Hey guys have an issue replacing my old fuel fill line. After quite a bit of effort I was able to get the old line off the fuel fitting. I duct tapped the new line to the old and pulled on it through the tank access cover. The tape separated about halfway through so now I have the old line out but no way to get the new line in proper position. The new line just bunches up whether I try to feed it from the tank or fuel fill side. Any ideas on how to get this new fill line in place? Thanks.
Problem installing new fuel fill line in Grady 208
- Thread starter Socalinsd1
- Start date
Just for future reference, tie the two hoses together with heavy twine or heavy fishing line. You can punch holes in each end for this. THEN cover with tape.
You might try sending a small hose (and/or a flexible fish tape) through the pathway (whichever direction is most convenient) and then securely fastening to the new hose. Taper the new hose so it looks like a bullet and then overwrap with tape so there are no sharp edges or spots for it to get hung-up along the way.
You might try sending a small hose (and/or a flexible fish tape) through the pathway (whichever direction is most convenient) and then securely fastening to the new hose. Taper the new hose so it looks like a bullet and then overwrap with tape so there are no sharp edges or spots for it to get hung-up along the way.
Thanks I have an auger on the way and will also try with some thinner hose. Really hope that this works.
Can you describe this "auger" a little more (or a link)? Curious minds, you know? The only thing I can imagine is a drain "snake" - which actually might be a good idea.
Spray the new fuel hose with some silicone spray as it feeds in - don't use anything petroleum based, like WD40, as it's not good for the hose.
Spray the new fuel hose with some silicone spray as it feeds in - don't use anything petroleum based, like WD40, as it's not good for the hose.
Entry and exit are on opposite sides ,exit to filter is port aft ,to tank is starboard , I assume your not removing the cover to the fresh water tank , second both entry and exit holes were filled with sealant. Don't think you can get the hose to opposite sides of the water tank without removing the cover . I don't think you can see it in the picture but the old hose makes a u shape turn across the tank . Did the job last winter but removed the cover. You could try having someone help sending something in one side and trying to hooking it from the other then attach the new hose it's worth a try.
Yes the auger I am referring to is essentially a drain snake. I will try this and/or some thiner hose tied with twine and will attempt to feed it all the way to the tank. Reattach the new hose using the method described above. Will try to post some pics tomorrow of my progress.
Absolutely no luck today trying to thread some flexible conduit attached with rope through the fuel fill area. Will 5ry fish tape or the auger next. Maybe I will need to make some new access holes to line the new hose up?
Pic of tank, old fill and my rope attached to conduit
Pic of tank, old fill and my rope attached to conduit
Hmmm. Are there any other access points? Maybe a removable cubby storage or panel? Anything that's bolted in, screwed in, attached that can be removed? I wish I knew your layout better to help.
Whatever you use as the "fish" does need a very well rounded end, though. The less "edge" the better so it doesn't catch on things. You can shape the hose end and then use tape to smooth it off real well.
FYI, you don't need the rope right now. After you get the small hose/fish tape/whatever through, you can then tie the small hose to the new hose together by punching holes in each's end. I only mention this in case the rope is getting in the way.
Whatever you use as the "fish" does need a very well rounded end, though. The less "edge" the better so it doesn't catch on things. You can shape the hose end and then use tape to smooth it off real well.
FYI, you don't need the rope right now. After you get the small hose/fish tape/whatever through, you can then tie the small hose to the new hose together by punching holes in each's end. I only mention this in case the rope is getting in the way.
What I have done with motorcycle handlebars could work here......I used a wet vac on one side to pull a very light string through, then you can tie a heavier string to it and pull that through, bigger still until you can tie a rope to your hose and pull it through, like you first intended on doing with the old hose.
If you can get the vac hose in far enough to get a hold of a very light string lowered through the other end, I believe this could work for you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
If you can get the vac hose in far enough to get a hold of a very light string lowered through the other end, I believe this could work for you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I replaced my fuel overflow or vent hose on my voyager and it was a nightmare! I bought hose the same ID, but the OD was a little larger. The main tank was no problem but the forward aux. tank was the problem as I couldn't get the new hose but a couple feet from the tank pulling toward the fuel fill.
I ended cutting a new access hole in the deck about straight down from the steering wheel. The hole that Grady drilled for the hose through a stringer was the exact size of the old hose so no way was the new hose going through without the new access. I took a wood file and worked on it until the new hose would slip through.
