Just Another Restore Thread...

[TruthHammer]

I finally got the carburetors back in, but I've run into another problem. I can't get the new fuel lines to not kink up. They kink much, much easier than the old, black lines. For comparison...


So before I run out and buy more fuel line, I thought I'd check in with you all... Is there a way to condition the hose to make it more pliable? Or... I suppose the problem could be the way I'm laying them out. There's a whole lot of hoses there in a pretty small space. If anybody's got theirs open and can snap a pic of the right way to do it, I'd appreciate it.

[spectra]

Well that to me doesn't even look like fuel line ? That reminds me of just the clear line you get at the local Home Depot or Lowes......

I just got some Tygon and it was yellow and it bends just fine. I would maybe look into another source for fuel line.

I could be wrong wouldn't be the first time either so wait for an expert to chime in

[TruthHammer]

Beats me. All this stuff's new to me. I just went to my local powersports dealer and asked for 1/4 inch motorcycle fuel line. I asked if they had a transparent one, and this is what they brought me. They cut it to order, so it didn't come with any labeling.

[motoman]

Truthhammer, realize you likely have the octy to deal with, so the curves of the line do turn sharp. I also would say that clear line you have there is not really fuel line per say. Go to a reputable bike/four wheeler shop, and they should have ACTUAL fuel line for this type of application. Good thing you noticed that issue, cause that is NOT fuel line, and could of come apart while riding.......NOT a good result!

[mschor]

I got some line at Cycle Gear, looks like that. It says "Vacuum line, can be used as fuel line", so I tried it out. So far so good, no hardening after 9mos. , but I'll probably get some proper line soon, just cuz of that wording.

[DiverRay]

Don't try and get clear line! Go with the black fuel line and you should not have any problems. If needed, spend a little extra and get some line from a dealer, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha. Just go for the line for carbs, NOT fuel injected bikes. Dealers will usually carry a good line for the shop, so ask the mechanic BEFORE talking to the parts man.

[TruthHammer]

The place I got it from is a dealer, and - I would have thought - a reputable business. Luckily, I have options where I live, so I'll head over to one of the other local dealers and pick up something better.

Thanks for your help, everybody.

[DiverRay]

Ah, but did you talk with a mechanic first? They KNOW what will and won't work.

[TruthHammer]

Their parts and service department had a shared desk and wasn't very large, so I'm not sure if the guy I talked to actually worked on the bikes, probably not. I'll make sure I talk to a mechanic when I go back.

Just curious... what's difference between fuel injected line and carburetor line?

[DiverRay]

Fuel injected lines are reinforced, like an auto fuel line. They are designed to work at 40psi, not 4psi like gravity fed carbs. The wall thickness is the main problem. the bike was designed for fuel lines with a thin wall, and FI systems need a thick wall to hold the pressure.

[jetmechmarty]

I use Motion Pro Premium Fuel Line. I believe it is Tygon. Mine is black, but it is available in clear. It kinks when you try to make sharp bends. My solution was to plumb the left petcock to the right carburetors and the right petcock to the left carburetors. (spider valve is in place) This also allows me to raise the tank for easy disconnection when it becomes necessary. It's a win, win. It has been a few years since I messed with it.

[TruthHammer]

My solution was to plumb the left petcock to the right carburetors and the right petcock to the left carburetors.

Hi Marty. I'm glad you jumped in here. I read your solution in a few other threads and was going to ask you about the layout. Do the lower lines cross under the boots? Where are your Ts? Do you have any pics?

[jetmechmarty]

My layout is all stock, except for reaching across. I'm not running under the boots or carbs. I'm not able to get you a photo right now, because I'm busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.

I did use brass tees from my local hardware store.

[TruthHammer]

I (finally!) got back to my bike this weekend. Everything's (mostly) put back together, and it seems to be running pretty well. I took it for a short ride, but didn't have time to get it out of town and really open it up. Sitting in neutral, I don't feel that hesitation at 4500 RPM that I did before the carb cleaning. Hopefully, that's fixed, but I'll report back on that later.

I have a couple of other things I could use some help on... First off, what is this hose, and where does it need to go? I took a bunch of pictures before and as I took it all apart, but I can't spot it in any of them. I think it's just a vent...


Next problem pretty much seals that deal that the PO was a lying sack of crap... I got home from my short ride to find that the emblem had fallen off of the right side cover. Upon closer examination, I saw that the seat was barely touching the cover, and the top of the cover was starting to crack. When I sat on it, the extra weight must have caused the cover to flex enough to crack and pop off the emblem. The problem is the 81 seat with 79 covers.


A new seat is really not in the budget right now, especially since it still needs tires too. So I think I have a couple options... 1) Hope there's somebody on the site who'd be willing to trade me an 81 seat and grab bar for 79s. 2) Try to modify this seat or side covers, so they're not rubbing any more. Any other suggestions to overcome this dilemma are welcome...

I'd really prefer the former if possible. What all would I have to do to go back to a 79? I remember reading something about differences in ignition unit placement and clearances between years, but can't find it now. Would I have to change out the rear fender as well? (I noticed the tail light is in a different location. ) Here's what I'm looking at in frame and seat...

[DiverRay]

#1 The hose should be bolted on with the tank bolt, if I remember correctly. The long end of the metal holds down some wire bundles.
#2 If you get the correct seat, you probably will need to replace the tail light with the correct one. The '79 Special was a one year on some parts. Side covers, tail light, seat to name the main culprits. Emblems are getting hard to find, but there is someone on ebay that can help. Also, check with the parts for sale section. if andreas has something listed go for it, as he is a great guy and sells parts at a fair price.