The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: 1972R60 on April 25, 2014, 07:23:23 AM
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Well, since I detached the fuei line from my R65s to drain the winter gas, I have a leaky fuel line. Ihave braid covered black lineswith no clamps. What is the best choice for replacement? Yellow transparent poly? Black solid poly? Black braid covered? Add clamps or not? And where to order the new lines? I appreciateyour input.
Mike :'(
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Local auto parts stores sell ethanol proof fuel line. It does not look like the braided, but works well. BMW never put clamps on the lines at the factory. It takes three feet.
Bob
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I clamp my lines. I had an experience where my fuel line decided to deliver gasoline to my left foot rather than the carburetors once...
..while cruising at the expressway.
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The cloth covered stuff seems to go about a year or two (safely) before it cracks up at the ends... but it sure does look nice and it is easy to work with. In a pinch I've cut the cracked end off and re-attached for a leak free fit sans clamps. Now I try to install the hoses a bit long just in case I need to trim up a leaky end in an emergency.
The stiffer the fuel line the more likely you are to need a clamp. The braided stuff is very supple and conforms nicely to the barbed fittings. It also bends easily without kinking and does not put a lot of strain on itself at the barbed fittings. All I can get at the local auto parts chains is the reinforced "injector" fuel hose, and they don't carry the correct 7mm size. You might be able to squeeze a 1/4" hose on.
Your BMW dealership of a foreign auto parts place are probably your best bet for finding something off the shelf that fits right. Otherwise, the internet.
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Hello !
Long time ago I was told it was an heresy to put clamps on fuel lines because it strained them a lot and make them fail sooner. It seems true because I've found a lot of clamped fuel line crack right at the clamp.
But YMMV ;-)
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I would make a recommendation to try Tygon Fuel Line ... without clamps. You shouldn't have to use clamps with the correct sized fuel line (7mm), my personal opinion. I'm no Petrolium Engineer or Chemist but it sure seems to me the introduction of Ethanol has increased the rate of deterioration of carb o-rings, gaskets and maintenance to my bikes. Especially the /7 for which I do extensive distance tours from Left to Right Coast. I recently discovered the OEM braided cloth fuel line desolving in-between my thumb and forefinger. Not to mention a cruddy pasty rubber residue left on the petcock nipples and inside my carbs. I no longer use the braided line.
http://beemershop.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=BS&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=07060019
Since using Tygon (and Viton) I've had no problems.
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Hello !
Long time ago I was told it was an heresy to put clamps on fuel lines because it strained them a lot and make them fail sooner. It seems true because I've found a lot of clamped fuel line crack right at the clamp.
But YMMV ;-)
I immolated a VW believing that. Now I clamp fuel lines.
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The big problem with fuel lines is that since most cars are now fuel injected, most hose in the size we want is of the amour ed type to cope with high pressure injection pumps. The additional stiffness makes it very difficult to persuade the hose round the tight curves needed on a bike and there is also the small problem of fitting hose between the aircleaner and engine casting for those with clamshell aircleaner housings. I've found that you can get the older type hose from suppliers, but it needs to be ordered and there is a wait, in the interests of avoiding liability claims the local auto parts shops seem to only carry hose rated to 50psi, which is too big and heavy for us.
My one time solution was that quite accidentally i found a 3' length of hose that looked about right in the local "Hose doctor" outlet with a price tag of $15 on it. I asked if it was petrol proof to which the sales guy laughed and said "that is everything proof" what you have in your hand is the end of a roll of silicone hose, which if were were to continue to carry the stuff would cost you about $100". It's been in place now for 3 years with no deterioration - I'm happy.
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I recently replaced all the fuel line on my R80 and opted for the original braided line from Germany. It can be purchased from Bob's BMW for under $10.
http://store.bobsbmw.com/product/fuel-line-cloth-braided---per-meter
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I vote the braided line from Bobs as R80rider stated. It is made by CRP I think, a division of Continental. I have had it on my 82 r65 for just over a year. I looks factory and no issues so far.
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Has anyone had experience using nylon tiewraps as hose clamps? Seems to me they would provide enough clamping pressure to do the job without the cost and possible over tightening issue of the steel aircraft clamps.
Thanks, Dave
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Unless the look of the braided lines is a must for you a good choice is 7mm Tygon fuel line. Available in basic black from the Beemer Shop or elsewhere on the internet in clear as well as a rainbow of colors. On my LS I found 1/4" line was just a bit off.
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Has anyone had experience using nylon tiewraps as hose clamps
I use these daily at work and find that they:
give uneven clamping pressure
deteriorate rapidly from the sun
non reusable for a "on road repair"
much less clamping pressure than a metal screw type clamp
The OEM black ones on the wiring harness must be a lot different than ones I buy on the open market, they seem unaffected by the outdoor elements
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UV rays, Joe. Hard on 'em. Wiring harness is pretty well shielded by steel "sun screen".