Grey fuel line.

[matt79]

Hi all,
I just finished replacing my grey fuel lines with nice clear braided stuff. hopefully that avoids any problems in the future..
Just wanted to let every one know how I saved a bit of cash by reusing the factory clamps.
They slip off easily when pulling the old hose off. I put a prybar/podgy/crow bar in the vice and put the clamps over the tapered end. Using a screw driver and a hammer to knock the clamp down the taper, it opened up nicely.

When putting them on the new hose, slide it into position and use diagonal cutters to tighten them up. It worked perfectly with plenty of tension and saved me buying 15 s/s clamps worth about AU$50.

Hope that helps.

Matt

 

[seadoosnipe]

Crimp clamps?.....

These clamps are made to be used over and over again. But, I don't think I'd trust them after a couple times. They actually make a tool for you to use that will open it up. But, I like your way. McGyvering is my favorite way to work. There's more than one way to skin a rabbit.......:cheers:

 

[Nate Surveyor]

Thets embarrassing! You noticed something I did not!

I wish I hada noticed that they were re usable.

Good observation. :cheers:

Nate

 

[6KJR]

Most of my fuel lines pulled off whatever they were connected to.. lol. The ones that didnt I hacked up and threw all the clamps in the garbage. How much is 50 AU in USD?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Australian dollars.......

That would be about $35 USD.....:cheers:

 

[Nu2PWC]

New SS Clamps

Without the proper tool for the factory clamps its a lot easier to remove, reuse, and work with ss worm gear clamps. Definitely worth the money to me.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Limitations......

Yeah, but I found they do have their limitations. When I was reworking my carbs, I went to the worm gear. The tolerance around some of the fittings left me no room for the gear mechanism. I had to flip it over, move it around..........till I finally found a way to tighten it. But, it's in such a position that I have to use a short handle driver to get to it.

The other clamps are a pain too.........just like you said, special tools. But when you have limited areas for working, then it may be your only choice.

The clamp on the drive shaft boot? I would use that same crimp clamp on it. It's a special locking clamp but it is balanced. If you use the worm gear type, the head would thow it out of balance.:cheers:

 

[Nu2PWC]

Squeeze Clamps

Squeeze clamps are a good choice for tight areas. I don't know if I've seen SS ones though but i bet they're out there. And as far as tight areas go i'm used to it. I work on semis and as big as they are you'd think i'd be easy but no. At least to work on a ski you don't have to lay on your back in a puddle of oil with dirt falling on your face while reaching into places you can't even see(and then realize the wrench you need isn't even under the truck).