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Can gasket sealant be used to seal friction fuel connections?

Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Asked on May 19, 2021

I have a two stroke trimmer with a plastic fuel tank and plastic fuel lines. At some point, these lines have been replaced with new lines that don’t quite fit in the holes the old lines did (~0.5mm too small). The main fuel line is a friction fit, while the primer line connects to a plastic barb.

The main fuel line is submerged in the fuel tank, while the primer line connects to the highest point on the tank. It would appear that this fuel system is reliant on an air-tight seal to operate.

I have been unable to locate suitable replacement lines for this trimmer (as it is now rather old).

I would like to seal around the point where the fuel line enters the tank, but have had some trouble finding a suitable product. I have effectively been searching for a fuel resistant silicone.

This product seems as though it might do the job, but it is marketed as a gasket sealant. In my mind, this means it is reliant on being sandwiched between two surfaces. Could I use this product to make an effective repair? Should I choose another product (available in AU)? Should I explore another method?

One Answer

Explore another method. The sealant may work, but it's only a stop gap measure. You're right it needs to be airtight. Any leaks will cause it not to run (it will suck air instead of fuel).

I've got three suggestions for you:

  1. Use very small (thin) zip ties to seal the line against the barb.
  2. Heat the line up (via flame) which will effectively shrink the tubing and will hopefully seal it against the fittings.
  3. Look up the OEM fuel lines for your trimmer.

If you take the second method, you're going to want to ensure there's no fuel present (obviously), or you'll just end up buying a new trimmer.

Correct answer by Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 on May 19, 2021

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