Fat Fuel Line

[digitalsam]

Fat, not phat. The fuel line running from the petcocks was rotting, so I ran down to to the local parts store and bought a few feet of line. The ID is the same, but the OD is much larger, about half an inch. I can barely shove both lines onto the Petcock tubes and can't get the butterfly clamps up there. Where can you buy thinner fuel line?

Also, both petcock lines run into a "T" fitting which combines into one line. The "T" fitting is a pain to work with and doesn't look very nice. I am also afraid that the line may crimp eventually and cut off fuel. Any suggestions?

Will post pix later.

[John]

Go to an independent bike repair shop and by your hose there. It should be 1/4 inch urethane. The stuff I get is clear blue and it is supplied by Parts Unlimited. The hose will be thin enough to get on to both ports of the petcock. It sounds like you don't have an octopus in the fuel system, you just have the hoses plumbed directly to the carbs. If so, the best way to plumb the lines is to have the left petcock feed the right side carbs, and vice versa. Next is to cap off the FORWARD port of the petcock. That is Prime and you will not need it. Fuel will flow in the On and Res position on Special petcocks at any time, so Prime is not needed.
That is how I have my Specials plumbed.

[bikerphil]

fuel line

Dennis Kirk carries a few different types of motorcycle fuel line. Here's a link, scroll about 1/2 way down. MotionPro brand is very good IMHO.

http://denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/cmn/pr...atId=41304&np=

[mason79]

you bought automotive line, i did the same thing, any motorcycle dealer should have them

[TopCatGr58]

Another suggestion I've seen is from NAPA store, the fuel line for early Volkswagens are supposed to be the thinner walled stuff. Just remember NOT to use any vacuum hose lines, they are just regular rubber, and will harden and crack very quickly when exposed to GAS!
T.C.

[egsols]

I got some nice yellow line from a local tractor supply and fix up shop. Can't remember the name but the owner said its the primo stuff, doesn't kink. Its been working great on mine so far. Also got the inline filters from him too.

[81xsproject]

I agree with above, the MotionPro line is top notch. It retains its elastisity for a VERY LONG time and doesn't kink as easily.

[randy]

I got some nice yellow line from a local tractor supply and fix up shop.

Also commonly known as TYGON. Marine supply houses carry it, too.

[egsols]

Tygon!!!!

Thanks Randy, I thought it started with a T but just couldn't get it out of the memory banks. I suffer slightly from sometimers.

[Pat Kelly]

The reason the feul line from the manufacturer has a spring on it is to prevent kinking

[digitalsam]

Muchos Gracias

Great, thanks guys. Crossing the lines from right to left is a great suggestion. I can now lift the tank off of the bike an inch or so without the hoses pulling off. It is very handy.

Still having leaking when I forget to turn off the petcocks.

Unfortunately, now the bike is stalling when I let it idle in gear but not when it is in neutral. Will work on that and see if I can't fix it.

This site is great, you guys make a total noob feel like a shade tree mechanic. Very cool... Thanks.

If anyone need Graphic Design work done, let me know. Logos and such. I can't offer mechanical advice, but am glad to offer what I can.