Brent,

 

I disagree with a couple things you said about hoses vs. aluminum tubing.  First, I didn't find the 1/2" aluminum tubing "easy to fabricate".  I didn't have the very expensive tool and used an inexpensive one.  I had significant collapsing in the radius bends and scoring of the outside tubing wall.  Neither of those was acceptable to me on a fuel line.  So the downside of aluminum tubing for me is the same reason you give for Aeroquip, the potential for poor workmanship.

 

Second, aluminum tubing needs to be properly secured to prevent chafing just like Aeroquip, but if you get chafing on Aeroquip, it's the airframe that will wear, not the hose.  That seems to give the advantage to Aeroquip, at least unintended chaffing won't cause a fuel leak.

 

I agree on the cost, weight and lifespan issues, and I appreciate your comments.

 

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs