PTFE FUEL HOSE: SMALL INVESTMENT REAPS BIG BENEFITS TO FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel line is a hose or pipe that transfers oil from the fuel storage tank to the engine. The fuel hose is the smallest part of the fuel system, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the entire fuel system achieves maximum performance. Therefore, you should pay more attention to the quality of fuel hose for high performance and safety. This article will explore the importance and operating principles of PTFE fuel hoses.
What is a PTFE Fuel Hose?
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic polymer consisting of carbon and fluorine atoms. The molecular properties of PTFE give it a low friction coefficient, chemical resistance, and high-temperature resistance. PTFE fuel hose can maintain good working performance between -63 degrees Celsius and 230 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, the PTFE fuel hose is non-stick, which prevents any foreign particles from getting attached to it. This will make the PTFE fuel hose virtually self-cleaning.
The Role of Pressure Fuel Hose
The high-pressure fuel hose will act as a transporter that shifts pressurized fuel to fuel injectors. Its primary responsibility is to maintain a steady flow of fuel at the required pressure to confirm the precise fuel injection. This is necessary for the efficient fuel combustion in the engine.
The pressurized fuel hose works on the principle of hydraulic pressure. The fuel pump puts pressure on the fuel and delivers it to the fuel hose. The fuel hose then pushes it to fuel injectors that are designed to open and close at accurate timings. This allows the precise fuel injection into the combustion engine.
Hence, the high-pressure fuel hose is responsible for the smooth fuel supply, which enhances the performance of the engine.
PTFE Fuel Hose VS Traditional Rubber Hose
The rubber hose has a variety of benefits, including a wide bending radius, oil and fuel resistance, and an easy installation process. However, rubber can be damaged by some harsh chemicals and smoke. Rubber has more surface resistance as compared to PTFE, which reduces the flow. Moreover, rubber can easily decompose at higher temperatures, but PTFE is resistant to high temperatures.
Although PTFE does not provide the same elastic range as rubber, it is highly durable and resistant to chemical damage, which makes it a better choice than rubber hose.
In modern fuels, the ethanol blend and additives like benzene and toluene are added to raise the octane level of the fuel. These modern fuels suck the oil from rubber hoses and make it dry. When the hose is dry, it is brittle, stiff, and prone to damage. Then, the hose degrades, and the broken pieces of rubber add to the fuel, which clogs the fuel filters and fuel injectors. PTFE is durable and resistant to damage caused by modern fuel composition.
Choosing the Right PTFE Hose
You should consider the following factors while choosing the PTFE fuel hose for your vehicle.
⦁ Make sure the hose is capable of handling the intended temperature range.
⦁ Ensure the fuel hose can withstand the operating pressure of the fuel system of your vehicle.
⦁ Check the compatibility of the hose with the chemicals it is going to deliver.
⦁ Your hose should be flexible so that it goes well with any application.
⦁ Properly assess the end fittings of the hose according to the measurements of your system.
What is the Process of Replacing the Fuel Hose?
First thing first, remove the old fuel hose. To do that, locate the fuel filter and remove the plastic sheath covering it. Use the wrench to loosen the hose clamps. Once the clamps are loose enough that they slide back and forth, apply some physical force to remove the old fuel hose. Now that your vehicle has the old hose removed, you can install the new one.
Put the hose clamps over the fuel line and tighten the clamps. Make sure the hardware is facing towards you so that you can easily tighten the clamps. Ensure your fuel line and fuel hose are of the perfect size to fit properly and function properly. If the hose is too long or short, it won't work properly. Lastly, firmly tighten the clamps and check the fit, and you are done.
Understand the AN Fitting of the Hose
To properly fit the hose to your fuel line and ensure a smooth fuel flow, you should know the different sizes of hoses. The AN stands for "Army-navy," which indicates the outer diameter of the hose in 1/16th of an inch increment. For example, the -4 AN hose has a 4/16th or 1/4th inch thick external diameter, while the -6 AN hose has a 6/16th or 3/8th inch thick outer diameter. The most commonly used AN hose fittings are -3 AN, -4 AN, -6 AN, -8 AN, 10 AN, and -12 AN.
The length of the fuel hose is as important as the diameter of the hose. The fuel lines that are larger in length will result in more resistance and pressure drop. For example, the hose size of -4 AN and -6 AN, both 10 ft in length, will face a pressure loss of nearly 2 PSI. Therefore, the correct fitting of the fuel hose is very important for the efficient performance of your engine.