Fuel Line Replacement

[Bob_Roller]

Looks like non-OEM rubber hose .

Also, wouldn't be a bad idea to install worm gear type clamps on both ends of the hose .

[Mike V]

Just my own 2 cents, I've switched to Tygon and Vyton fuel line replacing the OEM cloth braided fuel line, a little more expensive but will hold up quite well with the corn juice being introduced into our gas these days.  My OEM fuel lines were turning gummy and seemed to be degrading at a rapid pace.  Another thing I like about the Tygon is the smooth outer surface, with some patience you can feed it through the air box. The correct ±7mm tube size will prevent the use of clamping hardware for a secure fit on petcock, carb & "T" fitting nipples. Non-metric fuel line is either too large or too small in my experience.  The Tygon is very flexible and to this point has held up quite well in my applications.

I've used hangers and copper tubing inside the crossover fuel line to stiffen the tubing aiding to fish it through the airbox opening... with success some of the time.

 

[montmil]

Looks like non-OEM rubber hose .

Also, wouldn't be a bad idea to install worm gear type clamps on both ends of the hose .

One healthy "spit back" and that carb may likely detach. Easy air leaks to screw up the mixture, too. I'd be OEM fixing that pronto.

[Justin B.]

I've been using the Bing alcohol resistant blue polyurethane line for the past several years and I'm sold on it!

[Mike V]

A4L,

Justin recommends another great fuel line alternative.  Session's improvement pictures say a thousand words. Night and day improvement.  Here's a link (below) to some smaller good quality filters.  Correct sized quality fuel lines and smaller filters will give you a much improved routing system with more relaxed fitment without the need for bulky clamping hardware and pinching of lines.  Here's a link to some filters to give you an idea.  I purchase mine from Bike Bandit, no personal affiliation. My guess would be most bike shops carry these filters in their inventory.

http://www.bikebandit.com/visu-filter/n4294966686

[79beem]

I tried the right angle filter.
Total PITA getting it on, if your line is new and/or tight.
Impossible to get off.
I ended up breaking the filter in the line and had to replace both.
Maybe I was having a bad day?
But a mate of mine tried one with his GB500 with the same impression/result.  

[Air4Life]

Am I to assume that the following Bing fuel line is superior to the polyurethane line listed two below it:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/ep/hose_fuel.html

I'd much rather have the poly fuel line for color matching considerations.

[Red_Hen]

At the Sedalia Rally, Paul Glaves said exactly the same thing - suggesting we use ethanol resistant fuel lines on our bikes about the rapid deterioration caused from Ethanol.

Good call by Mike V!  Mine is fairly new, procured at the hardware store a year or two ago - probably used on lawn mowers - I'm keeping an eye on it.  

[Justin B.]

Air4 - I have used both and see no appreciable difference in performance and the price difference is so small it's a toss-up.

[montmil]

The "Briggs & Stratton" lawnmower fuel filters are always more economically priced at hardware stores than the identical products over-priced at the bike dealers.

I also have had difficulty getting the filters on and even tougher getting them off. The fuel hose fits the Bings just fine but the hose i.d. is just a bit too small to easily slip onto the filter. So...

The filter body is plastic. The raised ridge on both inlet and outlet can be dressed down just a smidgen -that's a shop technical word here in Texas- using a mill file or sandpaper. Little bit off is all you need.

Both my R65s have these "race modified" filters. Snug fit, no clamps required and easier to remove when the tank needs to come off or whatever.

[wa1udg]

I put some Superlube grease on the stock braided line and it slid right through the airbox.  That stuff is right on the edge of being too large.  

[Session101]

What's the "blue" connection twix carb and head? Other side appears correct.

its high pressure fuel hose i picked up here in town about $1.75 an inch.. its double walled and works great, its rated up to 500 degrees, i could paint or color it but didn't want to, i wouldn't know how much OEM costs on that, mine were hard rubber and cracked

[Dizerens5]

Or just put a short length of hanger wire (or baling wire will do) into the old hose still in position, put the new hose over it to butt up to the old one, and push through. No need to jiggle or wiggle.

[suecanada]

Thanks Monte, Bob and Constellation for all the advice. Now I will not be so reluctant to do this job. LRB's last time at a mechanics for the rear main seal job resulted in him getting the best fuel line for anti-degradation...do you guys think it is still smart to change every 2 years or 3 years??? The reason I ask is the old saw..if it ain't broke, don't fix it"! But then there is that day at the hot, hot parking lot far from home and there it is...a leaking line!!! Gee and no coat hanger...oh yes there is..in the motel room!!

[montmil]

A nice feature of the clear plastic filters is that you can easily lay the Mk1 eyeball on it and confirm if the interior of the line is shedding bits or not. Another good reason to use alcohol-resistant lines.

Unless you use the cloth-covered OEM style fuel hose, an occasional check for surface cracking due to ozone and sunlight degradation ought to put any hose angst to rest.