Gates fuel line issues with Bernd
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.
Topic: Gates fuel line issues with Bernd