Carburetor Drain Tubes

[Biker Bill]

Most of my carb drain tubes are cracked or detached.  Are they necessary?  The bike runs fine as they are.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I drain my float bowls every spring and whenever I think I could have gotten contaminated fuel. It would be messy to do without the drain lines.

[salty1]

+1 on the mess, let alone the safety issue! ???

[Thrud]

The carb bowl drain tubes are necessary for engine operation, but they are necessary to safely and effectively drain the fuel from our carbs prior to maintenance or storage.

Steve

[Chiefy]

The carb bowl drain tubes are necessary for engine operation, but they are necessary to safely and effectively drain the fuel from our carbs prior to maintenance or storage.

Steve

Typo. 

No doubt he meant:  The carb bowl drain tubes are *NOT* necessary for engine operation

Replace them when you get a chance.  Some day you'll need to drain the bowls and be happy that you did.

[Patrick]

No, they are not necessary.. When is the last time a drain screw has come loose ?? Whenever I want to check fuel flow or flush each carburetor I remove the drain line and drain into a shop rag or towel laid in the valley so I can see the fuel flow from the drain.. Then I reconnect the line,, its not a necessary item,, but,, it is a safety item..

[Biker Bill]

Thanks for the info.
  Those tubes are "buggers" to get at.  Are they easier to get at with the gas tank off?
 I have only owned this 2000 standard a short time so I have not had the tank off.  Plan to remove it to replace the air filter.
  I tried to buy some tubing to fit:  Honda dealer sold me tubing too small inside diameter...NAPA sold me tubing too large outside diameter.  Just what is the tubing size I should buy?

[Chiefy]

Thanks for the info.
  Those tubes are "buggers" to get at.  Are they easier to get at with the gas tank off?
 I have only owned this 2000 standard a short time so I have not had the tank off.  Plan to remove it to replace the air filter.
  I tried to buy some tubing to fit:  Honda dealer sold me tubing too small inside diameter...NAPA sold me tubing too large outside diameter.  Just what is the tubing size I should buy?

I'm not sure of the exact size.  My dealer had only tubing they told me was a little small, but would fit.  It did, but it was work getting it over the ends.   Here is a link to OEM tubing:

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1998-honda-valkyrie-gl1500c/o/m151423#sch40209

I changed mine with the tank and airbox off.   It was a bit of a pain.  I don't know if I could have done it without both removed.  But I have fat hands, and low tolerance since I don't enjoy wrenching    Maybe someone with thinner hands that enjoys this scheisse would find it much easier 

[Brian]

I too find them handy and would leave them on the bike. It doesn't cost a lot of $ to replace them.

[X Ring]

Are they easier to get at with the gas tank off?

No, they're not unless you remove the air box then you have a bigger pain getting it back in. 

Marty

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I use O ring grease at work when installing tight chemical tubing and airline fittings.

At home on the bike and cages I use dialectic grease. The same stuff you buy at the auto parts store it ensure your spark plug boots come off the spark plugs without getting torn up.