I've just had a look at my fuel lines - they are 6.3mm (1/4") SAE J30 R6 and in good condition visually.
They were apparently new when I bought the buggy in November 2018.



However does anyone know if they are considered safe with E5 fuel, or should I replace with R9 lines?

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

R6 is not ethanol save, R9 (which is fuel injection hose) or R14 (low pressure hose) are for the current ethanol levels.  You can purchase hose that is designed for pure ethanol which is probably the better route.

While doing fuel lines remember the one from tank to chassis pipe. Beetles had 5.6mm pipe as standard.

Thanks all, just ordered some R9

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

TBH there's so much counterfeit R9 stuff about and with the quality of rubber in general being so poor I'm still using the R6 the same as you posted, I just use it in as small lengths as possible and check it regularly. I've seen R9 hose perish and crack from the outside just from exposure to atmosphere and a bit of engine heat If you're buying R9 buy stuff with the lettering moulded into it and not printed onto it and it's less likely to be Chinese fake stuff.

This pic is from another site warning about the perils of E10 fuel but it's definitely cracking from the outside. We've just got to assume that all hose is rubbish

It`s not cheap but "inter-tank" submersible flexible fuel hose is readily available as used where the vehicle has, for example, tank internally walled for boy racing stuff etc. Have forgotten how much it is per metre.

Just had a meter of 6mm injection hose from the local motor factors for £13, retail was just over £17 so it better last

A lot of R9 is fake Was all ways told real sae30-R9 will be embossed printed. ...I was swapping out fuel lines yearly for customers before each Mot. But now I bet they do not bother with doing it..... Its not the Ethanol its the methanol etc that is all ready in petrol that kills rubber and its been in fuel for years then people use Additives that have things like Acetone and more methanol in them..... You will hear people talk about "Viton" as being the tool against "E" fuel as E fuel is so bad but in testing against Viton. Methanol and Acetone get "Doubtful" and Ethanol gets Fair ..Unleaded fuel started killing rubber thanks to toluene and benzene then they add methanol= Rubber killer..

Information I have is R9 isn't 100% against E10. As IDA says, the methanol i the bugger.
I bit the bullet a few years ago, apart from 6"😂 all my lines are aeroquip lined ptfe. Unfortunately I don't think we can do anything about our carbs.🙈

The stuff I bought is Codan branded R9 from Volksbolts, so hopefully is the real thing.

A little research revealed that the Chinese knock-off fuel lines are branded as 'W=SAE J30' etc.

Cheers

Hugh the 2nd

. Unfortunately I don't think we can do anything about our carbs.🙈

The concensus of opinion is gravitating towards mot using E10. Use E5 despite it`s 97 octane rating and most importantly do not leave petrol containing any level of ethanol idle for even the shortest length of lay up.  Keep the flow through the system going very regularly. Inspect the system closely, regularly. This will minimise erosion of tank, lines and your very expensive carb/s.

There is a comprehensive official statement over the pond issued by the US E.P.A. (their environmental agency).... "Ethanol is not a green fuel, it is potentially an environmental disaster". "Ethanol users burn coal and gas in vast quantities to produce bio ethanol". Goes on to state "it produces lower levels of particulates and other harmful emissions but produces much higher levels of nitrous oxides".

Oh well there is no going back now. What a messed up world we are leaving our kids....

This is usefull http://www.volksbolts.com/faq/fuelhose.htm

Lots of info there Krug.

Thanks Paul

That`s a really good info link Krug..... Moral of the story is buy only from a source that can certify the hose is what it says on the "label"" & check, check & check again as time passes..Many, many years ago I witnessed a 1966 Beetle go up in flames when petrol was released within the engine bay.

Some years back (pre ethanol) I purchased some OE style cotton braided fuel hose from Heritage thinking it would be good quality. It literally crumbled within weeks.