VM Carbs, connector tubes shot

[Guest]

I'm helping a local friend get a 1979 GS1000 running, and when we hooked up a tank the carbs leaked like crazy from the fuel tube junctions. No surprise, since they were the rubber sleeve type, and I read in the VM Carb rebuild tut that these often leak after a while. He hadn't even pulled them apart, but now that he has he said the rubber "o-ring" sleeve was torn.

But I'm not seeing a source for new replacements. Anyone have a source for an acceptable replacement part? Or a method for fabricating one? Pretty sure we'll need both the "T" and the two straight connectors.

I'm trying to get him on the straight & narrow (i.e. full rebuild, Robert Barr's o-rings and intake o-rings, etc) but finding these tubes is a must regardless.

Help me help a brother out, don't want him to give up too early on a scorching ride.

Thanks!

[Gumpster]

Try the links below from z1 enterprises. I have not tried these yet but will likely need to at the next rebuild.

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=4159

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=4156

[hampshirehog]

here you go:

http://www.z1enterprises.com/catalog.aspx?pid=GS1000EN-1979-CF0

[Katarat]

Before Z1 started handling the replacement tubes, I used to use Plastidip, the stuff you dip plier handles in to rubberize them. Plug both ends dip them in only once and let dry. Theyve been in there 5 years. I guess Id get thre replaceable o-ring ones from Z1 now though, A can will late your lifetime and the next guys too

[Testarossa]

Before Z1 started handling the replacement tubes, I used to use Plastidip, the stuff you dip plier handles in to rubberize them. Plug both ends dip them in only once and let dry. Theyve been in there 5 years. I guess Id get thre replaceable o-ring ones from Z1 now though, A can will late your lifetime and the next guys too

I have used heat shrink tubing over the rubber ends in the same manner. It seemed to work good, but did make the process of re-installing the fuel pipe joints fairly difficult. Never had a leak when the carbs were in service.

That said, the o-ring versions look like the ticket. Just slap on some new o-rings if you ever get a leak.

[Roostabunny]

You guys rock! Thanks!

Apologies, can't believe I didn't think of Z1. Course, they have one of those websites you kinda just need to read for fun in your spare time so you know what they have.

I'd go for the metal replacements, but I'm guessing he'll try the plastidip first.

As much as I want to, I'm not sure I'll convince him to go through the whole GSR carb rebuild procedure. I just want to eliminate the carbs as the srouce of any future starting problems. But we'll see. Maybe I'll volunteer to take the carbs home and rebuild 'em myself.

[ValorSolo]

I was having no luck finding these and a local bike shop told me to soak them in brake fluid.
After soaking them, they seem to fit tighter, but after discovering this thread, I'm going to just replace them.
I still have my carbs off, waiting for a choke lifter to arrive, so I've found these just in time.

Thanks heaps for the info and link.

[GateKeeper]

Check the bottom of this page left hand picture

http://www.cycleorings.com/#BS_Series_O-ring_Kit

is this not what you need ?

here is the picture as well






EDIT - never mind your looking for the sleeve, not the O ring

[ValorSolo]

I purchased the replacement tubes and tee just a little while ago.
Hopefully I can get all my parts in by midweek and fire it up by the weekend.

[btbarb]

Archive tip

Steve posted that he had used teflon tape successfully. I tried a couple of different methods but the teflon tape worked best and it still holding fine. Mine only needed one wrap.

[allojohn]

I purchased the replacement tubes and tee just a little while ago.
Hopefully I can get all my parts in by midweek and fire it up by the weekend.

The connectors from Z1 are ace, however the o-rings that come with them ain't. If you've bought an o-ring set from Robert Barr it comes with replacements.