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clear (see through) vs black fuel line

  • Thread starter Thread starter growler
  • Start date Start date
G

growler

Guest
while i have my carbs apart i thought about replacing all fuel lines and breathers.

what do you guys think of that? do you prefer to stick with black or switch them out? is there a standard ID/OD size for my bike? (82 GS850G)

is an inline fuel filter necessary?

i'm just trying to think of everything i could do that would be easy with the carbs off.
 
Just purchase the standard fuel line from Suzuki and no, you don't need an inline fuel filter - the one attached to your petcock does just fine.
 
I got automotive fuel line at my local auto shop. Had a couple feet cut just so I have extra. I also run a very large paper element fuel filter in line. I don't recall the ID/OD measurements, but I want to say 3/8ths was too large ID maybe? Grab some hose clamps to secure both ends.

My experience with the clear line is that it stiffens up real fast, so if you have to take it off after anything longer than a week or so you're better off replacing it. The black line seems to stay more supple longer.

Personally I am a fan of inline fuel filters as mine have visibly caught a lot of dust/rust particles, but they have to have a high enough flow rate such that they don't restrict flow at wide open throttle. The petcock's filter will grab anything big enough to get stuck in your carb. I'll freely admit my filter is on there more to help me sleep at night than anything else.
 

I use Tygon fuel line.You can get it in the proper 7mm sizes,just make sure you get fuel rated line as they not fuel Tygon. Doesn't stiffen like the clear s**t does.Don't use an inline.
 
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You need the 7mm line. Don't mess with auto shop SAE sizes, they do not fit correctly.
 
I use Tygon line, you can get it in 7 mm, I also use an inline filter..:)
 
Nice thing about the OEM fuel line is it's stretchy and a nice slip fit over the nipples so you don't need clamps.

A filter can be useful if your tank is full of rust and crud, problem is you need to make sure the filter is capable of flowing at very low pressure and is not restricting flow. A good many automotive type filters are designed to have fuel pushed through them and are not appropriate for use with a gravity feed fuel system. It's also important to make sure you are not adding a loop into the flow stream, since fuel doesn't like to flow up hill.
 
All good points.
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I have not tried the fuel-rated Tygon. Never thought of it, wouldn't know where to start looking for it.

I use OEM hose from Suzuki. I believe in it so much that I install it on every set of carbs that I rebuild.

Whatever line you choose to use, 7mm ID is the proper stuff. Automotive fuel line is re-inforced for pressurized use with fuel injection systems, so is not nearly as flexible. It is also usually only available in 1/4" (6.25mm) or 5/16" (8mm) sizes. The 1/4" line won't stretch over the GS fittings, the 5/16" line REQUIRES clamps. I have heard that some European automakers use 7mm line, I have not verified.

If you insist on using an inline filter (no real need for one, usually), make sure it is designed for use with a gravity-fed system. A filter for a lawn tractor can work quite well.

For those who use clear line "because I can see the fuel flowing through it", after the bubbles pass, I can't see anything moving to tell whether it's flowing or not.
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The only thing I would add is that I believe that clear tubing can be an advantage on the vacuum line going from the #2 carb to the fuel petcock. If the petcock diaphragm fails you can see fuel in that line and possibly catch it before you end with a tank of fuel in your oil. Other then that I don't see a need for anything transparent on the fuel side.
 
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You are correct, Steve. I got some 7mm line from either a German or Italian aftermarket store.
 
Steve said:
All good points.
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I have not tried the fuel-rated Tygon. Never thought of it, wouldn't know where to start looking for it.

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Click to expand...
I get my Tygon at the local power equipment store.I just take one of my extra petcocks with me and ask the guy there to match that.Slips on like new OEM would,or at least how I think it would as I've never used that.
 
I use transluscent fuel line from FastFlow Fuel Lines. If the 1/4" is hard to get on a nipple, I just warm it a little and it expands enough to slip right on. And, I use an inline fiilter, Napa filter #23001. I've used on JetSki's for years, works well on the bike too. Actually, I lied. Filter on my GS right now is a clear Verifilter that I bought for $5 at the local bike shop. I was out of the Napa filters.
 
By the way, when you order your OEM fuel line, let us know how much of it you receive.

I have reported that you get about 6 feet (2 meters), but some have doubted me. :eek:

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