 at 00:41

No problem in the interim, and I’ve seen cars run fuel hose for coolant overflow for years without degradation. The other way around (coolant hose for fuel) is a bad idea though.

Jayvincent > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
02/17/2017 at 06:57

Kinja'd!!!

good job!

EL_ULY > For Sweden
02/17/2017 at 09:51

I had an oooold thing of R12 for my e34. Once out, R134 went in and worked fine. Not as great but meh.

Did you want me to send you some 981376 ? No charge :]

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > For Sweden
02/17/2017 at 10:37

I hope not. I’ve been using fuel line for my overflow on the race car for almost two years.

Broke the original at an autocross, the local formula SAE team had fuel line that was the same size.