Why replace Grey fuel lines?

[Texas Guy]

I've read here several times to replace all the grey fuel lines, and I get the feeling that it should be done sooner rather than later. What are some reasons to do this and what are some symptoms of Bad fuel lines?

 

[bigJake]

the interior of the gray fuel lines deteriorates and plugs the filters in your carbs and/or your fuel selector valve. If you slice open the gray fule lines you will likely see some green gummy stuff. The symptom that I experienced (and from reading other posts what most other people experince) is that the ski will run pretty well up until about half throttle. Beyond that the ski bogs down or lunges in spurts. I could do 30 mph with a little sputtering at half throttle, it i opened it up it would just bog out. After replacing the fuel lines and cleaning the carb filters it runs great (60-65 mph) for a '96 GSX. I am not a mechanic and did not know what I was doing but just followed the steps in the shop manual and it's actually a pretty easy job. Make sure you do one line at a time as there are several and could get easily confused.

I haven't gotten around to replacing the lines on my '97 yet and it is just beginning to show symptoms. I may do that next week.

clean your RAVE valves too, this is another task I was a little nervous about doing the first time, but again turned out to be very easy, actually discoverd that one valve on each of my skis was stuck from so much gunk. My understanding is these affect your top end performance.

 

[timmyboy76]

+2, :agree:, what he said.

 

[Texas Guy]

Well so far I don't have those symptoms but it does run a bit rough at 1/4 to 1/3. I'll probably do it anyway.

Do you have to get all new clips and the tool also?

Does anyone replace the clear oil tubes? My bilge areas have some oil in the bottom, maybe I have some seepage?

 

[timmyboy76]

you can replace the oil lines and injection oil lines from Ace...should replace the grey lines and for that matter, when was the carbs gone thru last?

 

[bigJake]

If I recall correctly there are a couple gray lines that are just vent lines that connect to the side of the ski under the insulation so you don't have to worry about replacing them (is that right Timmy?).

Just use regular hose clamps from the auto parts store, you need about 20, I just bought a small box of them. The old clamps are a little tricky without the clamp tool, but if you just grab em with a pair of pliers and twist or pry them apart with a screwdriver you can get them off in a few seconds.

 

[Texas Guy]

you can replace the oil lines and injection oil lines from Ace...should replace the grey lines and for that matter, when was the carbs gone thru last?

Carbs gone thru last? ... uhhhh, Alex that would be, "What is 1995".

 

[timmyboy76]

Carbs gone thru last? ... uhhhh, Alex that would be, "What is 1995".

rite again, Texas....that brings you out of the negative..:hurray:
:cheers:

 

[Texas Guy]

I'd like to try Carb Rebuilding for 200 Alex...

 

[timmyboy76]

Daily double

ohhhh, ran outta time. Tune in tomorrow, to see if Texas can make a run at it...

 

[chekoz77]

This is why you need to replace the lines........

 

[nikko_m]

i think you need to replace your fuel lines ever year to be safe.

 

[Dr Honda]

i think you need to replace your fuel lines ever year to be safe.

Sure... if you like to waste time and money:ack:

Replace them with rubber automotive fuel lines, and you will probably not have to do it again for 20 years.

I recommend putting a filter in-line just before the carbs. It will help keep things clean, and running smooth. I have a big clear in-line filter on my Sportster... that way I can see if it's getting ugly.

 

[kustomkarl]

i think you need to replace your fuel lines ever year to be safe.

Only if you keep putting on the crappy gray ones. There has never been an issue if you have the black fuel lines from day one...say 1996. The rubber material in the gray ones is what breaks down.

Karl

 

[timmyboy76]

i think you need to replace your fuel lines ever year to be safe.

Dealerships', love you...:ack:

 

[nikko_m]

alright..got all your points,i thought what im planning to do is right,well anyway,iv got automotive fuel lines already in my ski's,i just dont want to encounter any probs while in the water.

 

[Bay Cruiser]

If I recall correctly there are a couple gray lines that are just vent lines that connect to the side of the ski under the insulation so you don't have to worry about replacing them (is that right Timmy?).

Just use regular hose clamps from the auto parts store, you need about 20, I just bought a small box of them. The old clamps are a little tricky without the clamp tool, but if you just grab em with a pair of pliers and twist or pry them apart with a screwdriver you can get them off in a few seconds.

Might be a silly question but why do you need so many clamps, doesn’t the fuel line just go from the fuel tank to the pump and then the carb. I have grey lines on a 2000 model and it runs great but am worried after all these comments but also wonder if it is the same with skis exported to Australia.

 

[nikko_m]

Might be a silly question but why do you need so many clamps, doesn’t the fuel line just go from the fuel tank to the pump and then the carb. I have grey lines on a 2000 model and it runs great but am worried after all these comments but also wonder if it is the same with skis exported to Australia.

i think they are all the same fuel lines from the factory.