Hoses transport fluids through liquid media or air and are most commonly used with nipples, flanges, clamps, fixtures, and nozzles to direct fluid flow. Today we will compare and contrast two popular hoses: vacuum hose vs fuel hose. It allows us to help you find the best one for you.
The fuel hoses are resistant to expansion, so they will not burst under pressure and heat. In fact, it is the opposite of a vacuum hose. The vacuum hose must be able to withstand suction when closed. When your engine is operating and creating this vacuum in the exponent, it will try to close off the hose.
Next, we will look at the factors that distinguish them. Let’s start!
Vacuum Hose vs Fuel Hose: Comparison Table
| Basis of Comparison | Vacuum Hose | Fuel Hose |
| Material | Rubber, PVC, and other blended Plastic | Viton, NBR, PVC, or other elastic |
| Thread Reinforcing | Don’t have | Have |
| Durability | Last for a lifetime | Last for 10-15 years |
| Dissolve in gasoline | Slowly dissolve | Don’t dissolve |
| Dimension | 2½ inch, 1¼ inch, and 1⅞ inch | 3/8 inch, 5/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | Medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | -65℃ to 350℃ | -40°C to 300°C |
| Reusability | Excellent | Medium |
What Are the Differences: Vacuum Hose vs Fuel Hose
Your desires and interests determine the best handset for you. The following section compares the characteristics of vacuum and fuel hoses of different capacities.
What Are Vacuum Hoses?
A vacuum hose refers to a hose used to transfer vacuum energy throughout a vehicle. As the hose gets smaller, it is usually called “vacuum tubes” or “vacuum lines” instead of vacuum hoses, but it works similarly.
You can find vacuum hoses in many vehicles, usually up to a dozen in cars. In general, they contain rubber-like elements. While current electric vehicles may not include vacuum hoses, almost every gasoline-powered vehicle does.
Vacuum hoses play an essential role in the car’s engine. They maintain proper engine pressure by allowing fuel, air, and spark to work together at the correct time. The entire process can collapse when the hoses break for pressure loss.
Pros
- Vacuum hoses contain rubber materials and are made to last for so long.
- They have higher temperature resistance and higher corrosion resistance.
Cons
- Vacuum hoses don’t have much pressure resistance as a fuel hose.
What Are Fuel Hoses?
Fuel hoses transport petroleum products, such as oil refining (mainly energy and lubricants), crude oil, and semi-refined petroleum products.
Petrochemical products include various types such as crude oil, fuel oil, hydraulic oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricants, hardening oil, black asphalt emulsions, process oils and emulsions, and different kinds of solvents, and other liquid bituminous materials.
Fuel hoses are used for collecting and preparing oil, exchanging, storing, and emptying oil-based liquid products, industrial process innovation, construction of vehicle fuels, stations, etc. It’s resistant to specific sweet-smelling fuels and hydrocarbons.
Pros
- Fuel hoses are highly resistant to heat and pressure and so, it doesn’t burst.
- They have thread reinforcing and don’t dissolve in gasoline.
Cons
- It doesn’t last as long as a vacuum hose.
Types of Hoses
There are mainly five types of vacuum hoses. They are listed below.
- 1/16″ (2 mm)
- 3/8″ (9/10 mm)
- 1/8″ (4 mm)
- 3/32″(3 mm)
- 5/16″ (8 mm)
Now, it’s time for the fuel hose. There are different fuel hoses available in the market. Let’s have a look at them.
- SAE 30R6
- SAE 30R7
- SAE 30R9
- SAE 30R10
- Stainless steel braided
- Cotton braided
- Rubber braided
Pressure Holding and Resistance Capacity
Vacuum hoses are not created to hold too much pressure, and it is just developed not to compress under a vacuum. This capacity may vary.
The best option can be silicone vacuum hoses. They have a temperature resistance of -60°C – 190°C, which is relatively low for a vacuum hose. Also, their pressure resistance capacity is up to 60 PSI.
On the other hand, fuel injection hoses are designed for high pressure. The standard fuel hose is designed for medium and low pressure.
Both fuel hoses are not intended to prevent breakdowns. But they have a higher pressure resistance capacity of around 350 PSI.
Durability
Vacuum hoses are intended to last for a lifetime. In fact, you can use them for at least 2 seasons. Also, their reusability is excellent.
On the other hand, fuel hoses don’t promise that much durability but it lasts for around 10-15 years. Their reusability is moderate.
Heat Resistance
Vacuum hoses slowly dissolve in gasoline, so they have higher temperature resistance. Also, they can withstand a higher vacuum. So the temperature resistance is -65℃ to 350℃.
