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Damaged my fuel line latch/lock/keeper - advice please.


dazzler24

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Somehow managed to snap off a tab of the tank end fuel line keeper/lock/latch and slightly deform the blue bit inside.  So annoyed at myself for damaging it!

I've always used just fingers to depress the tabs when removing the fuel line from the tank which I've done many times but used my 'new' specialised tool to do the job this time.  Seems like I applied too much leverage.

A new 2015 fuel line here in AU will cost around AU$120 delivered - because you just can't get the end connector...naturally 🙄

So, my options are to -

1. Ignore it and use it with the one remaining tab. (I've primed it while connected and no fuel was leaking).

2. Buy a wrecked bike's line of a similar year and use the latch from that. (there are many models where that latch 'looks' the same)

3. Bite the bullet and buy a new line and give myself an uppercut for being so careless in the first place.

What would you do?

latch1.thumb.jpg.7e86c1b20aedce6097f43b9ec991f689.jpglatch.thumb.jpg.ce27a9563512565520fab0ac2bfda40a.jpg

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  • dazzler24 changed the title to Damaged my fuel line latch/lock/keeper - advice please.

A fuel leak could be dangerous.  I would order a new part, or at the very least get a used one from a crashed bike if available.  Frustrating I know but better safe than sorry.  

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There is nothing like spending a day riding with friends in the grip of a shared obsession.

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The orange part of the fuel line is an additional safety lock. There are a lot of manufacturers who use a similar line without the orange latch. I would double check the line to make sure there is no damage to the rest of the line. If not I’d have no qualms using it.

Always use fingers to unlatch the lines. Much safer.

If it really concerns you just hit up a bike wrecker, they’ll no doubt sell you a line for a lot less than a new one.

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Thanks all for the sage advice and suggestions.  After sleeping on it and now reading this general concensus, the part is too important to attempt a 'fix' so I will just part with the cash and get the new one or decent 2nd hander if available.

Getting plenty of practice removing the plastics and tank lately!

Cheers everyone.

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1 hour ago, dazzler24 said:

Thanks all for the sage advice and suggestions.  After sleeping on it and now reading this general concensus, the part is too important to attempt a 'fix' so I will just part with the cash and get the new one or decent 2nd hander if available.

Getting plenty of practice removing the plastics and tank lately!

Cheers everyone.

Sounds like a good call. Good luck!!!!

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"It doesn't matter who walks in, you know the joke is still the same"  Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. USA

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8 minutes ago, fddriver2 said:

Sounds like a good call. Good luck!!!!

I've placed an order for a new one so now the wait begins to see if they can actually supply!  That might be fun. 😞

 

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Good decision @dazzler24, I would have replaced it too.

To help others avoid this, was the tool you used, something like a pair of pliers with shaped tips? I find the latch really awkward and bought the tool I’ve just described but haven’t used it yet. It would be good to know if I have to be super cautious in the future.

Red 2015 Tracer, UK spec (well, it was until I started messing with it...)

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As Gomer Pyle would say.. "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"

Got a call from the seller and the news is that it needs to come from Japan as none in stock so 2-3weeks wait time.

Think I'm going to chance it with the old one in the mean time. I'm reasonably confident that it is good enough to not leak but will take it on a short run and check for leaks at ever increasing intervals until I'm satisfied- JIC.

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3 minutes ago, BBB said:

Good decision @dazzler24, I would have replaced it too.

To help others avoid this, was the tool you used, something like a pair of pliers with shaped tips? I find the latch really awkward and bought the tool I’ve just described but haven’t used it yet. It would be good to know if I have to be super cautious in the future.

Yes, it was a tool recommended from within these hallowed halls actually.  Not that I lay blame on the tool itself but more likely on the 'tool' operating it!

What I think actually happened was that the latch was bumped back into the closed position while I was squeezing on it and I got too impatient with it not releasing - so more than likely operator error.

This is the tool I used....

image.thumb.png.9b5b3e0251f056e07b5f95a492e9a9cb.png

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I bought the same tool because my fingers are too big and the plastic probes I've used were not much better.   I've yet to use the tool but did bond vinyl caps to its pincer tips, and will be careful when I finally do try it and hopefully avoid making your mistake thanks to your input!

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