bummer fuel line

[oldyam80sg]

OK so i would not leave it be.Today i went to my Moms house to start up the bike and it started right up and was going to take a ride.Reaching down to pick something off the ground, i hit my head on the hazard switch and put a nice bloody gouge in the top of my head. So no ride today as my helmet touches the now fresh wound.But i did not like the way one of my fuel hose looked so i removed it and went to put on another line.The fuel hose i got from Pingel(made of Tygon) was very hard for not being used and now need to order more fuel line.Went to Home Depot and Lowes-all they have is the black fuel hose-no other hose as the change of seasons dictate the products available.So now i need to get hose.Where is the best place to purchase this-Dennis Kirk,Bike Bandit?

[bikerphil]

Dennis Kirk has a good selection of quality line. I know someone will disagree with me on this, but I use the 1/4" auto fuel line. I've never had any problems with it crumbling on the inside (it's fuel hose made for fuel) or kinking. Ya just gotta know how to route it properly.

[oldyam80sg]

I saw the black 1/4" line at home depot and Lowes but thought that was taboo on these bikes but after all they are used for fuel right?The line at Home Depot looked really bulletproof!

[bikerphil]

I just worked on another member's carbs and he used that black line from Lowes. I couldn't believe how brittle it was just after a month. I replaced it with the automotive rubber/nylon reinforced type.

[oldyam80sg]

Just ordered the low permeation premium line from Dennis Kirk- Grey in color-Last time i ordered the Moose Racing line it was super stiff and couldn't get it on the petcocks(Pingel).

[DGXSER]

I know someone will disagree with me on this, but I use the 1/4" auto fuel line. I've never had any problems with it crumbling on the inside (it's fuel hose made for fuel) or kinking. Ya just gotta know how to route it properly.

Phil, as you are one of the many here who have taught me much of what I know about these machines, I give all due respect here, however I am one of those someones.

I ran all my fuel lines with automotive lines when I rebuilt my carbs a little less than a year ago. I had all kinds of trouble with my float valves not closing to the point I was so frustrated I spoke of rolling the dang thign down a hill and setting fire to the leaking fuel!!

Then I switched to the Briggs and Stratton fuel line from Home Depot, the yellow stuff. Have nto had a fuel valve leak since. I found that when I pushed the auto fuel line onto the Ts it broke off little pieces and the stuck in my float valves. Now to be fair, I was also using the radiator style hose clamps that use the work screw to tighten in and believe they contributed to the pieced in the lines. The B&S fits so well I need no clamps.

I'm certain I just need a lesson from Phil on how to run the line.

[dpotter58]

from Dennis Kirk

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produc...kuId=1807&mmy=

Blue polyurethane fuel line. Seems to be holding up and hasn't kinked

[bikerphil]

I found that when I pushed the auto fuel line onto the Ts it broke off little pieces and the stuck in my float valves. Now to be fair, I was also using the radiator style hose clamps that use the work screw to tighten in and believe they contributed to the pieced in the lines.

Yep, I could see those screw drive clamps breaking up the line pretty quick. I like those band clamps that spread open with a pliers on those lower T's. There isn't enough room down there for the screw clamps. Little shot of WD on the hose ends makes 'em slip on the T's easily without any damage. Also, attaching the lines to the carbs while they're off the bike will save you some grief.

[oldyam80sg]

OK so today i looked at some spare untouched fuel line that i got from an auto parts store awhile ago and decided for the time being to use that.It is the nylon reinforced black fuel line that is used for gas tanks and stuff.It worked-no leaks and I'm sure it will work without breaking down as i have a filter to catch stuff right after it.I have also used the same line in my Brothers snapper lawn mower. It was also a beautiful day and they just opened a main road by my Moms house that has been closed for 3 months!And line has no kink in it which is the main thing!

[HobbyMan]

How are you guys running your lines?
On my standard, I run them from the petcocks over to the other side. They go down just inside the rubber airbox boot on the opposite side and back across to the carb underneath the petcock. This prevents any kinking and gives plenty of room for inline filters.

[oldyam80sg]

On my special I still use the octy as mine is working properly and i criss cross my lines and don't have a problem with them kinking.I also use 2 fuel filters and don't have a problem with them.The line i replaced was too short that's why that kinked but it was not closed all the way just enough to make me want to correct it!

[TADracer]

Guess I'll take some guff too but I use 1/4" black fuel line like Phil does.

Here is a caviat to it, though. I use quality line, have no airbox or octy to snarl things up and run a very simple and straightforward route with my lines. Drop out of the tank, through an in-line filter and into the carbs with a crossover line between. When carbs are removed I only disconnect the lines from the petcocks and thats it. Everything comes off with the carbs so I am not connecting or disconnecting lines all the time for servicing.

Bottom line is I tried all the various lines over the years and they all have drawbacks. The black automotive fuel line last about 3-5 years and then I change it for a cost of around $6.00.

[CatatonicBug]

I use the black, double-wall automotive line too, and have not had any problems with it. The only trick is that the lines are a bit thicker and require a but more effort to get the clamp around them. I only remove them from the petcocks when removing the carbs too.

I looked at HD and Lowes, and the only fuel line they sell comes in little 3' sections. They don't sell it on a spool, by the foot.

[TomRodgers]

I have used the blue poly line from several places....it has never gotten brittle. it discolors a bit, but no issues...and you can SEE the fuel moving to know....

I take it there is NO problem running the right fuel line to the 1+2 carbs and the left fuel line to 3+4 carbs??? seems a smoother run for line and filters.....

[cywelchjr]

I noticed yesterday when I went to Kragens/O'Rieleys to get some gear lube, that they have lawnmower stuff now, which includes that fuel line that Home Depot carries in the summer. Seems like they might have it over your way as well.