Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: What’s the Difference?

Polytetrafluoroethylene hoses or PTFE have solved the shortcomings of dissolving neoprene rubber hoses transporting fuels with Ethanol.

Fuel injection receives higher air pressure vs. a regular fuel line. The hose initially receives the first burst of fuel from the fuel pump. A regular fuel line transports processed fuel, used as energy, from one part of the vehicle to another.

For this reason, SAE rated a standard for fuel injector hose to take an air pressure of 100 PSI. As soon as the air reaches the fuel line, there will be a drop in air pressure. Normally, you’ll find fuel engines pumping pressure at 45 to 55 PSI.

Fuel Injection Hose vs Regular Fuel Line: Hose diameter

Hose Inner Diameter

The inner diameter depends on the reinforcements applied to the hose and materials used.

Hose Outer Diameter

The outside diameter of fuel lines and injector hoses determines its size. The sizes can be 5/16, 5/8, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches.

Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: Material

The SAE J30 specifications set standards for fuel hoses.

Fuel injection Hose Material

Fuel injection hose materials with an SAE 30R9 rating should be synthetic rubber. Widely used, it can take extreme pressure of 100PSI.

Regular Fuel Line Material

There had been chaos on rubber hoses previously used for fuel lines since 10% ethanol mixed on fuels. But PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene hoses solved the shortcomings of neoprene rubber hoses. The PTFE hoses with stainless steel braiding or black nylon create a vapor barrier that prevents odor from seeping out of the hose. It can take extreme temperatures of 200°.

Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: PSI

Fuel injection hoses must be able to take air pressure of at least 50PSI. However, an SAE 30R9-rated fuel injection hose would be able to withstand 100 PSI.

A PTFE hose with AN6 can take pressure up to 2500 PSI.

Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: Average Prices

Depending on the length and diameter, the average price of an SAE 30R9 rubber fuel injector hose ranges from $50 to $70 for 25 ft. It can go as high as $150 for 25 ft.

Depending on the material, diameter, and length, fuel lines can be as low as $10. Most hoses come in a kit with hose clamps included. and their price can get up to $200.

Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: Resistance

A fuel injection hose with SAE 30R9 rating has resistance to chemicals, swelling, and permeation brought by gasoline, Ethanol gasoline extension, Diesel, fuel oils, and lubricants, with resistance to heat and ozone.

PTFE fuel lines do not dissolve on chemical or solvents, swell and have a very high thermal resistance of up to 400°. It’s also resistant to ozone, light, oxygen, and ultraviolet radiation. It has moderate abrasion resistance.

Fuel Injection Hose vs. Regular Fuel Line: Quick Comparison

Item:

Fuel Line

Fuel Injection Hose

Hose Diameter

OD: 5/16, 5/8, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4;

ID: depends on material and reinforcements

OD: 5/16, 5/8, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4;
ID: depends on material and reinforcements

Material

PTFE (recommended), SAE 30R9 rubber hose

SAE 30R9 rubber hose

PSI

50 PSI

100 PSI

Use

Different fuel lines in the vehicle

Only for fuel injection system

Price

$10 to $200

$10 to $150

Resistance

Chemical, swelling, heat, Ethanol, Gasoline, Diesel, ozone, Oxygen, light, UV, abrasion.

Chemical, swelling, permeation, Ethanol, Diesel, Gasoline, fuel oils and lubricants, zone and heat, abrasion

Can You Use a Fuel Injection Hose for a Fuel Line?

Fuel injection hose is more advisable to use on fuel injection systems. If you’re using a fuel injection hose for the fuel line, make sure it has an SAE rating so it won’t dissolve on fuel.

What Size Fuel Injection Hose or Regular Fuel Line Do I Need?

For Fuel Injection Hoses

For fuel injection hose, sizes range from 3/8 inch to 3 ½ inches. Choosing sizes depends on the size of fuel injectors. The common sizes are 5/16, 5/8, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches.

For Fuel Lines

Choosing fuel line sizes depends on engine hose power released from fuel to tank. If your engine releases 350 hp or less, use a 5/16 inch-sized fuel line hose. Less than 450hp engine emission needs a 3/8 inch-sized fuel line. 450 to 650 hp engine would need1/2 inch fuel line. Use 5/8 inch for more than 650 hp engines.

Size Chart

Size code (AN)

Hose OD

HP

-5

5/16 inches

Less than 350 hp

-6

3/8 inches

350 to 450 hp

-8

1/2 inches

450 to 650 hp

-10

5/8 inches

650 to 1000 hp

-12

3/4 inches

1000 hp +

Notes:

  • Ensure that the distance between the fuel tank and fuel pump is close when installing fuel lines.
  • Make sure you are using recommended fuel filter by your manufacturer.
  • Distributing fuel lines after the pump can be smaller.
  • E85, methanol, and alcohol will require bigger fuel lines.

Final Verdict

If you’re going to use a fuel injector hose for fuel lines, make sure that it is SAE 30R9 rated. PTFE is a reliable hose for safety as it traps fumes and harmful vapors in its system. One thing to count on PTFE fuel lines is they won’t dissolve on Ethanol mixed fuels, unlike neoprene rubber hoses.

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