Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

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Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

June 23, 2021, 07:44:19 pm

We are back from our trip to New Mexico, and put Colorado off until later. We were tired of heat and worried about the fires. We stayed an extra night in New Mexico to avoid the closed section of I-10 last night. So we are home and I need stuff to do in the 100* heat. How about those old fuel lines?

What do I need?

I have spent a lot of time looking through the fuel line posts I found with the search function. Different lengths of coach, different years, different models, different generators and water heaters...

Does anyone know what hose sizes and approximate lengths I need? I have the following in my notes, but I can't find the source to determine if it is for my coach.

5/8 inch - 30 feet
3/8 inch 70 feet
1/2 inch 37 feet
1/4 inch 3 feet (for Aqua Hot)

Three more questions:

Are there any bolts holding the fuel tank other than those in the flanges on the ends?

Is there enough slack in the old (apparently original) hoses to pull the tank out to the fittings without first cutting the hoses?

Are Gates Barricade or Trident A1-15 both wise choices?

Thanks!

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #1 – June 23, 2021, 07:59:17 pm

I pulled mine and took them in, had them made a bit longer. Those are the only bolts. Tank came out to get lines off but tight. Make sure factory didn't switch gen and engine. Just pull out and ck length of pickups.Also once tank is back in place, blow through lines making sure they are not pinched. Ck out gracerace for my fuel line post.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #2 – June 23, 2021, 08:31:41 pm

I used Trident hose, easy to work withwith the original push loc fittings. Plenty of slack to get the tank out. Just a tight fit with all the cable and tings that run over top of the tank just work slow. Check for a fuel cooler those lines need to be replaced as well.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #3 – June 23, 2021, 08:34:31 pm

Quote from: gracerace – June 23, 2021, 07:59:17 pm

. Make sure factory didn't switch gen and engine. Just pull out and ck length of pickups.

Right after we got the coach, we ran the fuel down until the generator quit. It wasn't the engine, so it is up to me to keep them straight!

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #4 – June 23, 2021, 08:35:36 pm

Quote from: bbeane – June 23, 2021, 08:31:41 pm

I used Trident hose with the original push loc fittings. Plenty of slack to get the tank out. Just a tight fit with all the cable and tings that run over top of the tank just work slow.

Upcoming weather in the 100s. I WILL be working slow!

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #5 – June 23, 2021, 08:49:49 pm

Quote from: oldmattb – June 23, 2021, 08:34:31 pm

Right after we got the coach, we ran the fuel down until the generator quit. It wasn't the engine, so it is up to me to keep them straight!

I used different color spray paint on hose and fitting, no mistakes.
Chris

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #6 – June 23, 2021, 08:51:13 pm

Quote from: bbeane – June 23, 2021, 08:31:41 pm

I used Trident hose with the original push loc fittings. Plenty of slack to get the tank out. Just a tight fit with all the cable and tings that run over top of the tank just work slow.

Used a 1'x2' board to hold the wires etc. up, while pulling tank.
Chris

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #7 – June 23, 2021, 09:13:12 pm

Quote from: gracerace – June 23, 2021, 08:51:13 pm

Used a 1'x2' board to hold the wires etc. up, while pulling tank.
Chris

I am dense sometimes. I take this to mean that you used a long board to get under the wires and etc running across the center of the tank, and lift them up to keep them from hanging up on the tank fittings. Yes?

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #8 – June 23, 2021, 09:35:09 pm

Quote from: oldmattb – June 23, 2021, 09:13:12 pm

I am dense sometimes. I take this to mean that you used a long board to get under the wires and etc running across the center of the tank, and lift them up to keep them from hanging up on the tank fittings. Yes?

Yes

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #9 – June 24, 2021, 07:21:55 am

Quote from: gracerace – June 23, 2021, 08:49:49 pm

I used different color spray paint on hose and fitting, no mistakes.
Chris

I would use different color zip ties. I don't like the idea of painting the hose due to possibility of paint chemicals causing the hose to degrade. Good probably that nothing would happen but I always seem to be the one that hears "I have been doing this for a long time and I have never seen that happen before"

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #10 – June 24, 2021, 11:35:49 am

When I did mine I used a push on connecter to connect the old line to the new line
and was able to pull the old line out and the new line in. I also pulled a string
through when pulling the lines out incase I ever need to pull a electrical wire though,
just incase.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #11 – June 24, 2021, 11:38:20 am

I did the same thing but after I pulled all the chase covers in the bays and cut the zip ties that bundled the fuel line with the overhead wires.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #12 – June 24, 2021, 01:49:36 pm

Use expandable vinyl braided covering. It makes pulling in new hose 100X easier and is available in different colors. I use it for everything electrical or fuel hoses. Rodents don't like it. It also stiffens the hose a little so it's easier to guide into where you want it. It will also expand over any fittings. Fire restive type available too. vinyl braided loom expandable | eBay

Photos shows it used over wiring.

