Need a little help NOW please!!!

[BamaDrifter64]

I've had my tank off my '99 I/S to do some work to it before I head out in the morning to Sturgis.  Now I'm trying to get my tank back on and petcock connected and the #&&#(* fuel line is about 1/2" too short to reach the petcock nozzle!  I can only stretch it so far with my hands and all and it's just not happening.  I've gotten pissed and already chipped some paint off the tank, so I'm trying to sit here @ halftime and re-figure my options.  I have some 5/16" fuel line, but I have to force it on the petcock nozzle and then it's too tight and won't come off.  I could run to the auto store and get a fuel filter and extend the line that way, but then I have to take the airbox off.  I still have to pack and change the oil and meet my group at 7:30 in the morning, so time is of the essence.  Please HELP!!!!

Dave

[Bone]

I try and do any work a week before a trip so I can road test my changes.

To late for that did you move the petcock ? Did you route the line the same as you found it ?

Try and wet the end of the 5/16 line it should slide on easier. If you have to remove it a short cut will let the line release. Make it a little longer if necessary but not much longer it might kink.

[f6john]

First take a break, go pack or something then come back. Your line should be long enough as it was long enough before you took the tank off. It's tight and it's a b***h to put back on especially if you have large hands. It's been a while since I had my tank off but I thinking you may not have the tank as far forward as possible with the tank tilted up in the back just enough to see/feel what you are doing. I know this isn't much help but I know when frustration sets in and deadlines near we make mistakes.

[CajunRider]

There's a LOT of pieces under there for that hose to hang up on... I know... I've been in the exact situation you're describing!!! 

Pull the tank back off and find the fuel hose (it's easier to check without a tank in the way).  Make sure it's snag free and routed to give you the greatest amount of slack. 

Drop the tank back on being careful not to knock the fuel hose back to an unwanted location, and make sure the tank is in the correct location (not 3 inches too far back). Try again. 

Like was mentioned earlier... it was on there before, so it WILL go back on there again. 

[Madmike]

you can sometimes prop the back end of the tank up with a small block of 2x4 and then get the line on with some long needlenose pliers and then pull the block and drop it into place.

[Thunderbolt]

If I remember correctly, it is an 8mm bolt and the whole thing pivots on the bolt attached to the black framework.  Gives you more room to work.  If you find the clamp is missing, it usually just moves forward some.

[Gunslinger]

We use a long set of needle nose pliers with a 45 degree bend. Have never had problems putting the fuel line or the vacuum line back on unless there was a routing hangup somewhere. Never even saw a need for the quick disconnect on any of the three Valks in the herd.

[R J]

We use a long set of needle nose pliers with a 45 degree bend. Have never had problems putting the fuel line or the vacuum line back on unless there was a routing hangup somewhere. Never even saw a need for the quick disconnect on any of the three Valks in the herd.

Exactly what gunslinger says,,,,,,,,    When mine had to be replaced, we added 3" to the length to alleviate that problem, except it creates another problem.   
It is called kinks in the line.....  So you are cursed if ya do, and cursed if ya don't.

Just be patient.   Ya get flustered and then it justs gets worse.   Walk away, do something else, come back and it will just fall on.

[BamaDrifter64]

Finally got it....SIX HOURS LATER!!!  I kept trying and almost had it on when BAM!  the other end came off the T that goes to the carbs...so now I had to pull the air box...so while I had it off, went and bought a fuel filter and installed it in the fuel line, making the fuel line about an inch longer....now it wouldn't go on again, not because it wasn't long enough, but because the new fuel line wouldn't stretch over the petcock nozzle...finally got it on about an hour or so later....what a pain in the butt...it will be a LONG time before I take that tank off again...hopefully!!!  Heck with the oil change too...I'll do that when I get back from Sturgis....thanks guys!

Dave

[F6Cruzer]

Been there...swore heavily...

A sound investment is on a set of LONG-nosed neddle-none pliers.  I found two pair at Sears, one pretty straight and the other with the 90 degree bend.  It makes it easier to reach through the right side beneath the tank, grip the hoses and push them into place and secure them. 

Next time, replace with a little longer hoses, but not too long so as not to crimp.  That will cause a whole new set of articles to write about !