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newbie question re: fuel injection hose

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 11:29 am
by granbo
I’m unfortunately experiencing the dreaded fuel line leak. Although it paradoxically cures itself after a five minute warm-up the thought of impending doom makes riding the Roadster feel more like a root canal. I need to tackle this issue and reluctant to visit the dealer. My question is are these disconnect fittings really necessary? It would seem that with a gel battery and K&N filter that removal of the tank would be infrequent and a continuous fuel injection hose void of numerous fittings may be more prudent.
What would be the disadvantages of this approach. Thank you.

Re: newbie question re: fuel injection hose

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:43 pm
by Capt. Blackadder
granbo wrote:My question is are these disconnect fittings really necessary?
Since installing continuous fuel lines on my bike, I have not missed the quick disconnects. I like the peace of mind that I have about this arrangement, and I have a pair of small fuel line clamps to close the lines off when I need to take the tank off.

I endured many months of small fuel leaks before finally biting the bullet and swapping the lines out. During that time I used to go out to the garage five minutes prior to riding and switch the bike on, then off again. This would pressurize the fuel lines and start the fuel seeping (but not leaking) at the quick disconnects. A few minutes later, the fuel lines would swell up enough to stop the seepage. It wasn't the ideal arrangement, I know, but at least I didn't have to ride around with a fuel leak.

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 3:39 pm
by DJ Downunder
granbo..After almost six years of no problems with mine and hearing about it all the time yesterday I experienced to for myself for the first time.

What a bugger!

My dealer just replaced the little O ring in the quick disconnects and all is good again...for now.

I like Captn's idea of not even having them...If I have anymore problems with them that's what I'll be doing for sure.

DJ

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:54 pm
by DK
Just as Capt said, I too have not missed my disconnects since I removed them last summer. I had one break so I decided to get rid of them and go with the lines; less places to leak I went ahead and replaced the OEM crimp clamps with the screw clamps too. Now I have a couple of extra clamps and a small piece of fuel line that I keep under the seat... just in case.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:12 am
by Buckster
Capt.
Are your clamps on the hoses now or is this something that you clamp on the hose when your ready to take the tank off?
I was going to replace the disconnects with some brass ones that were mentioned on this site earlier.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 6:43 am
by riceburner
Having experienced the sheer heartache, frustration and total anger inherent with not having QD fuel lines (most painfully on a 929cc FireBlade), I'm keeping them!

yes, but....

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 8:23 am
by toolinalong
I had to remove the tank once when I was a long way from anywhere, and was glad to have em. 50k miles and no leaks yet. Nonetheless, I ordered these yesterday...thanks to whoever it was who posted the info about them some years ago.


(2) FT-LCD170-05 @ 20.14 each = 40.28
(2) FT-LCD220-05 @ 12.39 each = 24.78
shipping = $8.00

Total = $73.06 USD

http://www.omega.com/

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:27 am
by Capt. Blackadder
Buckster wrote:Capt.
Are your clamps on the hoses now or is this something that you clamp on the hose when you're ready to take the tank off?
I have two U-type clamps, one for each line, that I put on the lines when I'm ready to take the tank off. They are the type that you tighten with a wingnut and I'm sure you can get them at any automotive parts shop, or even on eBay.

problems with gas

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:56 am
by sweatmark
OK - had the usual problems with fuel line leaks on our Roadster: stains on right side of transmission housing, occasional drips, then finally gushing gasoline. Our dealers did near nothing to fix the problem, so we replaced the fuel line clamps as discussed so many times here on the board.

But, on our next tank removal party for Roadster and Rockster, those quick connectors will be removed and replaced by continuous lengths of fuel hose.

Sure, it could be handy to have quick connectors IFF tank removal involved fuel disconnection and a couple tank bolts, BUT truth is Roadster/Rockster tank removal process requires removal of Torx25 fasteners in cover plate and oil coolers, and there's still gas drip when the QCs are separated. Loosening two hose clamps and pulling two fuel lines is not much additional work... especially when compared to peace of mind, staining & fire prevention, and ease of repair when out on the road. Quick connector removal will eliminate 4 out of 8 fuel line clamps.

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:38 pm
by iowabeakster
I like the Capt.'s idea. I have not yet had any problems. I have been extra careful. But when I do, I am gonna do what the Capt. did.

With the "Jump Start" lugs, I can't see why I would ever need to pull the tank on the road. I will stick the clamps in the tire repair kit, just in case.

Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:55 pm
by challey
toolinalong wrote
Nonetheless, I ordered these yesterday...thanks to whoever it was who posted the info about them some years ago.

(2) FT-LCD170-05 @ 20.14 each = 40.28
(2) FT-LCD220-05 @ 12.39 each = 24.78
shipping = $8.00
Has anybody experienced problems with the Omega aftermarket QDs? I like the idea of QDs but the simplicity replacing the whole shebang with a metal tube and hose clamp replacement is aso very appealing. If the Omegas are well-made, as they seem to be, the only weak point would be the o-rings - carrying a couple of those is pretty easy too.

hose length

Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 6:51 pm
by granbo
Thank you for your replies, suggestions and ideas.

Also, could you please tell me...what length of FI hose for complete change over?