Pierce

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #13 – June 24, 2021, 02:05:10 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – June 24, 2021, 01:49:36 pm

Use expandable vinyl braided covering. It makes pulling in new hose 100X easier and is available in different colors. I use it for everything electrical or fuel hoses. Rodents don't like it. It also stiffens the hose a little so it's easier to guide into where you want it. It will also expand over any fittings. Fire restive type available too. vinyl braided loom expandable | eBay

Photos shows it used over wiring.

Pierce

Wow! Great idea. I would think it worth the cost of it saves one hour of struggle-feeling like a failure if a hose hangs up in a hidden space. Do you order the covering size to match the outside diameter of the hose, or next size up?

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #14 – June 24, 2021, 02:16:50 pm

I have been out looking and measuring. I am coming up with figures different from other people. Different sizes on different FT models? Different locations for generator? Etc? I would plan to add a few feet for "safety." If you have your own figures for a 1998 U-320, or knowledge, please let me know.

Here are my estimates:

For engine:
from tank fitting to the central channel - 3'
from channel entrance to exit in front of filter - 18'
from channel exit, curve to filter housing - 3'
(line from filter to engine is recent)
(two short woven lines on engine temporarily excluded)

For return:
from engine fitting to exit of channel - 22'
from channel exit to fitting - 3'

Total for engine 49 feet

For generator:
from generator body to exit on side (allow for loop) - 4'
from side opening to channel exit - 9'
from channel exit to fitting - 3'
two times! (small lines on generator temporarily excluded)

total for generator 32 feet

Aqua hot:
(filter is inside AH compartment)
from tank fitting to channel - 3'
from channel to AH fitting - 3'
two times!

total for Aqua Hot 14 feet

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #15 – June 24, 2021, 03:01:24 pm

Quote from: oldmattb – June 24, 2021, 02:05:10 pm

Wow! Great idea. I would think it worth the cost of it saves one hour of struggle-feeling like a failure if a hose hangs up in a hidden space. Do you order the covering size to match the outside diameter of the hose, or next size up?

No, outside diameter. Hard to describe but say you have a RG-6 cable with a fitting on the end. The fitting is larger but when you push the expandable (key word) vinyl on, you hold the end and sort of bunch it up and it expands so it goes over the end fitting. It can be loose over the hose/cable and if you give it a pull, it tightens. Amazing stuff. I then trim it so it's even at the ends and then use shrink wrap to make a nice clean job with no little strands sticking out.

Pierce

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #16 – June 24, 2021, 03:01:50 pm

On my 99 40' 295 I used 50' I ordered 50 box of 5/8, 1/2, 3/8 of trident cheaper to
Buy by the box

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #17 – June 24, 2021, 03:16:01 pm

Quote from: bbeane – June 24, 2021, 03:01:50 pm

On my 99 40' 295 I used 50' I ordered 50 box of 5/8, 1/2, 3/8 of trident cheaper to
Buy by the box

I have been checking prices and I see that. What is the 5/8" for? I saw that listed several times in the older threads, but I don't think I have any on my coach. Am I missing something?

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #18 – June 24, 2021, 03:27:55 pm

5/8th hose is used for the engine fuel line on my coach.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #19 – June 24, 2021, 03:52:23 pm

Quote from: oldguy – June 24, 2021, 03:27:55 pm

5/8th hose is used for the engine fuel line on my coach.

Getting closer!

I found a 2556-10 line going through the coach. That is the 5/8. It looks like the return is a 2556-8, or a 1/2 inch. Do you remember if your return line was a 1/2 inch?

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #20 – June 24, 2021, 04:23:38 pm

My return line is half inch, including the fuel cooler if yours is so equipped.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #21 – June 24, 2021, 04:26:49 pm

Quote from: bbeane – June 24, 2021, 04:23:38 pm

My return line is half inch, including the fuel cooler if yours is so equipped.

And, if no fuel cooler as OE, ADD ONE.

A small to medium size Hayden transmission cooler in the return line works just fine. If you are "fine tuning" be able to fit a cover over it in really cold temps. Dianne made a cover for ours that I could Velcro over it. If driving in sub-freezing temps, you can over-cool fuel with a fuel cooler!

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #22 – June 24, 2021, 08:45:54 pm

If driving in sub-freezing temps, you can over-cool fuel with a fuel cooler! 😬😬😬😬 that ain't going to happen 30s and I'm outa there. Just saying

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #23 – June 24, 2021, 08:52:22 pm

I ordered 5/8", 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" line, all Trident. I ordered small amounts of 5/16" and 3/16" for the surface lines of the generator.

I ordered the nylon sleeve stuff in various sizes - I can see that stuff making the pulling of the lines much easier, and protecting them as well.

I am investigating the fuel cooler. I suppose the ones with the integral fan would make installation location much easier.

I will report the amount of lines used for future reference. Gimme a couple of weeks.

Re: Fuel hose project - 1998 U320 36-foot

Reply #24 – June 24, 2021, 08:54:33 pm

Just mount it on the outside of CAC just like my factory set up. On the return line.

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