Since the fuel hose has medium and low vacuum resistance, it can tolerate between -40°C to 300°C. Not bad at all!
What Are the Best Vacuum Hoses and Fuel Hoses?
A-List of the Top 5 Best Vacuum Hoses
| Product name | Features |
| BOSCH 16.4 Foot Vacuum Hose | Weight: 3.5 PoundsMaterial: PlasticManufacturer: Bosch |
| Cen-Tec Premium Vacuum Extension Hose | Weight: 5.5 poundsDimension: 25 x 17 x 7 inchesManufacturer: Cen-Tec Systems |
| Poolmaster 33430 Heavy Duty Vacuum Hose | Weight: 7.3 Pounds Dimension: 360 x 1.5 x 1.5 inchesManufacturer: Poolmaster |
| CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38759 Vacuum Hose | Weight: 6.65 PoundsDimensions: 24 x 24 x 20 inchesManufacturer: Craftsman |
| WORKSHOP WS25021A Wet Dry Vacuum Hose | Weight: 2.64 PoundsMaterial: PolyetheleneManufacturer: Emerson Tool Company |
A List of Top 5 Best Fuel Hoses
| Product name | Features |
| Continental 65127 Fuel Hose | Weight: 2.63 PoundsMaterials: NitrileManufacturer: Continental ContiTech |
| ACDelco 32102 Fuel Hose | Weight: 2.35 PoundsDimensions: 6.5 x 6 x 6 inchesManufacturer: ACDelco |
| LDR 516 F145 Fuel Hose | Weight: 0.21 PoundsDimensions: 8 x 1.25 x 9 inchesManufacturer: LDR Industries |
| Stens – 115-410 Fuel Hose | Weight: 0.06 PoundsDimensions: 12 x 10 x 12 inchesManufacturer: Stens |
| Sierra International 116-355-1124 Fuel Hose | Weight: 96 Ounces Dimensions: 150 x 1.5 x 1.5 inchesManufacturer: Sierra International |
Do Fuel Lines Collapse Under Vacuum?
Yes, it can. As the fuel hose doesn’t dissolve in gasoline, the gasoline gets too hot, and the fuel line breaks in the tank.
Therefore, it cuts off the fuel supply to the engine. Also, remember that a vacuum hose can withstand a high vacuum (as mentioned above), whereas a fuel hose can withstand a medium or low vacuum.
Therefore, it’s simple for a fuel hose to collapse under a high vacuum. If it happens, let your car cool down for 10 to 15 minutes, or add fresh gas that seems to repeat itself.
What Kind of Hose Is Fuel Safe?
You can use any rubber hose as a fuel safe, but some risks are associated with using rubber fuel lines. Sealing can be a problem unless you use the hose fittings. By simply inserting a hose into a steel pipe, leaks can be found, often invisible.
The two materials most suitable for fuel-resistant hoses are PTFE and nitrile rubber. PTFE hose is ideal for installing hoses in the compartment since fuel vapors cannot penetrate through the hose walls.
Nitrile rubbers are oil-resistant artificial rubbers. NBR rubber material is designed for automobiles and motorcycles.
The hoses are suitable for diesel, ethanol, and gasoline and are highly flexible for easy guidance. The smooth surface is oil and fuel safe.
Is a Heater Hose the Same as a Vacuum Hose?
No, a heater hose is not the same as a vacuum hose. It may work as far as it has the same diameter and does not tumble under a vacuum. Usually, any reinforced hose may work.
Moreover, the heater hose eventually fails as the oil breaks down the hose material and eventually fails. The material of the heating hose is not resistant to fuel products, i.e., oil, gas, etc. It’s just resistant to water.
Can a Fuel Line Be Used as a PCV Hose?
Yes, you can. The fuel hoses can withstand internal pressure. Also, it may collapse under the PCV system vacuum. PCV hose don’t collapse for their specific building quality.
You can’t use exhaust/fuel vapor as a fuel hose, but you can use a PVC hose, except that it is cheap. You cannot utilize the hose, and it is necessary to hold it with a vacuum. Thick stretch material with nylon straps can be what you need.
Final verdict
In conclusion, you have learned a lot about “vacuum hose vs fuel hose” and can choose the right hoses for your needs.
Remember that the right one is the one that fits well for your job. You can use a vacuum hose when the vacuum resistance, durability, and reusability are the issues. However, we recommend a fuel hose if you need a fuel-safe, temperature and pressure-resistant hose .
