Octopus Confusion

[ardvark1]

I'm in the middle of repiping me Octopus and have come across a problem.
I may be thick or just stupid.

On the Octopus there are numbers 1 to 4
1 and 2 are in the middle and 3 and 4 are the outside pipe connectors.

According to the manual octopus connector number 3 connects the fuel pipe to carbs 1 and 2 and the left hand front petrol tank tap connector via a T connector.
Octopus connector number 1 connects the fuel pipe to the left hand rear petrol tank tap.

I've done that no problem.

Now the bit I'm confused on.
According to the manual the fuel pipe from the right hand rear petrol tank tap goes to one of the middle octopus connectors which is number 2 BUT the manual has a arrow pointing to it and calls it number 4 hose.
The fuel pipe from the right hand front petrol tank tap goes to carbs 3 and 4 and via T connector to the outside octopus connector number 4 BUT the manual has a arrow pointing to it and calls it number 2 hose.

Am I right in thinking that the manuals number 2 hose should go to number 4 octopus connector and hose number 4 should go to number 2 octopus connector?
Therefor the rear petrol tank taps go to the middle two octopus connectors and the front petrol tank taps go to the carbs and the outer two octopus connectors.

[ardvark1]

I've found a pic under the seat. It gives me the route of where the fuel pipes should go.
The pic's in the manuals are right but the manual hose numbers don't relate to the numbers on the octopus.
Hose number 2 goes on connector 4 on the octopus
Hose number 4 goes on connector 2 on the octopus

[oldyam80sg]

I did away with the octy years ago and went with a Pingel vacuum fuel valve. You eliminate hoses and in order to remove the carbs on my XS,I just disconnect 1 fuel line and 1 vacuum hose.

[jetmechmarty]

Ardvark1, just be sure you hook it up so that when you select PRIME, fuel will go to the carburetors bypassing the shut-off valve. The ON nipple requires fuel to pass through the shut-off valve. With that in mind, it should be easier.

[cajun31]

I never understand

why folks always suggest getting rid of the octopus. The rebuild kits are readily available for them and they work when rebuilt and installed correctly. What I always remember … and I have been messing with these for 40 years is that once the octopus and hoses are installed and mounted on the bike you will have two hoses for the left petcock and obviously two for the right. when looking at the octopus from the back of the bike looking towards the front the two hoses on the two inner plugs go to the front ports on the petcocks left and right respectfully. the outer two hoses go to the back ports obviously. If you hook them up backwards then the device does not work properly and you will end up with the possibility of flooded carbs, airbox, crankcase etc... Always stay in the habit of turning your petcocks off when you get off the bike. I always do and always have. Like Marty stated … when the petcocks are switched to prime the gas basically bypasses the octopus and you need for that to be working when you go to synchronize your carbs because you have to utilize the vacuum port from the number two intake manifold for your synch gauges. I for one think keeping the octy is beneficial and will keep mine until I can't buy rebuild kits.

[foreda]

Kits

Where can I get a kit for an octy?

[bikerphil]

Partsnmore has it but it also comes with the rebuild parts for the fuel taps as well. EBay has them too for about $20.

[jetmechmarty]

Several vendors have the kit. I believe it's a K&L kit. My experience is that they leak. The packing (o'ring) isn't thick enough.

[bikerphil]

Yep, the o ring could be changed if need be, hopefully they have corrected the problem by now.

[jetmechmarty]

Yep, the o ring could be changed if need be, hopefully they have corrected the problem by now.

As of last year, no.