Oetiker clamps for fuel lines

Jonez69

Jonez69

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When I bought my 73 850, it came equipped with black rubber fuel lines nicely clamped with 11-13mm Oetiker brand clamps. I decided to invest in 50 clamps and the crimping tool. My total investment was just over $50.00. The clamps are one time use, true, but using quality fuel line from your auto parts store, you will have a trouble free fuel line assembly that will last for many years. Much prettier than the worm gear clamps, and no skin loss if you happen to brush them with your hand or fingers, not to mention superior sealing when using the proper size hose and clamp. I built this fuel line assembly for my 74 850 this morning
Anyone else out there using these clamps?
Oetiker clamps for fuel lines
Oetiker clamps for fuel lines
 
I have those on my machine with black fuel lines, They are tidy and with use of a pair of pliers you can remove the lines and and reinstate many times as I have with no leaks........
 
There are two types of Oetiker clamps. You are using "two ear" clamps which work well, but I prefer the "single ear" clamps for fuel lines because I think they're a little neater & possibly seal a little better due to completely encircling the hose without having a gap where the crimp is made.
 
The crimping tool that I have, squeezes from both sides, as yours does, but another piece pushes the bulged out section back, then flattens it.
It was purchased more than 30 years ago.
 
Last edited:
Jonez69 said:
When I bought my 73 850, it came equipped with black rubber fuel lines nicely clamped with 11-13mm Oetiker brand clamps. I decided to invest in 50 clamps and the crimping tool. My total investment was just over $50.00. The clamps are one time use, true, but using quality fuel line from your auto parts store, you will have a trouble free fuel line assembly that will last for many years. Much prettier than the worm gear clamps, and no skin loss if you happen to brush them with your hand or fingers, not to mention superior sealing when using the proper size hose and clamp. I built this fuel line assembly for my 74 850 this morning Anyone else out there using these clamps?
Click to expand...
Been using nothing else but double ear O clips for fuel and oil lines since 2014.
 
franko said:
The crimping tool that I have, squeezes from both sides, as yours does, but another piece pushes the bulged out section back, then flattens it.
It was purchased more than 30 years ago.
Click to expand...
Got a pic of that tool ?

I just use a blunted pair of pincers to crimp. And long handled sharp pair to cut off.
 
I just use good quality SS hose clamps never had any problems with them and can be reused over and over, I don't really care what they look like as I am too busy riding than looking, but then when I was working at the Tec College (TAFE) I built up a big supply of different size SS hose clamps, they only buy the best quality of everything even after being retired for 13 years I still have a good supply of bits and tools for my workshop that cost me nothing, so I use what I have after 50+ years of riding I have never had a hose clamp fail or come lose.
 
Thanks for the replies. I guess the main reason for my small investment in a fuel line clamping system is that I work on enough other bikes besides my own and the last store bought,
bolt on, fuel line I bought fit poorly and was a hassle to get to seal at the petcock. It is just nice, (and less expensive in the long run) to buy some quality fuel line at the parts store.
Some guys prefer clear fuel line, but depending on what the line is made of, and/or what gasoline you are using, it can harden. It soon yellows whether it hardens or not.
There is also engine vibration to the tank when a line hardens that can create problems. I do own a 66' Triumph Bonneville that has clear MotionPro fuel lines that have remained flexible for nearly 4 years, but again, they have yellowed. I do care about how the clamps look, especially when I am doing the work for a friend. These style clamps are good in the tight quarters of the cross over line between a Commando's Amals too. Once tightened they never loosen, and the Gates brand of fuel line I use will last without risk of hardening or cracking.
Oetiker clamps for fuel lines
 
I have had these for 50 years when I worked for Harley Davidson.They were using this style of clamp from the mid-sixties.Plus this tool never wears out!
Mike
 

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I buy the clear line from AN, get in 2M lengths and just re-do when it hardens. But agree the rubber line lives longer if you don't care about maintaining original appearance. Whose fuel taps (petcocks) are you using?
 
elefantrider said:
I buy the clear line from AN, get in 2M lengths and just re-do when it hardens. But agree the rubber line lives longer if you don't care about maintaining original appearance. Whose fuel taps (petcocks) are you using?
Click to expand...
I often use the cheaper Taiwan made ones that sell for $45.00 a pair. The (maybe) better quality UK built ones cost twice that. However, I rebuilt some old ones that I had around. If they can be saved, I truly feel they are of a better quality manufacture. ( I could be wrong on that account too) As far as original appearance goes, I always assumed that Commando petcocks from the factory were the same as Triumph, like the ones I have rebuilt. But I actually don't know, being new to Norton Commandos. I like clear fuel lines, but quality braided rubber fuel line can be purchased just a short drive from home. Clear line isn't easily found locally and needs to be ordered. I work on my friend's bikes quite a bit and black rubber lines are durable and long lasting.
Oetiker clamps for fuel lines
 
I have tried the EZ turn and replacing the seals also but it seems to only last a few months before leaking again, mostly to the carbs. This usualy happens when the EZ turn dissolves.
Will try to find some better quality Viton o-rings, and maybe try lapping compound.

O-Ring Compatibility Chemical Resistance Chart

www.allorings.com www.allorings.com


Agree on the reproduction, even UK-made ones, don't seem as well made as the originals.
I have bent the lever on the UK-made ones when they get sticky from the ethanol-laced gas here.
 
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elefantrider said:
Agree on the reproduction, even UK-made ones, don't seem as well made as the originals.
I have bent the lever on the UK-made ones when they get sticky from the ethanol-laced gas here.
Click to expand...
The petcocks that Wassell sells are as good or better than the originals. When I bought elsewhere, I've had nothing but trouble. Even the body breaking in the threads when tightening the nut. Can't say that Wassell will never switch to crap, but I've used/sold 288 of them with no complaints. Wassell does not state where they are made and they are out of stock right now. They state: "Supplied with new highest quality Ethanol resistant Viton seals".

Being out of stock worries me because they might switch suppliers if they can't get them and the alternatives are junk! You can bet that they are not UK-made because Wassell would state that. I'm guessing Tiawan under contract, not EMGO as Wassell would state EMGO if so.
 
Takes me awhile. The clamp to use with this tool starts out with a flat side. The tool keeps it flat. I noticed the new clamps I had just ordered are two sided and of the rounded out ears. I will have to look more closely when ordering these type clamps.
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I've used PEX connectors also. Cheap as chips and they give you the tool. Same tool will also cut the clips off.
Something like these
https://www.amazon.com/Seept-116pcs-10-sizes-6-29mm-Stainless/dp/B0C3HD7G4M/ref=sr_1_2?crid=MNUOIDINNE27&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dy3RvwW7wvfEdbcJpAhnblULP1kFjebzOKtq6FG2qWR0YXYo09IZ1ZDursY4s4y5miI0dcvqxOjh8REkqm0c-EntFeRsL7T2JlhQ_Qn--ZaOZeVRPtd3SVPrJK7iigXBl03wHH17ibx724te64Ux87F7GR9kvW7dkgx668f7nKlBwGLtQ8pUhOkt1OrGsBkcDOm0OTyGclwKla5znk-vghovZ-MlBLx62bKEmMQGuKiD_uQTYZeWKaXM4scsbHuYKC7ZzGX80MPfItoEOQqnlRV1mchJNZjb6AIwT4Ey1mA.x1bnt9K4nktS_Nn9-8YoWjSyZvMBvHdHSFuBNrRWBH8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Hose%2BClamp%2BSet%2B150PCS%2B6-31mm%2BHose%2BPipe%2BClips%2Bwith%2BClamp%2BPliers%2B9%2BTypes%2BHose%2BPipe%2BRings%2BClamp%2BKit&qid=1761586610&s=hi&sprefix=hose%2Bclamp%2Bset%2B150pcs%2B6-31mm%2Bhose%2Bpipe%2Bclips%2Bwith%2Bclamp%2Bpliers%2B9%2Btypes%2Bhose%2Bpipe%2Brings%2Bclamp%2Bkit%2Ctools%2C100&sr=1-2&th=1
 
cliffa said:
Sounds like this kind of thing.


View attachment 122208


Have a search on EBay for "Ear Type CV Joint Boot Clamp Pliers" One example here...

Click to expand...
I have used these since 2014, the same as FE describes, but shop bought!

www.ebay.co.uk

O Clip pliers workshop version | eBay UK

Then choose the 'O' clip that is the closest size larger. Fit the clip and squeeze the two 'ears' with the special pliers. If you ever want to remove the clip just use the pliers to snip through one of the ears as shown in the pictures.
www.ebay.co.uk
 

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