7.5mm fuel hose ethanol compatible, Cohline hose failed Options

[Chaznaster]

I put in new fuel hoses from the gas tank to the fuel pump and pump to line in the tunnel about 6 years ago. I have the tank out and noticed that the first 3 inches of the hose coming from the tank is completely rigid and nearly crumbled in my hand. The inside is all crazed and cracked. It was probably ready to let go on its own ... which would have been messy at best.

The odd thing is that the hose is as flexible as new past the trouble spot and for the rest of the run.

It was Cohline 7.5mm hose that I bought from Pelican. The fit was pretty much perfect across all the different fittings on the car.

First questions: could this be ethanol incompatibility? Why would only the first 3 inches be impacted?

I am shopping for some new hose, assuming the Cohline stuff has compatibility issues. Everything I can find that claims EtOH compatibility is in inch measures. 5/8" (8mm) seems just a hair too big and the 1/4" (6mm) is too small.

Next question: can someone point me in the direction of a 7.5mm fuel hose that will stand up to today's US gas formulations? I am running carbs so low pressure hose will do.

Finally, if I have to go with 5/8, would there be any concern over leaking? It may be fine with a clamp on it ...

Note: I am not able to find ethanol free gas where I am in MA.

Many thanks!

[Chaznaster]

This is super helpful. Thanks to all.

Had no idea that the EtOH sinks to the bottom. The damage was at the lowest point so that makes sense. I might need to reinstate the return line to keep things mixed.

I'll try the 5/16" R9 But $0.99 per inch for the Barricade stuff?? Ouch. That said, not bursting into flames has been a longtime goal of mine ...

This site already schooled me on not using the worm drive clamps. They came out on the first round.

Had not thought of running the carbs dry. I do that with my garden machines every winter to avoid varnish buildup. Might be good practice when the car is to sit for a while.

Oh, and I carry an extinguisher at all times, too. Have heard too many horror stories.