Topic: oil lines, oil tank questions....?

[BrianAdair]

I am building a '77 CB750K Cafe style, I have the stock oil tank, don't like it at all, like the K1 to K6 tank I have one of those also, but it doesn't seem to fit in the frame due to the engine bracket that bolts on the outside of the frame. I modified this tank to fit, but not sure I'm even going to use it now..... If I do my oil lines are too short..... Does anyone know where I could get longer oil lines?
Or can the ends be cut off and re-crimped on new line, at say a hydraulic hose shop?

I'm thinking about just building a custom tank to the style I want, if I do this I will just change the fittings on the tank to standard flare fittings, but the ones on the engine are the problem since they are a machined part.

On the oil tank,
the one that was on my '77 has the feed to the engine, then the return, and one vent tube. The older tank has 2 vent tubes..... why is this?
I can't find anything in my manuals showing detailed pictures or an explanation on the oil tank vent lines.
Since my bike was in pieces when I bought it, I don't know where the lines went to, do these vent tubes go to the crank case breather? or the valve cover breather?
I appreciate any help!

[the architect]

I feel your oil tank pain    I happily travelled down the custom oil tank Road of Madness when doing my cafe build.  If you have time on your hands (and a high-speed connection), you can take a look at it all here:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=63166.0

But the Cliff's Notes version (and answer to your questions) is something like this:

The 2 tank vent tubes:  1 goes to atmosphere (pressure vent/overflow, vented to just ahead of the rear tire - smart  ) and the other goes to the rear crancase vent tube (attaches at the top of the oil tank).  Ask me how I know 


CB750_37 by modern.built, on Flickr

I ended up reusing the stock oil line fittings that connect to the engine.  I carefully cut off the crimp connectors (see below) and used standard, oil-safe hose from the autoparts store for my lines (it's got a decently large I.D, maybe 5/8" or 3/4", off the top of my head).  I secured them will hose clamps of the appropriate diameter.  Presto - now your lines can be any length you like, and no need to get a hydraulic shop involved

A custom tank is a bit of a PITA, but well worth it, IMO.  Here's mine.  There are some other great ones floating around on the forum.  A quick search should turn up a few.  And Benjie has his unique take on it, as well.


CB750_125 by modern.built, on Flickr

[BrianAdair]

Thanks for the info man!
Thats what I needed to know, so just regular hose clamps and no leaks?

I found some fancy chrome ones at Cycle X that look like the crimp fittings but are still just a screw clamp, and at $16. ea..... I'm not sure about that..lol

BTW I like your bike!!
I have to make mine for 2 up also, orders from the wife...

Thanks again man

[scottly]

I did the same thing as the architect. Just oil-safe hose and hose clamps. No leaks (there is no pressure on those lines)

[the architect]

Thanks for the info man!
Thats what I needed to know, so just regular hose clamps and no leaks?

I found some fancy chrome ones at Cycle X that look like the crimp fittings but are still just a screw clamp, and at $16. ea..... I'm not sure about that..lol

BTW I like your bike!!
I have to make mine for 2 up also, orders from the wife...

Thanks again man

My pleasure, buddy!  No leaks at my fittings.  In fact, the barbs on the oil fittings grip the inside of the hose so well, I be it wouldn't even leak without hose clamps.  When I have to run new hose, I have to cut the old hose off the fittings with a razor blade - they won't pull off, no matter how hard I pull.

I'd pass on the Cycle X clamps, unless you're hard up for some chrome.  And in that case, I've seen those at the regular autoparts stores, even. 

Cheers!