Can You Use Fuel Hose For Coolant? Coolant hoses tend to wear out pretty fast. If you notice a leak along your coolant hose, the best solution would be to replace it with a new one. At your nearest auto store, you may not find a coolant hose.
But one thing that you are guaranteed of finding is a fuel hose. The latter is very common. The attendant at an auto store may recommend using a fuel hose for the coolant.
As a car owner, you may hesitate to replace a coolant hose with a fuel hose because these two are meant to withstand varying conditions. Well, you are right.
However, many car owners have been in a position similar to yours. And most of them have used fuel hose for the coolant for years without running into any issues. This article will investigate whether it’s okay to use a fuel hose for coolant.
Can You Use Fuel Hose For Coolant?
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Fuel Hose vs Coolant Hose
The first thing that will help us determine whether this is the right move is comparing these two types of hoses. Our cars rely on a wide range of fluids for various functions.
These fluids are transported from various components through hoses. In your vehicle, no hose can be termed as a universal solution. This is why different types of hoses exist, for example, the coolant hose and the fuel hose.
According to your vehicle manufacturers, these hoses aren’t meant to be interchanged. If your coolant hose gets damaged, you should replace it with another coolant hose. As we all know, DIY enthusiasts have always found shortcuts to doing things.
In this case, if your coolant hose starts to leak or crack, you can swipe it with a fuel hose.
Some DIY hacks work, and others can put you in more trouble. This is why you must familiarize yourself with different hoses and their characteristics.
Fuel Hoses are divided into two. We have low-pressure and high-pressure fuel hoses. Low-pressure fuel hoses are found in cars that have carburetors. These are the ones that get a pressure of around six to ten psi.
Despite the low pressure experienced in such cars, the fuel hoses are built using black nitrile that incorporates nylon cords for additional durability. These materials enable these hoses to withstand a pressure of up to twenty-five psi.
On the other hand, high-pressure fuel lines can withstand a pressure of up to 100 PSI. Because of the high pressure, these hoses ought to be fitted tightly.
And then we have coolant hoses. These are available in two. We have the radiator and heater hose. The difference is the size.
Plus, another difference is in regards to durability. There are standard and heavy-duty coolant hoses. The latter stand a better chance at withstanding abrasion. These hoses also feature nylon cords for extra durability.
How is It that Fuel Hoses Can Be Used for Coolant?
The reasoning behind this is pretty simple. First and foremost, the rubber used in these two hoses is almost the same.
The only difference is that the fuel hose is designed to be more durable and stronger considering the harsh properties of the fuel. The other reason why this is possible is that the low-pressure fuel hose can withstand a pressure of up to twenty-five psi.
The pressure from the coolant can’t be as high as that; therefore, the fuel hoses should fit right in. It will be an upgrade since you will enjoy better durability and won’t have to worry about leaks occurring any time soon.
Can Fuel Hoses Withstand Glycol?
Glycol is a common ingredient found in coolants. If you are considering using a fuel hose for the coolant, you must confirm whether this new hose will withstand the available ingredients, glycol, in this case.
If you are worried about this, you need to ask yourself the following question. Can glycol be a course for alarm if a fuel hose can withstand ethanol? The thing is, fuel hoses withstand far much worse conditions than coolant hoses.
This is why you should always replace your fuel hoses as frequently as possible. The high pressure and the strong ingredients in fuel can’t be compared to what’s in your coolant.
Can You Use Coolant Hose for Fuel?
Absolutely no. You may use a fuel hose for the coolant, but vice versa will not work. Remember when we said that a fuel hose would be an upgrade for your coolant? When the opposite is done, it’s a downgrade.
A coolant hose won’t be a match for fuel. First, the ethanol will eat it away, and the high pressure can cause it to wear out faster. So, you could replace a fuel hose with a coolant line, but don’t attempt to do the opposite.
Are There Risks of Replacing Coolant Hose with Fuel Hose?
As we mentioned earlier, coolant hoses vary in size. When you replace them with a fuel hose, you need to confirm the sizes.
Going a size higher may result in frequent leaks that can lead to wastage of coolant or even further damage to the engine.
Also, going a size lower may lead to fitting issues. Make sure that even if you find the right size, you clamp the fuel hose tightly on the coolant openings. This should prevent leakages.
Other than the above, there is nothing else you should be worried about. A fuel hose can serve as a coolant hose without troubling you in any manner.
Just make sure you check up on it frequently. This will help you avoid surprises in the future.
How Long Can a Fuel Line Be Used for the Coolant?
There are car owners who have used fuel lines for their coolants for years. Some have even gotten three or even five years of service. That shouldn’t be surprising because fuel hoses aren’t only stronger, but they are more durable.
With a fuel line swapped out for a coolant line, you need not worry about leaks or any other things. Provided you have fastened the hose tightly on the edges, it should work just fine.
After How Long Should I Replace Coolant Hose?
Coolant hoses need to be replaced after every three to four years. By this time, your coolant hoses should have worn out because of the pressure and heat they are exposed to. This is just the expected lifespan.
However, coolant hoses can last for much longer or shorter than that. The best way for you to avoid any trouble is by checking the state of the hoses every once in a while.
If you notice that your coolant levels are dropping drastically, there could be a leak in the reservoir or somewhere along the coolant hose.
When we talk about replacement, we also refer to the fuel hose and other hoses in your vehicle. Any hose transporting fluid should be swapped out after a few years.
Don’t forget that some hoses are well hidden within the components of your car. These have to be checked and replaced as well by a mechanic. These hoses last for 10k to 50k miles.
How Much Does a Coolant Hose Replacement Cost?
The prices of coolant hoses vary depending on type and size. The average cost of a coolant hose should range from $150 to $200.
The labor fees for replacement should be around $50 to $100. For the entire project, you can expect to pay at most $300. To get the best price possible, you should compare the costs of various mechanics.
Can Fuel and Coolant Lines Withstand the Same Amount of Pressure?
Not really. A coolant hose can only withstand a pressure of 13 psi, unlike the fuel hose that can withstand a psi of 25. This pressure difference makes a fuel hose ideal for coolant and a coolant hose not suitable for the fuel system.
You should also know that fuel hoses cost more than coolant hoses. This is because of the difference in design, build, and features.
Is It Okay to Drive a Car with a Leaking Coolant Hose?
The coolant is formulated to regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating. When there is a leak somewhere along the coolant hose, you are risking the performance of your engine.
No matter how small the leak is, it will eventually drain the coolant reservoir. You can guess what will happen next. The engine will heat up, and it can get damaged with nothing to cool it down.
To be on the safe side, replace a leaking coolant hose as soon as possible. Even if you can’t get a coolant hose, a fuel hose is an excellent substitute.
Are Hose Clamps Necessary?
They are mandatory, especially if you replace a coolant hose with a fuel line. Because these two hoses aren’t meant to be used interchangeably, there may be a size difference.
Hose clamps ensure that the hoses are well fitted onto the necessary components. This will prevent leaks and the hose from detaching. After replacing a coolant hose with a fuel lining, ensure you tighten the hose clamp.