softening hard rubber

[John D.]

At least the '58 to '65 Fuel injections have a fuel meter to plenum vent hose that is quite unique. Corded hose with a very unique pattern.
I had an original junk hose in my collection that I was going to pitch as it was hard as steel. It did not flex at all.
But just for fun I submerged it in 10/15% ethanol for a couple of days. Checked on the hose and it was soft and flexible as can be.
So i left it in the ethanol for a week now. Was a mistake as the hose is now coming apart. Not that would use it anyhow.

Point of the above is further prove that you better keep an eye on the rubber fuel line hoses, etc if you are using ethanol.
Make sure they are ethanol compatible. John

[Edward J.]

Re: softening hard rubber

John, being in the automotive trade I have seen much of this, more so on the classic cars as they tend to have a lot of older style rubber hoses. There are hose manufactures that make correct hoses that will not be affected by the ethanol fuels, parts stores like Napa sell's it buy the foot. It a wise choice especially if your cars one of those older fuel injection cars and this will affect the older C4 Corvettes also you carburetor guys can have these problems.

[Brandon T.]

Re: softening hard rubber

Ethanol destroyed both rubber hoses going to my fuel pumps on my 87 Silverado truck. I had to remove the bed and replace both tanks fuel pumps.