The short answer is no. Rubber hoses are not suitable for the high pressures and temperatures of fuel lines. They can easily rupture, leak, and even catch fire, posing a serious safety hazard.
Despite the advantages of rubber hose, there are still some important factors and considerations to be taken into account when choosing it as a fuel line.
1 Temperature range
Rubber may become soft at high temperatures, so it is important to ensure that the rubber hose selected can withstand the high temperatures that may occur in the fuel system. Otherwise, the hose may lose its elasticity and fuel resistance.
2 Chemical resistance
In addition to oil resistance, the rubber’s resistance to other chemicals that may be present in the fuel needs to be considered. Some additives or components may hurt the rubber, so there is a need to ensure that the selected rubber is resistant to these chemicals.
3 Strength and abrasion resistance
In the fuel system, the hoses may be subjected to a certain amount of stress and abrasion. Therefore, there is a need to select rubber hoses that are strong enough and have good abrasion resistance to ensure that they do not leak or break during use.
There are a variety of rubber hose alternatives that are more suitable for fuel lines.
The following hoses are suitable for fuel lines
Metal Hose: Metal hoses are the most common type of fuel line. They are made of steel, aluminum, or stainless steel and are very resistant to pressure, temperature, and chemicals.
Polyurethane Hoses: Polyurethane hoses are a good alternative to metal hoses. They are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to pressure, temperature, and chemicals.
Nylon Hose: Nylon hoses are a cheaper alternative to metal or polyurethane hoses. They are less resistant to pressure or temperature, but they are still a good choice for low-pressure applications.
Conclusion
When considering the use of rubber hoses as fuel lines, the advantages and considerations need to be taken into account. If the right rubber material is properly selected and used, it may be a viable alternative for the fuel system. However, it is important to pay attention to key factors such as temperature range, chemical resistance as well as strength and abrasion resistance to ensure that the selected rubber hose will operate consistently and reliably in the fuel system.