middle gear vent

[DavePlum]

This may seem like a stupid question to some but is the middle gear vent a threaded fitting? The reason I ask is because I have to replace the vent tubing on my 80SG project and the nipple comes out of the vent so that one edge is too close the hump of the receiving end of the middle drive bolts. All that was on the nipple was a small piece of hose that just reached the end of the nipple, I had to cut it with a razor blade and then use a small tipped screwdriver to force the tubing out that was "pinched" between the nipple and one of the humps. I already know there's no way I'll get the new tubing on there with that nipple in the it's current position. I looked at the extra engine I got when I purchased a 79SF parts bike and that nipple is not too close so I'm hoping I can just tap it a few times with something to gain the extra 2-3mm I need. Thanks, Dave

[bikerphil]

I don't believe it would be threaded. If it is anything like the final drive vent, it may be a pressed in tapered fitting. Might try lightly tapping on it with a drift or punch to see if it will turn some.

[DavePlum]

Thanks for the response. It was just wishful thinking on my part, I figured if it was some type of threaded fitting the top would likely be a hex type head instead of being circular. As it turns out this morning I was able to get a screwdriver wedged in there and bend the nipple enough that I could get the new tubing over it.