This post is to update my own experience with fuel lines installed by Bernd R. at Worldline Motors. There have been several threads on this and a significant amount of discussion. This post is not focused on general discussion but rather my own experience and findings. One mans experience.
First, when I had the lines replaced three years ago, I was assured by Bernd that he would stand behind them for 10 years. Not in writing but a handshake. When I brought the rig in November, the only question I was asked is if I had used any spray solvents around the hoses and I had not. He was good to his word and work commenced.
We found deteriorated small lines on return and on the genset. They were cracked and in poor external condition. However, the larger main line had no deterioration whatsoever and looked like the day it was installed.
According to Bernd, the original spools were purchased at NAPA. They and Gates have denied any responsibility for the hoses which would be far greater than Worldline's. However, there are two differing descriptions of the hose from digital catalogues that Bernd provided. Please note these are screen shots from a supplier in Colorado that contains the warning statement and a screen shot from the Gates online catalogue that is absent any warning. I have attached these to the post. Which of these is accurate or if they are both correct but represent differing times is beyond the scope I am willing to dedicate to this issue.
In the original thread, there was a discussion of fraudulent sale and use of the hoses. With the two differing catalogue statements and the use of higher priced hose, those claims would fall far short in my opinion. I do not know when and how the warning was added and why it is absent from the Gates shot. I do not know if the Central statement meant external exposure. Etc, etc.
The deterioration of my small hoses originated with the external covering and moved inward. My hoses did not show internal damage or leakage.
One explanation is bad production runs in the Mexico plant that was missed by their quality control. (Mexico is only mentioned because that is the stamp on the hoses) I am, of course, not in a position to know if similar issues had surfaced with other users. The side by side run of return lines that are flawed and mains that are good could indicate a production issue with the external layer. If the larger hose was not produced contemporaneously with the smaller hoses, production time might differentiate the quality.
Again, this is my personal experience with this issue and nothing more. Would I use Bernd again? Yes for chassis specific mechanical issues, I would.
I've had the Gates for 2 years with no problems. Thanks for the info.
Glen
I recently finished up replacing the engine fuel hoses on my coach. The guy that does my yard was small enough to crawl in between the fuel and propane tanks and remove and replace the supply line. I paid him $180 to do it. About 2 hrs of work. I had to wait until his yard business slacked off. I did the return line a few months earlier, easy as the tank fitting is near the end of the tank. Dropped the metal cover in the cargo compartment, and used the old hose to pull in the new hose. I used the same Eaton Aero-Quip hose that Foretravel did. Expensive hose, but the fittings are easy to install. They say reusable, but after 23 years almost impossible to remove. I bought new fittings as they are less than $15 each. I did this for piece of mind due to all the comments about hose failure, but the hoses I replaced seemed to be in very good condition and I have no reason to believe that they were not original.
For that price you should get some free tree trimming.
My fuel lines were replaced in April 2015 with NAPA fuel lines. No problems so far and we are full time. I am glad Bernd stood behind his work.
He didn't ask me for that, I thought it was worth it, and he said it was too much. Probably more at FT and I would have to drive there.
Maybe Bernd is a victim of Gates hoses!!! You would think the hose would have worn the same,the return hose on the engine
would see more heat.