Switched my mind about fuel return lines after a job in Nashville

I used to think you could get away with cheap rubber hose on fuel return lines. Last month I was on a 6.7 Powerstroke in Nashville and the return line split right at the fitting. The truck died on the interstate and the customer was not happy. Now I only use OEM or Gates barrier hose on all return lines. Anybody else had luck with a specific brand that doesn't crack?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_taylor1mo ago

Lol yeah I gotta call you out on that one a bit. Gates barrier hose is actually good stuff but it's not really made for fuel return lines on a 6.7. That hose is more for fuel injection systems with higher pressure. The return side doesn't see that kind of pressure so you're spending more money than you need to. What cracks those rubber lines is usually the heat from the engine and the constant fuel soak, not the pressure. I've been running the standard Gates fuel hose on returns for years and never had one split on me as long as I route it away from the turbo and exhaust. The OEM hose is fine too but it's crazy expensive compared to just getting the right rated hose from the parts store.

paige3311mo ago

Wait, is nobody gonna mention that the real issue with Gates barrier hose on return lines is it's too stiff? I always heard it doesn't flex right with the engine vibration over time and that's what causes the fittings to leak, not the hose itself splitting.

uma_williams1mo ago

Hang on, you're saying standard fuel hose handles the heat better than the barrier stuff?