Quick release fuel connector

[4everFJ]

Anyone who as fitted one of these to a gravity feed FJ?



It is always a nightmare to get the fuel line of the petcock when I have to take the tank of... One of these quick release things would really come in handy.

[aviationfred]

I have contemplated installing one myself.

Fred

[Nova]

Murphy's Law states that anything that can be quickly disconnected when you want it to be can just as easily be accidentally disconnected when you don't want it to be.

[Pat Conlon]

Be very careful about installing "anything" on the fuel line which may impede the flow.
Gravity fed FJ's get fussy, especially when the fuel line head pressure drops, say below 1/4 tank.

I have never had a problem removing the fuel line (and vacuum line) from the petcock on my '84.
There is a trick. I stand on the left side of the bike, lean over and look in from the right (yes, everything looks upside down) I access the line clamp from the right side with my nut driver.
My right hand does the turning while my left hand holds the back of the tank up.
Put a towel down on the top of the UniPods to catch any fuel that dribbles out when the line comes off.

[TexasDave]

Has anyone installed a fuel pump and gas regulator on a gravity fed without converting the carbs?   Dave

[FJmonkey]

Has anyone installed a fuel pump and gas regulator on a gravity fed without converting the carbs?   Dave

Not yet to my knowledge, I have parts from George for my '86. The open issues are safety related. What stops the pump if the engine is not running (crash/tip over)? This is built into the '89+ electrical system. The problem can be solved with a vacuum switch. Just not found as of yet.

[Pat Conlon]

....The problem can be solved with a vacuum switch. Just not found as of yet.

Negative on the vacuum switch my simian friend...
One (of the two) main reasons for fuel pump conversion is to *get away* from a vacuum switch (petcock)
Do it electrically like the '89+ FJ's do it:
http://www.revolutionelectronics.com/Fuel_Pump.html

The second main reason is to be able to run a real honest to God fuel filter. Our tanks are not getting any younger and the gas we are getting here in Kalif. is crap.

Dave, why would you chance flooding your bike by running the large float needles?
I mean come on, you go to all the trouble to install and wire in a fuel pump but not change the float needles?
A change out to the proper fuel pump needles is not a big deal...at all.

[TexasDave]

Using a fuel pump for positive pressure with a regulator at low pressure. This would allow a filter to be used and all the gas in the tank. If the pump went out just take it out along with the regulator and filter, replace with fuel line and continue riding.   Dave

[ribbert]

Using a fuel pump for positive pressure with a regulator at low pressure. This would allow a filter to be used and all the gas in the tank. If the pump went out just take it out along with the regulator and filter, replace with fuel line and continue riding.   Dave

How often do you plan on the pump failing?  Mine is still going strong at 150,000kms (and will probably keep doing so as long as I carry a spare  )

It's a bit like a quick release on the fuel line, just how often do you take the tank off.

As Pat said, it's not that hard and to make it even easier, shove a piece of wood under the back of the raised tank and leave both hands free for the job.



If your fuel line is fixed with fuel line clips (as it should be, not worm drive clamps) it literally takes a couple of seconds to disconnect it.

Noel

[4everFJ]

The problem is not the clip. The problem is that the fuel line sticks to the petcock like it was glued on.

I have to wrestle it of with a screw driver and pliers which isn't easy in the limited space.

I will try the quick release and let you know how it goes.

[oldktmdude]

   Try a bit of rubber grease on the petcock outlet, works well, probably cheaper and is a very useful thing to have in your shed.   
   Regards, Pete.   

[ribbert]

The problem is not the clip. The problem is that the fuel line sticks to the petcock like it was glued on.

I have to wrestle it of with a screw driver and pliers which isn't easy in the limited space.

I know exactly what you mean. Time for a new piece of hose, I throw them in the bin when they get like that, they're also prone to leaking.
It's either just got old and hard, it's poor quality hose or a bit of both.
Even if it's a long time since it was last off, it shouldn't need anything more than a light twist to break the seal and a wriggle to pull it off, all with your fingers.

New fuel hose is much better than the old braided stuff - and you don't need much.

Randy probably has it on a roll and could send you some.

Anyway, no downside to fitting a quick release coupling, lets know how it goes.

Noel

[4everFJ]

Yeah, you are probably right.

It is not the original fuel line that is on there and it does feel soft and flexible, but it would probably be a godd idea to change it anyway.

[JMR]

 I have used a quick release for the fuel line for over twenty years with no problems. It feed FCR-39's just fine. I get them at http://www.cpcworldwide.com/as they produce them and it is much, much cheaper than buying from Motion Pro etc. I use 3/8" fittings APCD22006 and APCD17006SH. These are valves so when you disconnect them fuel does not leak out. They work great and have never come apart accidentally. You can also but metal pieces but they are more expensive.

[4everFJ]

I have used a quick release for the fuel line for over twenty years with no problems. It feed FCR-39's just fine. I get them at http://www.cpcworldwide.com/as they produce them and it is much, much cheaper than buying from Motion Pro etc. I use 3/8" fittings APCD22006 and APCD17006SH. These are valves so when you disconnect them fuel does not leak out. They work great and have never come apart accidentally. You can also but metal pieces but they are more expensive.

Thanks a lot, sounds good