Topic: Fuel Line Installation on a '75 550F

[randy]

It's been some time since I've visited the site... good to see things are still going strong with the SOHC/4 group! Anyway..to my task at hand:

I've been riding my bike on a somewhat regular basis for the past year... and pretty much trouble free (knock on wood). Couple of weeks ago I noticed the fuel lines were dried and cracking and the inline filters were yellow (I assume they used to be clear-ish). So I got some black ruber hose and a couple more filters. Took the tank and seat off and proceeded to remove the hoses. Then I noticed what a pain in the arse this is going to be. So, here's my question: Is there an easy way to install the new line without removing the carbs from the bike? Or should I just remove the carbs and chalk it up as "experience?"

Thanks!
randy

[Tim.]

You shouldn't have to remove the carbs.  The mounts for the fuel lines on the carbs pivot, so get them into position with a screwdriver or something.  It isn't easy, but you don't need to take teh carbs off.

[GeoffT]

I was thinking of doing the same on my 550 this winter. I replaced the fuel line from the fuel tap to the join under the carbs as the old black tube was hardened and starting to leak. The local bike shop gave me a clear blue fuel line (that was all they had). Does the job but the question I have is this. There is 2 different sizes ( 5 and 6 mm diameter if I remember right) of the line and i wasn't sure which to get so took a length of each. Both fit onto the fuel tap connection and joiner at the other end. Does any one know which size should be fitted?

[Einyodeler]

The original line was a 5.5 mm
Check out this thread:
 
    http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=1269.0

[GeoffT]

Thanks Stephan

Pretty good link

[randy]

You shouldn't have to remove the carbs.  The mounts for the fuel lines on the carbs pivot, so get them into position with a screwdriver or something.  It isn't easy, but you don't need to take teh carbs off.

Yeah, I actually tried that. But routing the line through the hole in the front plate and under the small black rubber hose between  1&2 is next to near impossible. I can get the hose on if I stand the nipple straight up... but that's not the way it's supposed to go.

One more question: Would it be safe to squirt a little WD-40 on the end of the hose to make it slip on easier?

[Tim.]

You can put the hose on with the nipple straight up, and then thread it through the hole towards the front of the bike.  It will be a tight fit to get the nipple back down to it's proper position, but it can go, especially if you're using a flexible clear fuel line.

If you're using big thick black fuel line, you might try needle-nose pliers to get it down onto the nipple.