7.5mm fuel hose ethanol compatible, Cohline hose failed Options

[Chaznaster]

I put in new fuel hoses from the gas tank to the fuel pump and pump to line in the tunnel about 6 years ago. I have the tank out and noticed that the first 3 inches of the hose coming from the tank is completely rigid and nearly crumbled in my hand. The inside is all crazed and cracked. It was probably ready to let go on its own ... which would have been messy at best.

The odd thing is that the hose is as flexible as new past the trouble spot and for the rest of the run.

It was Cohline 7.5mm hose that I bought from Pelican. The fit was pretty much perfect across all the different fittings on the car.

First questions: could this be ethanol incompatibility? Why would only the first 3 inches be impacted?

I am shopping for some new hose, assuming the Cohline stuff has compatibility issues. Everything I can find that claims EtOH compatibility is in inch measures. 5/8" (8mm) seems just a hair too big and the 1/4" (6mm) is too small.

Next question: can someone point me in the direction of a 7.5mm fuel hose that will stand up to today's US gas formulations? I am running carbs so low pressure hose will do.

Finally, if I have to go with 5/8, would there be any concern over leaking? It may be fine with a clamp on it ...

Note: I am not able to find ethanol free gas where I am in MA.

Many thanks!