Age of steel braided line

[Rusty Davenport]

I found an unused 15ft roll of Russell #8 steel braided line in a shop clean up spree----going to estimate 10-12 years old-----does it have a shelf life for using as fuel line ????

[1320racer]

I wouldn't use it, potential dry rot, not worth the trouble when brand new line will cost you ~$60. Would you run unuse 12 year old slicks?

[terry1]

I have had Earl's double braided stainless steel fuel lines on my car since 1997.
Never an issue.
Terry K

[Jeff Stout]

Have around 200 ft of various sizes for about 7 years and plumbed 2 drag cars and 1 stock. So far so good

[Joe Schaechter]

Originally Posted by Rusty Davenport

I found an unused 15ft roll of Russell #8 steel braided line in a shop clean up spree----going to estimate 10-12 years old-----does it have a shelf life for using as fuel line ????

Rusty,

I wouldn't use old line. I had never had a problem with braided line until the Columbus race a few weeks ago. After towing 500 miles one way I discovered what I thought was a leaky fitting at the fuel cell. It turns out the line was leaking and the fuel was collecting around the fitting. After a scramble at the track to find some line I was able to make the repair and race. I consider this a lucky break as I was able to find the problem and make repairs 500 miles from home. Most importantly I wouldn't want to have a leak on the track, especially after I observed a track employee smoking cigarettes at the burn out box later in the day.

[Mike Pearson]

plug both ends and put about 15 lbs pressure in the line with your air compressor. let it sit for a few days and see if it holds pressure. bend the line while the pressure is in the line if the rubber is rotten of weak it will start to leak. if the line has never been used and is pliable it might be OK. Like several others have said it might not be worth the aggravation. From my experience the older line seemed to be better quality than some of the new stuff.

[SSDiv6]

There are many types of steel braided hose, therefore, you need to be more specific on the type of hose you have.
I know of aircraft still using the same original hose for 20 years in fuel and hydraulic systems.