GAS LINE QUESTION

Getting down to the last few details. it is so true that the last 10% of the job takes 90% of the time.

79 1000 LTD. my carbs are tied together with a single 3/8" gas line port inlet. The Tank petcock I ended up with has two 5/16" port outlets. I could go with two 5/16" to a Tee then to a 3/8" line but there is not a lot of room between the petcock and the inlet port.

if I just plug one of the 5/16" outlets and go from a single 5/16 up to the 3/8" will that be enough gas flow? not planning on any racing or high speed runs, just normal street and highway cruising.

Thanks

Dman

dman3998 wrote:

Getting down to the last few details. it is so true that the last 10% of the job takes 90% of the time.

79 1000 LTD. my carbs are tied together with a single 3/8" gas line port inlet. The Tank petcock I ended up with has two 5/16" port outlets. I could go with two 5/16" to a Tee then to a 3/8" line but there is not a lot of room between the petcock and the inlet port.

if I just plug one of the 5/16" outlets and go from a single 5/16 up to the 3/8" will that be enough gas flow? not planning on any racing or high speed runs, just normal street and highway cruising.

Thanks

Dman

Tank petcock I ended up with has two 5/16" port outlets--- is it a manual or vacuum petcock.

And if vacuum, are there two fuel outlet nipples plus one smaller vacuum nipple?

Good Luck!

I will assume you have the manual petcock with 2 fuel outlets as fitted to the LTD from Kawasaki. Of course original carbs had 2 fuel inlets to match so carbs are not original obviously. 1/4" or 5/16" ID fuel hose will work. You can do either way you mentioned, plugging one outlet or a "T" to combine the 2. Either way should work just fine. I'd stay with 1/4" or 5/16" hose. 3/8 is too big.

Dman,
I just redid the fuel lines on my 79 1000 Ltd and Igot a new petcock from Z1 that only had 1 out let, my carbs of course have 2 inlets. I just tee'd the lines together, though I have a concern on my hose length now. My first line, the one closest to the petcock is shorter than it was and I sometimes get some over spill from my second carb. I'm hoping that is what the problem is but I was told my jet my be sticking, so Just be wary of the fuel line length and check into the single port petcock on Z1, it is real pretty too.

KC

The petcock is a manual one not vacuum. I was pretty sure the carbs were original but who knows what a PO may have done. I thought it was odd, when I got the bike it had one of the tank ports plugged and only one line to the carbs.

so what bike/year had the carbs all tied together?

Maybe our resident carb expert knows something. He rebuilt the ones I have just a few months ago.

Would use new highest quality kink-free 5/16" line. Not the super-thick stiff automotive stuff.

Dip carb end of new fuel line in almost boiling water for a few moments to soften it before attaching to the fuel pipe (the single Tee inlet at carbs). It should go on readily and hold good and tight upon cooling, likely without needing a clamp.

Both petcock nipples function the same. Pick whichever you prefer, and attach the fuel line.

Cap off the other petcock nipple not being used. An ordinary carb vacuum nipple works just fine.

Insert an in-line fuel filter at most convenient preferred location.

I don't use or need any clamps on my fuel lines, and have never had a leak or disconnect over many years and many miles. Am of course using the best quality grey kink-resistant fuel line available. Tygon is merely okay, because it eventually hardens, but is serviceable where better line isn't readily available.

Use sufficient line length for a gentle loop throughout.

Here's my fuel line system on Z1 smoothbores.

Good Luck!

[Click on image to enhance view]

Oops. Did use one hose clamp after all. :lol:

[Click on image to enlarge view]

Dman, Agree w. Patton, 1 port should be able to all fuel demands, you might check for good flow in run & researve positions before connecting. an inline filter is imperitive unless interior of tank is pristeen. routing is a frequent problem. I try to keep everything above carb throat level.w/ Fuel line bends smooth. (as heat accumulates under tank,lines WILL change bends, often restricting flow.) In some cases I've used the "safety burn springs" from brake lines/clutch cables around fuel lines as insurance to keep them from kinking. hoe this helps G