Stupid question.

[foxxx85]

I have a 1981 gs1000GL. Could someone please tell me the functions of each of the 3 hoses coming from the gas tank. 2 on the right side (at the petcock), I would imagine that these 2 are fuel supply and vacuum. But what is the hose on the right side of the tank for?

[Billy Ricks]

It's an overflow line in case the plate the float arm is attached to starts leaking. Keeps the fuel from ended up on a hot motor.

[loungeguy69]

It's an overflow line in case the plate the float arm is attached to starts leaking. Keeps the fuel from ended up on a hot motor.

Ditto. It should run down between carbs 3 & 4 and end up below the engine/transmission (but hopefully not right infront of the rear wheel).

[Steve]

You must have edited something. I did not see the 'stupid question'.

If you have a genuine interest in learing about your bike, you will either have to examine the bike until it becomes clear or ask a question of somebody that might have been there, done that before.

You may get a couple of stupid replies or even some half-replies, but there is really no such thing as a stupid question.


Oh, yeah, Billy Ricks has the right answer for you.

Now, I have a question for you. You made this statement:

... the 3 hoses coming from the gas tank. 2 on the right side (at the petcock), ...

How did you get your petcock on the RIGHT side? Since you are learning about your bike, it will also help to learn that left/right is always referenced when you are sitting on the bike, ready to ride. The cylinders are numbered left to right, too, so #1 is under your clutch hand, #4 is under your throttle hand. Keeping this little bit straight will help you as you ask more questions.


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[loungeguy69]

You must have edited something. I did not see the 'stupid question'.

If you have a genuine interest in learing about your bike, you will either have to examine the bike until it becomes clear or ask a question of somebody that might have been there, done that before.

You may get a couple of stupid replies or even some half-replies, but there is really no such thing as a stupid question.


Oh, yeah, Billy Ricks has the right answer for you.

Now, I have a question for you. You made this statement:

How did you get your petcock on the RIGHT side? Since you are learning about your bike, it will also help to learn that left/right is always referenced when you are sitting on the bike, ready to ride. The cylinders are numbered left to right, too, so #1 is under your clutch hand, #4 is under your throttle hand. Keeping this little bit straight will help you as you ask more questions.


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Everyone starts somewhere. There are actually some helpful old geezers on here who are happy to help with anything. There are some boneheads too but that's just the law of averages. Generally it's a good forum.

If you're really not sure about a question feel free to send a private message.

[foxxx85]

ok, i followed the hose on the right (my "non-petcock" right and it goes to the vent connection between 1 and 2 carbs. Is this bad. Should i mention that i cant get the bike to fire up. It has spark and will crank fine. i get a hint when i squirted a shot of starting fluid in Cyl 1. This wouldn't have anything to do with it ....would it?

[Steve]

First of all,

PUT THE STARTING FLUID AWAY.

That stuff can do nasty stuff if used incorrectly and it's way too easy to use it incorrectly.

List of hoses:
Larger hose from petcock goes to 'T' between carbs 2 and 3
Smaller hose from petcock goes to fitting on carb 2
Hose from 'T' between 1 and 2 is a vent, it goes back, over the airbox and connects to nothing.
Hose from 'T' between 3 and 4 is a vent, it goes back, over the airbox and connects to nothing.
Hose from fuel level sensor (under side of the tank) goes back, along the frame, down behind the engine, just in case the sender leaks.

BassCliff has a picture that might help. You can see it by clicking here

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