how much fuel line?

[515PHOTO]

Hi all,

After reading lots on the fuel line inside the tank I am planning on doing the fuel filter and submersible line replacement soon. I cant seem to find the actual total length and diameter I should get to be able to do this. I am planning on finding the GATES submersible, which comes in 5/16 and 3/8. Also, will this hose easily/properly bend to make that u-turn hose I see referenced?

I plan to have a filter, enough hose, new clamps and the cover o-ring on hand before going in. Anything I am forgetting?

Thanks much,

Larry

[roger 04 rt]

Larry,

 

On my R1150RT, which I think is the same but you should check, the two straight 5/16" pieces are less than 3" each. The curved piece is less than 6" but I don't know if you can bend straight hose reliably. It's a tight turn.

 

The two smaller vent/drain lines need to be 22-26" each. BMW lists it as 5X10 hose. I don't know its diameter.

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Larry

 

To add to Rogers post-- You really can't bend a straight piece of submersible fuel hose hose tight enough to work properly &ive long term.

 

You do have a few options on the U shamed hose.

 

-Use the OEM (BMW) furnished hose (good choice for fit) but expensive.

 

-Find a molded submersible 5/16" ID fuel hose at your local auto parts store that has close to the correct bend in it then cut what you need from that (lots of looking & you need a friendly helpful auto parts store)

 

-use a short piece of 5/16" metal fuel line, then bend it to the proper U shape, then use a metric bubble flair to put a small bubble on each end to prevent hose blow off. Then attach with short pieces of submersible hose & proper clamps. Do not use a conventional U.S. inverted flair on the metal line as that will eventually cut through the inner plies of the hose as it flexes & pressurizes/depressurizes. That will allow the pressurized fuel to enter the hose inner plies & cause eventual failure.

 

[515PHOTO]

Well, probably for the ease of installation I'll go with BMW on the U-hose. Do the vent hoses need to be submersible? Yes, I know they are submersed, but does the fact they are not under pressure make the way expensive line overkill?

[JBurns]

Dirtrider, BMW should hire you for marketing! After that post I'm definitely going with the stock BMW U hose. I don't even want to think about trying to make something else work!

[roger 04 rt]

Well, probably for the ease of installation I'll go with BMW on the U-hose. Do the vent hoses need to be submersible? Yes, I know they are submersed, but does the fact they are not under pressure make the way expensive line overkill?

 

You need submersible for them too. If they swell, they can leak and if they do you load your canister and drip fuel on the ground. Mine were doing that when I bought my bike, so it does happen.