favored brand & source for fuel lines?

[Guest]

Hi all,

I'm interested in recommendations for replacing my very old fuel lines while I rebuild my carbs. While it would be cool to get clear lines, I'm more interested in lines that will maintain their shape and flexibility over time. I've heard good things about Lectron from guys in Europe, but a quick search didn't turn up any US suppliers. I have to imagine that I should be able to find some good quality fuel line domestically.

(Apologies if this topic has been covered. I did some searches and as you can imagine "fuel line" returns many many threads, none of which seemed to directly address this topic.)

thanks,

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I think the OEM stuff, available from at least a dozen online vendors in your "mega-welcome" will last you another 25 years or so and is guaranteed to fit properly. A single order of fuel line, for example, is usually enough to do 3 or 4 bikes.

See Where Do These Hoses Go? for sizes and more info that I've collected.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Steve]

Personally, I prefer the standard black OEM rubber lines. They are the right size to fit properly and not require an external clamp, making tank removal much easier.

The clear lines tend to harden over time and will leak.

.

[Dave8338]

x3 on the OEM.

I do not like clear fuel lines, on anything. I don't need to see the fuel. If ever in question, slip off a rubber line, and you'll have your answer.

[Nessism]

Try "Advanced Search" and then click "Titles Only". Search on "fuel line" and the top hits include these threads...

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=163569

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=163324

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=154956

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=143915

[ACR]

Wow! This forum never fails to impress with the good info delivered in a timely way.

Thanks also for your patience in my missing those previous threads.

You guys rock,

[waterman]

x4 on OEM. You will get enough to do several bikes and it is perfect, nice and flexible. Fits without clamps.

If you must get a see through fuel line, go to a motorcycle shop and ask for their fuel line. When I was rebuilding a scooter, I purchased some blue vinyl fuel line that works fine, seems to me it was a couple of bucks. I haven't used it on a Suzuki but I am sure it would work okay. The key thing is to get the correct size, take your old line with you so they get it right. You should not have to use hose clamps to seal lines to nipples.

[bwringer]

I used to be a big fan of the blue clear-ish urethane line, but I've recently learned the hard way that it changes color and swells after a couple of years.

If there's a dirtbike-oriented shop nearby, Motion Pro sells some very nice fuel line that's almost as nice as OEM.

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/motion_pro_premium_fuel_line/

The problem is that it's sold in inch sizes like 1/4" and 5/16" instead of metric sizes. For applications using 8mm line, it's not a big deal -- 5/16" = 7.93mm, close enough. But 1/4" = 6.3mm, so often 1/4" line is a bit too big for 6mm fittings. Some brands are better than others.

3/16" = 4.76mm, so this can be hard to stretch over fittings intended for 5mm line.

[Suzuki_Don]

The hose required is 7mm ID. I have found the best place to buy this stuff if your bike shop does not carry it is any Continental Car Shop. I got mine from a VW dealer, but BMW, Audi, etc. Dealers always carry this stuff and it fits perfectly and is the thin wall stuff in black and cloth covered (can be removed if you don't like the look). Personally I do like the braided cloth look.

[waterman]

I used to be a big fan of the blue clear-ish urethane line, but I've recently learned the hard way that it changes color and swells after a couple of years.

If there's a dirtbike-oriented shop nearby, Motion Pro sells some very nice fuel line that's almost as nice as OEM.

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/motion_pro_premium_fuel_line/

The problem is that it's sold in inch sizes like 1/4" and 5/16" instead of metric sizes. For applications using 8mm line, it's not a big deal -- 5/16" = 7.93mm, close enough. But 1/4" = 6.3mm, so often 1/4" line is a bit too big for 6mm fittings. Some brands are better than others.

3/16" = 4.76mm, so this can be hard to stretch over fittings intended for 5mm line.

Thanks for the tip, I will keep an eye on it to see if it changes. I picked this up from a dirt bike shop and it was all they had / or used. I have had trouble in past with alcohol softening gas lines in chain saws so I replace fuel lines frequently to stave off problems.

[427cobra]

Hello!

I get all my fuel line at my local Farm and Fleet. They sell a yellow Oregon brand fuel line that works great!

Ive had great luck with the Oregon brand. Stays flexible in cold weather and is quality stuff. Its a transparent yellow so you can see fuel flowing/not flowing....

Works for oil, fuel, breather lines...etc

Tygon brand fuel line is probably the best fuel line hands down...you can get that from McMaster Carr and order by the foot.

Good Luck with your project!

[Nessism]

Hello!

I get all my fuel line at my local Farm and Fleet. They sell a yellow Oregon brand fuel line that works great!

Ive had great luck with the Oregon brand. Stays flexible in cold weather and is quality stuff. Its a transparent yellow so you can see fuel flowing/not flowing....

Works for oil, fuel, breather lines...etc

Tygon brand fuel line is probably the best fuel line hands down...you can get that from McMaster Carr and order by the foot.

Good Luck with your project!

Tygon comes in a variety of grades, many of which are not fuel proof. Be careful.

[almarconi]

I like the motion pro fuel line that z1 sells, never had a problem with it.

[madjack57754]

Motion pro, oregon, and many others are all house brands manufactured by Tygon. They make quite a few different grades from hardware to medical grade. My local Napa carries both the yellow and blue colored fuel resistant Tygon. What you do not want is the clear stuff that comes from the hareware store that is for plumbing use. Not rated for fuels, and gets brittle quite quickly.