Jiffy Pro 4: Replacing fuel line; is it easy?

[CHEX1982]

Replacement fuel line on its way, ETA is Wednesday.

How easy/hard is the process as well as the time required? Because I'd like to use it this weekend. I imagine it as a quick swap much like changing out a tire?

I have the tools to take apart the fuel line, propane tube, and the regulator off the engine block. I just don't want to cause more headache than already is.

The Jiffy rep on the phone was very casual and says that anyone can do it at home but I still had him locate me some service centers. Forest Lake (Boese's) is the nearest. That's not really near for me and I'd rather do it myself if I can. Plus, I'm sure they'd charge me for work.

Opinions from those who are mechanics or have experience with the Pro 4 fuel line?

[AndRo]

I haven't done it. I was only wondering what happened, crack?

[deadduk]

If you have a 2010 model they have an aluminum line from the regualtor to the carb that is very soft and thin. In a short amount of time of changing out the 1lb. propane cylinder you will weaken this line causing it to break and leave you without an auger (which it happened to me)or possibly worse with a propane leak in a wheel house. Jiffy will only send you a replacement line that is a little heavier gauge aluminum, but keep in mind that this is only a bandaid, It will not fix it permantely!!!! I did replace my line last night and the auger seems to run fine at this time however, it is just a matter of time before it fails, you can count on that!

With that said I am going to be in contact with Jiffy again to push for the retro carb fit that they have installed on the 2011-2012 models. To me this is an issue that they need to address in the proper manner which they have not.

The simple fact of the matter is that they knew they had a problem and that is why they changed the design after the first year but for all of you "Loyal Jiffy" guys like me who were the first to buy the defective auger , they will not do the right thing and either replace the head unit or send you the retro fit for the carb to make it like the new design.

Shame on you Jiffy!!!!

[CHEX1982]

Thanks for browsing back a few pages to reply. The same evening I received the replacement tube and two elbow fittings, I could not get the elbow fitting on the regulator to move! I wrenched it, hammered it, it was all scarred up and didn't budge 1 millimeter. Yes, I believe I was following the threads correctly, as the other elbow on top of the engine block is right-handed and could be loosened with just fingers. I brought it to an authorized repair center, free of charge. It just sucks having to wait when I know I could do the work within a few hours if even.

In my opinion, I think the old fuel line broke because it was welded/flared/inserted into the elbow fitting and as you said, it is softer. To my eyes, the new style has the brass compression ring in the fitting screw to hold the fuel line in place so it simply doesn't have a point where it can break off.

It appears the new 2011 models have the same fuel lines that you and I recently received. I think the only thing they have different is that the regulator and the black rubber hose was re-engineered to be in a different position to save some space, have a cleaner look, and makes it a tad easier to screw in propane bottles.

Yes, I agree with you. Shame on them. They should at least do something like those "WARNING TOY/FURNITURE RECALL - IF YOU BOUGHT THIS MODEL, CONTACT US BRING TO LOCAL SHOP IMMEDIATELY" and put big signs all over fishing gear shops so the public can see.