Author Topic: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!  (Read 1111 times)

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Offline clayman74

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fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« on: October 16, 2009, 11:04:39 AM »
ahoy there guys. recently picked up a 76 550k from a buddy with a real strong motor. 11k orginal miles!
anyway its all just about come together now as my first cafe bike but i have hit a problem. i know this has probably been asked before but the dual nipple petcock and fuel line routing is driving me up a wall with fuel flow. it would help massively if anyone could show me an example of how to route the fuel lines on these things.

i currently have a 2 into 1 into 2 set up without in-line filters that i had to run under the first manifold rubber then back up and over into the carbs. i have checked everything else at this point so im assuming its my own rookie mistake in routing the lines.

any help is much appreciated!!! i have basically built this bike from reading these forums so thanks in advance!!

Offline clayman74

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Re: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2009, 11:05:20 AM »
PS ill be posting pics of the build in a day or two.

Offline dilbone

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Re: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2009, 11:18:35 AM »
gas doesn't run uphill very well.  The path of the hose shouldn't matter as long as the discharge point is lower than the source point...but having an uphill section can indeed slow the flow and you don't want that.  I would take the fuel line over the carb boots then down to the inlet...

Offline clayman74

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Re: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2009, 12:24:22 PM »
only problem i have with that is the petcock sits so close the to carb boots i cant run em over without putting a kink in the lines.

but i have just come across the idea of running the lines round back of the carbs so ill see how that works out.

thanks dil.

Offline BobbyR

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Re: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2009, 01:34:17 PM »
A lot of routyong problems result from the type of line you are using. The thiick walled stuff will kink and is a #$%* to route around things. I use a urethane line used on smowmobiles and racing carts. It is really flexible and self clamping. 
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Offline clayman74

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Re: fuel line problems on my 76 550. Help!
« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2009, 01:59:22 PM »
got the urethane lines and ran it to a T in front of the carbs and thru the middle of 2 and 3. fuel runs free now.

still a little backfire from the carbs but its the first time shes seen redline in about 3 years so shes got a little gunk to work out.

purrs like a kitten. thanks for your help guys! cheers!