Changed Fuel lines.

[Captain Black]

Just changed the fuel lines on my Basic/80, Including the cross over pipe. The cross over pipe was'nt even fuel line, it was breather hose like you have on the tank cap. It was very badly split ( loads of hairline cracks) where It fits on the three way union at both ends. When I inspected the other lines, tank to union was ok, but union to carb (where you can't see properly) was rotting away and actually ripped when I removed It from the carb.
All fresh lines now, but had to lossen off the airbox to do the job properly. Anyway here's my daft question for this week.

If the fuel lines have cracks or splits etc could this draw air in and make the bike run badly or not at all ( Thinking of my PD and changing them also) ?

The only reason I ask Is my basic would'nt start today so I could go for my MOT this morning, I noticed a little bit of fuel coming from the right side carb, could of been that rottten pipe on the union or the over flow. Either way new fuel lines fitted, and pow first time starter again, which It's always been anyway.

The state of fuel lines only becomes really clear when they're off the bike, mine were really shitty but did'nt look half bad at a glance. Maybe worth doing If anyone elses are old / original. I'm guessing they get over looked for the most part.

Any thoughts ?

 

[Kenny]

Tis good advice to renew the fuel lines as they never move but slowly break up ! Worth checking the carb mounting rubbers as well..they also look good until removed

Then again, my new Motorworks rear exhaust rubber mount on my GSPD lasted precisely....zero minutes..broke when I got to the end of my path.

 

[England-Kev]

I use aircraft fuel line on my ST, it is clear, soft, and requires no clips, still supple after five years use.

 

[Jason_01]

Ive just started using this stuff (Tygon?) dead easy to fit as well.