Fuel system advisory

[Toynut]

I had purchased a very low hour and little used 2000 Max IV last summer and have recently started to base line over the winter for use this coming summer. Today I was swapping out the fuel filter and decided to get a good look at the condition of the rubber fuel lines near the engine (16 HP Vanguard).
I noticed that the fuel line running to the filter was in great shape.
However..., there were significant cracks on the short segment between the filter to the fuel pump. I decided to unbolt the metal air cleaner housing off of the carburetor to be able to see the hidden fuel hose segment from the fuel pump to the carburetor inlet, and it too was significantly heat-cracked. This is probably due to it's proximity to the top of the engine where it is exposed to significant heat and vibration. The little extra work to unbolt the air cleaner housing (5 bolts plus disconnecting the air breather hose) was very worthwhile.
I upgraded the sections of rubber tubing with Goodyear fuel injection hose which has an extra interior liner sleeve for safety and strength 9I am a Goodyear distributor). Gates Rubber also makes a new improved grade of fuel hose that meets current federal standards for not letting fuel vaporize through the hose walls (surprisingly common in older generation of fuel line hose).

The point I am trying to inform you owners of older vehicles is to inspect your fuel lines on a regular bases for wear, abrasion and degradation, particularly the closer they run to a heat source like the engine compartment. The higher alcohol content of today's fuels also degrade older style fuel hose more rapidly than before. The newer designed hose have fluorocarbon liners to handle the tougher emission standards and under hood environments.

You just might avoid an unnecessary breakdown or even a total vehicle fire with just a little extra diligence on your part. The fuel line replacement and upgrade is pretty cheap insurance.
I am posting this in the Max section, but I bet this applies to a considerable variety of machines.

[brushcutter]

I plan to use this when I replace mine- no more worries!
mscdirect.com

I know it may cost more up front, but I run an electric fuel pump and would feel safer with a hard lined system. If you are replacing hose every year or two, then it will pay off in the long run. Might even find it cheaper elsewhere.

[Toynut]

Stainless hard lines are great, but you will still need to have some flexible hose sections to install a fuel filter and to hook up to the carburetor and possibly the fuel tank. There is no way a solid fuel line will last solidly attached to a vibrating engine assembly. Assuming you have a carbureted engine, the hose sections near the engine will still be subject to heat that eventually.
The subject of an electric fuel pump has come up before. Electric pumps do a pretty good job of pushing fuel and most of them have to be mounted at or below the fuel tank to draw fuel reliably. The issue that you might have to deal with is making sure you do not choose a pump with excessive fuel pressure as most of these small engines run on about 2-3 LBs. of fuel pressure (IIRC) and much more than that might easily flood them.

[LarryW]

Great advise toynut! It only takes a few hours (if that) to replace the lines and even the higher grade hoses should be less then $100.

[countrycummins99]

briggs fuel pumps are pulsed by engine RPM when feeding the carbs i doubt an electric pump would work because its contsant pressure

[countrycummins99]

also

i also replaced my lines at the begining of the summer there were also cracked like yours

[brushcutter]

briggs fuel pumps are pulsed by engine RPM when feeding the carbs i doubt an electric pump would work because its contsant pressure

That's weird, I've been running an electric pump for well over a year now with flawless performance. It is designed for small engines-4 cyl cars, lawn tractors and such, is low pressure, low volume and I can bang the governor without losing supply. Soo... I won't be going back to the pulse pump that you get to overhaul every year or so,(or less) and ALWAYS craps out at the worst time. Also will install one in the Bigfoot and it's a lot easier to replace them than to rebuild the pulse thing(ever try finding one of those tiny springs in a 6X6 tub while sitting in a slough NOT FUN), 2 line fittings and 2 electrical quick connects and you're done. And it can be done sitting in the drivers seat while floating in a mudhole. I do lke the looks of the injector hose though, and may go with it when it comes time to do all that, cost/durability will be the deciding factors, and I know that stainless will last forever, a small piece of hose at the engine will likely be the only hose I'll use.

[countrycummins99]

i stand corrected

[Christian]

I am new to the site and aatvs in general, I am a powersports tech and think the idea for the upgraded lines is great, I just got my maxII and had to replace the fuel lines,filter and rebuild the carb due to sitting for three years(previous owner) with fuel in it and I also used upgraded line, something else I did was to move the fuel valve on mine to the tank outlet and install a clear filter directly next to it so they can be accessed and monitored easily. love the electric fuel pump idea..think I'll try it

[dustybarn]

A low pressure solenoid electric pump, such as those intended for old sports cars, would probably fit the bill. Here is one:

Pegasus - Facet Fuel Pump, 15 Gallon/Hr @ 1psi, 1/8 NPT

(no personal connection, other than that I have used Facet pumps in the past)

I am thinking of putting one on my Max IV, as I have noticed that the engine begins to run lean below 1/4 tank.