850 Oil Line Shields

chasesa · Jan 15, 2011

The oil line protective shields on my 850 seem to be cutting into the oil line at top & bottom, so the lines need replacing.

Is there any problem in removing the two shields to eliminate the issue?
Thanks,
Stephen

pete.v · Jan 15, 2011

Are you talking about after market supply and return line? If so, there should be no problem removing the shielding. It's just window dressing. If, however, if its the pressure line to the head, I would say either leave them alone or replace if needed.

79x100 · Jan 15, 2011

I think that only you can see if, on your particular bike, there is a risk of unshielded oil lines rubbing. I feel happier with them but it is necessary to make sure that they sit down properly on the oil filter unions and that at the top, they are turned so that they are shorter on the inside of the curve (does that make sense ?).

If you're using standard herringbone line, any cutting from the protectors will be very slow and visible and it's not a bad idea to replace the flexible lines every ten years or so anyway.

chasesa · Jan 15, 2011

Thanks for the advice. i will see if I can cut a curve into the top & bottom edge of the shields. If that's not useful, I'll get rid of them

Also, not talking about head supply line shields.
Stephen

1up3down · Jan 15, 2011

weird, I always thought they were put there to keep rocks from hitting and cutting the lines....

regardless, I have been without them for 17 years now, I do replace the oil lines every five years or so, just for something to do

chasesa · Jan 15, 2011

Yes, it's hard to imagine a maintenance free Norton! Not sure i'd want that.

Anyway, my Nortons more than make up for the BMW

gtsun · Jan 16, 2011

Old britts sell a couple differant styles of them. One looks quite flexy & I think it would be safe from cutting into the lines at the ends.

Coco · Jan 16, 2011

I ditched my originals, bought new repop ones which are basically a spring rather than the flat wound original type. Springs went into a parts box never to see light again so I'm using none. I don't think they are necessary but if you're worried about abrasion, just get some some larger oil line, cut a slit down the side of a piece and fit it over your oil lines where it may rub.

batrider · Jan 16, 2011

I added an 850 style filter under the seat on my late Matchless G80CS (Norton Domi oil pump) and used double wall (with the hot melt glue) heatshrink tubing in the spots that looked like they would rub. The stuff is very tough.

maylar · Jan 16, 2011

I still have the original metal spirals on my bike. There are wear marks on the engine cradle where they rub. Better there than the oil lines.

850 Oil Line Shields

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