Is there a tool to remove fuel lines?

[jeffs99vulcan]

I don't know for sure that my fuel line is the right size, or if it's just exceptionally stiff, but it's EXTREMELY difficult to get off the petcock, to the point that the last time I had to cut it off. Can't do that every time...

With the frequency that you have to take the tank off for just about everything, there MUST be a tool of some kind... I saw a tool in a catalog labeled "fuel/coolant line removal tool" but by the look of this thing (looked like a carabiner), I can't see that this is what they are talking about.

Any mechanics out there that know of a tool for this? Is the carabiner shaped thing it? If so, what's it's principle... is it designed to do what I'm looking for? Or am I destined to fight like hell, or cut 1/2" pieces of my fuel line off until it won't reach any more?!

THANKS!

[jbsmd]

Fuel /Brake line wrench look like a box end, with a slot in it. Grabs about 3/4 of nut. Helps to keep from rounding the nut, like what an open end wrench might do.

[A2rider]

Did you try some needle nose pliers?

[StarGate]

If you have the clamp removed then you just need to push the line off the fitting. If you pull on the line it acts like Chinese finger cuffs. The more you pull the tighter it squeezes the fitting it's on. Use a screwdriver or other tool to push on the blunt end of the line. That way you actually push the line off instead of trying to pull it off.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by jbsmd

Fuel /Brake line wrench look like a box end, with a slot in it. Grabs about 3/4 of nut. Helps to keep from rounding the nut, like what an open end wrench might do.

I know what you're talking about, it's called a flare nut wrench, but that's for a solid fuel line with a nut... I'm just looking to pull a rubber hose off the inlet...

Did you try some needle nose pliers?

Fits up too tight to the petcock, I wasn't able to get the pliers onto it without damaging it... but combined with this:

If you have the clamp removed then you just need to push the line off the fitting. If you pull on the line it acts like Chinese finger cuffs. The more you pull the tighter it squeezes the fitting it's on. Use a screwdriver or other tool to push on the blunt end of the line. That way you actually push the line off instead of trying to pull it off.

I might be able to get the pliers around the TOP of the hose and PUSH it down... the Chinese finger cuff is an EXCELLENT description of what's made me start looking for a tool in the first place! With the line up so close to the petcock though, it's hard to get it started...

It will be getting attempted in the next day or so, so if anyone comes up with a tool suggestion in the mean time, I'm all ears (eyes?)
Thanks...

[WeBeToyz]

Originally Posted by jeffs99vulcan

I don't know for sure that my fuel line is the right size...

I'd go back and solve your first question. They shouldn't be that difficult to take off, especially if you are removing your tank as often as you are.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by WeBeToyz

I'd go back and solve your first question. They shouldn't be that difficult to take off, especially if you are removing your tank as often as you are.

Ya, that's why I asked, and what one of my first thought was. It shouldn't be that hard. I know when I bought the bike the guy told me that the petcock assembly had recently been changed as it had leaked... so it's entirely possible the fuel line was changed, or the new petcock wasn't sized for the existing fuel line.

No other hose in the disassembly process (fuel vent on the petcock, vent line on the fuel tank, coolant hoses, etc.) gives me any where NEAR the trouble that the fuel supply line does...

[WeBeToyz]

I basically faced the same problem when I bought my bike. The PO had used aftermarket fuel lines, which are fine, and the right size, but were hard to get off due to the routing and area they are installed.

I did some research and ended up purchasing the stock lines. Even though they cost a bit more, they are pre-curved, and route ever so sweet out to the petcock.

The thing I really like is, now when I go to remove the tank, I remove the outlet hose from the petcock (a slight twist of the hose & it pops right off), 2 bolts that hold the petcock bracket to the frame, and the who thing lifts out with the tank. No gas spillage, quick & clean.

I'm sure the same could be done with aftermarket lines, depending upon the routing and petcock location. But with mine, since the aftermarket lines have a bigger OD and are less flexible, it wouldn't work given the space all the stuff had to move through, and I didn't really like the way it was so jammed pack in there.