88 Super fuel tube

[bgayler]

Hi Guys:
I just wanted to share some info with you. Last week-end while installing the Accel Super Coils on my 1988, (Boy what a job) I discovered a leak in the fuel line that goes from the petcock to the automatic fuel valve. When I tried to order one, I was told that they have been discontinued. Since this is a molded rubber line on the 88 (maybe on others), if you use regular 5/16 gas line, it kinks. I found that by buying an 8" long coil spring with the ID of the 5/16 line I could make the tight bend without kinking the hose. I purchased the hose and spring at "Tractor Supply" but Home Depot/Lowe's/Ace Hardware probably have the same thing.
Be sure to get a spring with small enough diameter wire that it's flexible enough to make a 180 degree bend and cut the hooks off each end with a Dremmel or grinder. It seems like everything I do to the bike requires pulling the gas tank, so the fuel line has to be disconected each time.

[Greg Cothern]

Bill thanks for the information.  I bet an alternative would be to get an elbow of some kind maybe aluminum or such????
Thanks again.

[MagnaMan]

Bill, it sounds like you made a tubing bender the Macgyver way.  

I have seen tubing kits that are basically tight coiled springs in various sizes. They allow you to bend brake, fuel, and hydraulic lines with some ease and more importantly without flattening out.