HELP! Fuel line replacement

[rockford]

I'm afraid I've got a BIG problem. I need to replace the fuel line on my carbs. There's no way to get more than about 1 finger on it and it's down there pretty far. Is there any way to get a new one on without removing the carbs? I think it would be possible with some long needle nose pliars but I'd be glad to hear from someone who's done it. Thanks, guys!:?

[1980GS1000E]

I was able to do it using some 90 deg needle nose pliers. I pulled the airbox reaward first and was able to get the line started by hand. then I shoved it on. At first I was thinking I was gonna have to pull the carbs.

[Steve]

First, make sure you have the right size line. You need 5/16" for the main fuel line.

Next, try a bit of lube on the inside of the line to help ease it over the barb on the inlet.

Go ahead and use the long needle-nose pliers, but be careful that you don't squeeze to hard and damage the inside of the hose.


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[rockford]

Thanks!

I appreciate the advice. I just rebuilt the carbs and can't bear the thought of taking them off; (it makes me want to cry, to be honest).

5/16" line was my problem. That's what I put on (clear polyurethane) and it leaked on both ends. I measured the old stuff (that wasn't clamped) and never leaked and it was 1/4". I clamped the petcock but now the bottom is leaking.

[DanTheMan]

Mine's 1/4", I replaced it with the new stuff, impervious to alcohol based fuels, and yes, it was difficult......(Hey bra, Na Ka Oi.......:-D)\\/

[chuckycheese]

Chuckycheese is back!

OK...What you're faced with is a horrible dilemma that also almost made me cry, also. All is not lost; here is what you do:

Get the proper gas line (which is 1/4" for your/our bike) and cut it fairly close to what you need in order to be viable. Get a 1/4" steel rod (or a gutter spike will work almost better) and put it inside the lumen (inside) of your gas line.

Push it down (with a little WD-40 squirted on the inside), twist it around and work it on to the waiting stub. Don't get impatient because taking off the carbs is a really horrid deal you want to avoid at all costs. Tell yourself that it will go on...because I can assure you that it will.\\/

Use a hand mirror to make sure that it's on as far as it will go ( a cheap dental mirror is even better). Take a pinch clamp and tie it as tight together as you can get it... (I used #2-0 Vicryl suture but that's not readily available)....use a couple of cut coat hanger pieces to work it into place and then either cut the tie off so it secures the pinch clamp.

It's a horrible PIA that I've described.....but no comparison to taking off those miserable carbs. Be patient and I promise, it will work out just fine.

By the way....1980 GS1000E........your bike is absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[1980GS1000E]

Thank you, Chucky!

[rockford]

Thanks!

WOW!!!!! It only took me about 10 minutes and it worked just like you said and it doesn't leak a drop!!

I am thrilled because I just couldn't stand the thought of taking those carbs off again. Thanks to all and especially to Mr. Cheese!:-D