Great forum, especially for a newbie to diesels like me.
I'm the new and proud parent of an '85 300SD with 281K miles and still drives like a dream. Engine sounds great, tranny shifts smoothly and with certainty. Only issue so far has been ratty rugs.
I need to replace the fuel lines because of age and a little weeping. I've looked at Viton and Gates XL whatever it is and want to get the right specifications for a valid comparison. I want to buy bulk hose and not pre-cut or kits. I'm fueling with regular diesel and have local biodiesel to consider as well. What are the OD and ID and thicknesses I should be looking for when I shop for hose for injector returns and other lines from tank to IP?

If you go to the top of the page and click on buy parts, it will take you to Fastlane the sponsors for this website. (ie...pay for it)

On your car, they have available the injector-injector return lines in excellent quality material and comes in 1 meter lengths. This is enough to do that portion about 3+ times, and remember, the previous hose lasted 20+ years.

For the other lines, you will need:
(1) the "cigar hose" which is a special hose for the return that lessens pulsations
(2) a short section of flex hose that goes from the hard line to the in-line fuel filter
(3) and the short connection hoses under the fuel tank, which have crimped fittings.
Other than the filter hose, which is less than 12",there is really not much hose to buy in bulk for this car. All of the sizes are listed in Fastlane.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Sam ... Thanks for the reply. And a quick one, too. I guess my question really is about the hoses that people are using for biodiesel. A lot of folks here are saying that good hoses will stand up and go back with OEM, but I'm curious to hear if anyone here uses Viton or any of the other alternative hose materials that have higher temperature ratings and stand up better to the solvent action of biodiesel. Anyone using this stuff?

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'85 300SD "The Pearl" -- First MB and First Diesel which proves that good things come to those who keep shopping.

I have used for nearly three years mostly B20 and, on occasion, B100 in mine because the extra lubrication really smoothes out the engine. No problems have been noted after changing out the return lines, which were starting to weep when I bought the car. With the small amount of rubber lines used on this model, I think just using/replacing with quality flex lines will suffice. I wouldn't be surprised that those who have encountered problems in the past were dealing with very dry-rotted material and biodiesel just sped up the process.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Sam, I basically agree with your thoughts on the fuel hoses, but using material they didn't have in 1985 make a little sense, too. I'm not trying to get the Space Shuttle outta a 21-year-old car but newer technology make give me some extra mileage. Who knows?

I was able to find some hose with a higher temperature rating at NAPA ... it's Gates XL which is lined with Viton. Got a couple of meters of 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) for return fuel line replacement. It's impervious to solvents of all kinds and good to 400 degrees. At $1.09 a foot, it's a cheap experiment. I'll report back on the progress.

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'85 300SD "The Pearl" -- First MB and First Diesel which proves that good things come to those who keep shopping.

I used DAYCO GEN II fuel injection hose from Shucks. It has a Viton lining to allow it to stand up to biodiesel. It is something like .33 per inch.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

[QUOTE=grjones001;1274794]Sam, I basically agree with your thoughts on the fuel hoses, but using material they didn't have in 1985 make a little sense, too. I'm not trying to get the Space Shuttle outta a 21-year-old car but newer technology make give me some extra mileage. Who knows?.....QUOTE]

Hey, go for it if it's what you want to do. I was just sharing thoughts on why I opted for not changing them out. I just did not feel it was absolutely necessary and shared that I didn't think you would have any problems if you decided against it.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

BGKast,
I found some of the Dayco hose, too. Seems like good stuff . . . it's rated for fuel injection as well which the Gates hose was not, but since it's the injector return lines there should be minimal pressure ... at least I hope so.
G

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'85 300SD "The Pearl" -- First MB and First Diesel which proves that good things come to those who keep shopping.

You should be ok with standard fuel line.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine