Finally the proper fuel lines

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It had always killed me how much the stock fuel lines were brand new. Because I tend towards the frugal (cheap) side I re-use some old fittings and spent a lot on Tygon hose. I finally got tired of the hose contraption and splurged on the MkIII fuel line.

Finally the proper fuel lines


Finally the proper fuel lines


Clean, simple and elegant. So unlike me! :)

Why did Norton not go with this design the first time?
 
"Why did Norton not go with this design the first time?"

Are you referring to using a single petcock?

I ASSume Norton went with dual petcocks because the halves of the tank become independent when the fuel drops to a certain level. As an example, my fastback tank has around 3 quarts of fuel in the right side of the tank when the left side is empty. If it didn't have dual petcocks, that 3 quarts would not be available. So that's why I think there are two petcocks. but who knows :rolleyes:
 
But is not the point that the carb barbs are single nose on the original installation? They had no connexion twixt the two so
that is why the tee piece is in the fuel lines?
 
Oh, OK, I misunderstood the point of the post. Yes, that's right. Through '73 or 4 the balance tube was between the hoses, forward of the carbs; in '75 the balance tube was re-positioned to link the two float bowls directly. TBH, even though I currently have the '75 version on my '73 850, the earlier version which I had before needing new lines, makes it easier to remove the carbs! ;)
 
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Agree that the earlier set up is actually easier to deal with. The length of the tube twixt the carbs needs to be exact. Only have to do that once but it is still a bother.
Look at AN for the cost of the original fuel line complete. It isn't cheap.
 
MkIII fuel line

Actually introduced on the Mk2/2A. The 065192 fuel line assembly is listed in the 2/2A supplement.
"06.5192 FUEL PIPE ASSY (1974-on)"


Finally the proper fuel lines
 
Thanks for the thread! It got me thinking (again) of how annoying it was to pull the carbs so I just NOW ordered the early style (balance tube between the fuel lines) from AN to replace the later version that's on my '73! :)
 
I found the earlier type with plastic three way connectors to be very prone to leaking and deterioration with modern fuels. The whole line goes yellow, hard and brittle.
 
Looks good Swoosh - nice job with the crimping. So important to have tight fitting ferrules.
How about some time lapse photos of them going yellow.:p
 
Funny, I hated the look of the new (clear) lines when I installed them and was very pleased to see them turn yellow/brown after a while. They have been on the bike since '08 and are as supple as when I installed them.

I agree re the potential for more leaks with the old version but small hose clamps will eliminate the problem if it arises. It seems to me - though I may be mis-remembering - that the original fuel lines on my '71 back in the day had metal T's, not plastic...
 
That's interesting that they stayed supple.

Mine went very stiff and hard and were a right pain to fit.
 
Thanks for the thread! It got me thinking (again) of how annoying it was to pull the carbs so I just NOW ordered the early style (balance tube between the fuel lines) from AN to replace the later version that's on my '73! :)
How often do you take your carbs off?
 
Good question! I have never actually kept a count of it but I regularly seem to be doing something that involves removing the carbs! And every time I get annoyed at the fitting of that balance hose between the carbs. ;)

Re suppleness of the hoses, I have no idea if there is any difference in the various types of clear tubing that is used but the set I bought from Old Britts was a bluish-tinted clear (which I almost didn't install due to the color). But as I said, it turned the proper shade of yellow/brown and didn't degrade at all. I'm sure some folks prefer the clear to stay that way, just as they prefer exhaust pipes NOT to turn blue. But I like the blued exhaust look! As James T Kirk said, "There's no accounting for taste." :)
 
I have the same setup as maylar on my interstate for over +10 years and counting. It is proper rubber gas line hose with the stainless sheath. I made up my own with the ferrules and crimp tool.
It has never given me any grief and remains supple. Don't use the plastic banjos and stick with the metal ones. It does clean up the looks with less connections to go wrong.

I think the reason that they switched the fuel line to be moved to behind the Amal's was due to the possible blowout of the head gasket which if hot gasses get directed at the forward fuel line, then melted equals, fireworks started. You wouldn't want to be on the bike trying to slow it down while riding.
It would be a very bad day.
Cheers,
Tom
 
"I think the reason that they switched the fuel line to be moved to behind the Amal's was due to the possible blowout of the head gasket..."

Well, maybe but I think they did it simply because it was cheaper to produce. ;)
 
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