I got the new deck plate from West marine. It doesn't match the existing plates but no one has noticed but me. Let me tell you the floor is thick and so are the stringers. Good luck!
I ended cutting a new access hole in the deck about straight down from the steering wheel. The hole that Grady drilled for the hose through a stringer was the exact size of the old hose so no way was the new hose going through without the new access. I took a wood file and worked on it until the new hose would slip through.
I got the new deck plate from West marine. It doesn't match the existing plates but no one has noticed but me. Let me tell you the floor is thick and so are the stringers. Good luck!
ROBERTH
GreatGrady Captain
I know this has to be very frustrating to resolve. Keep going and one of these ideas will get you through it!
I recall the help from these forums instructed me to use a piece of PVC pipe inserted into end of old and new hose t adjoin them together. Used short screws through the hose into the PVC on 4 sides evenly in both hoses, then taped up.
That allowed me to pull and use some force as snaking the 1-1/2" Fuel fill hose was going down, over and through the stringers in 2 places at angles. Would be a knightmare if I had allowed these hoses to separate. It worked like a charm.
It is hard to figure out the angles and direction you have to navigate in your situation, but as others say here, a rounded semi flexible end is very key and I like the vacuum idea also for the string! If you can get a powerful vac into the areas and use some of that lightweight string, it could help!
I recall the help from these forums instructed me to use a piece of PVC pipe inserted into end of old and new hose t adjoin them together. Used short screws through the hose into the PVC on 4 sides evenly in both hoses, then taped up.
That allowed me to pull and use some force as snaking the 1-1/2" Fuel fill hose was going down, over and through the stringers in 2 places at angles. Would be a knightmare if I had allowed these hoses to separate. It worked like a charm.
It is hard to figure out the angles and direction you have to navigate in your situation, but as others say here, a rounded semi flexible end is very key and I like the vacuum idea also for the string! If you can get a powerful vac into the areas and use some of that lightweight string, it could help!
Would removing the tank help you reach up further? I would think that if it would allow you a straighter shot to the fill neck or give you room to pull the hose thru. I haven't done my seafarer yet but i need to and dreading it. Like one of the others said get the hose in as much of a shape of a bullet as you can and I would vaseline the heck out of outside of the hose
I'm going to have to surrender on this one, I am going to tow it to the dealer in a couple hours. I almost had fished the rope through from the tank to the starboard side fuel fitting with fish tape then I dropped my magnetic pickup tool and it disappeared into the fuel line black hole. :jaw A search was initiated but no survivor found, RIP. Anyway at this point the dealer is local and has a very good reputation. They can cut as many access holes as they need to fix this, huge pita but at least I learned my lesson the hard way.
I've been working on the boat off an on for a couple months now and have not been on the water yet. Being a new first time boat owner of a 20 year old Grady, its a bit overwhelming. So far I have performed a tune-up, changed t-stats, new wires, rebuilt carbs, added new carb fuel lines and from tank to motor, gaskets, water pump, de-carbed system, added a missing spark assembly to adjust idle, new scuppers and scupper lines, new battery cables, new fuel and oil line filters.
Most of my problems at this point are wiring related which I'm not very good with. I would like to use a Blue Sea fuse block setup, will bounce some ideas with the dealer. Thanks for the help, I've learned a lot from this forum!
I've been working on the boat off an on for a couple months now and have not been on the water yet. Being a new first time boat owner of a 20 year old Grady, its a bit overwhelming. So far I have performed a tune-up, changed t-stats, new wires, rebuilt carbs, added new carb fuel lines and from tank to motor, gaskets, water pump, de-carbed system, added a missing spark assembly to adjust idle, new scuppers and scupper lines, new battery cables, new fuel and oil line filters.
Most of my problems at this point are wiring related which I'm not very good with. I would like to use a Blue Sea fuse block setup, will bounce some ideas with the dealer. Thanks for the help, I've learned a lot from this forum!
It's a smart man who knows when it's time to cut his losses. What you don't want to happen is to CREATE more problems for someone else to fix. At this point, it's mainly just your time. But if you go cutting into things and mess something up, now you have to pay someone else to fix your mistake. It's nice to do things for ourselves when we can, but sometimes the added insurance of having a pro do it is awful nice, too. Good luck!