California Emissions Gas Tank Hoses and Replacements.

[Lucas]

So as I have a similar problem to this (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=4157.0) with the bike choking a bit when giving throttle from zero, I decided to start looking into it.

The first thing I decided to do was replace the fuel filter. While in there, I touched the breather hose and it broke. So I'm guessing I shouldn't put gas in the tank right now.

So now I'm prompted to just replace the fuel hoses in general, inside the tank and outside. I also figure I would add the air accumulator that seems to be all the rage.

However, my questions are these.

1. Is there a place I can read up on California emissions tanks?
2. Are all those CA things needed (we don't get any form of inspections, can I pull/plug anything)?
3. Are the hoses a standard size so that I don't need to buy the super expensive dealer hoses? What are they?
4. What hoses are needed to replace all the fuel supply lines, and reduce the possibility of an air leak?
5. I read that I should replace the Fuel Pump 'rubber thing' if it was getting squishy, is that the Vibration Damper? (Part No 16121464628)

Feel free to link me to other threads you know of, I just wanna get this right the first time.

[Lucas]

I'm gonna respond to my own questions as I find answers.

Looks like fuel hose is 8mm (or 5/16) high pressure. Would 10ft be enough to replace all that kind of hose in my bike?

[Scott_]

You can use generic fuel line, provided it's rated for F.I. pressures(like you have already found), but don't forget that it must also be rated for submersion in fuel(not all are rated for this).

For the fuel lines outside the tank you may also find an issue with some of the tight bends that the lines make around the fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, and the underside of the tank. Some of those bends are too tight for generic hose to be shaped without kinking the hose. Some of the riders here have tried the generic route and ended up getting the pre-formed line from BMW anyway. Generic lines(as long as they have the proper rating) work fine in the tank.

[wmax351]

1. Is there a place I can read up on California emissions tanks?
There might be something in the library. Basically they just dump overflow into the crankcase instead of the atmosphere.

2. Are all those CA things needed (we don't get any form of inspections, can I pull/plug anything)?


No. They are problematic. Plug the crankcase part, run the hose to the ground. Or use the "cup" collector.

3. Are the hoses a standard size so that I don't need to buy the super expensive dealer hoses? What are they?


Interestingly the BMW hose from a BMW car dealer is basically the same price as close-equivalent at orielly/autozone. Better quality too.

[Lucas]

Where on the crank case is the hole I need plug?

[Scott_]

Topside of the block, in the middle behind the radiator.

[Lucas]

Can I get to it without removing the radiator??

[Inge K.]

Easiest way; cut the hose, plug it......and zip tie it to whatever you find appropriate (not one of the fan blades).

[Scott_]

Can I get to it without removing the radiator??

Well, you could remove the lower part of the airbox to gain access to it. Or if you have really small hands......you could maybe reach one into the space from the right side.

Or like Inge suggested, just cut and plug the hose going to it, provided it isn't rotted and cracked. As that would create a vacuum leak.

[Motorhobo]

Can I get to it without removing the radiator??

Well, you could remove the lower part of the airbox to gain access to it.

Removing the lower airbox is really easy once you have the air filter out and it gives you full access to the fuel pressure regulator hoses & crankcase breather hose -- this is a good opportunity to replace the air filter or blow it clean with compressed air, check/replace any hoses back there that need it, and clean out the crud, road debris and dead animals that tend to accumulate back there.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=5327.msg33352#msg33352

[vintagevalves]

Important:  The stuff in the tank has to be submersion rated.    SAE 30R10 is the spec.   Don't bother using it outside of the tank because it's expensive and less flexible than  SAE 30R9 non-submersible fuel injection hose.   

I'm gonna respond to my own questions as I find answers.

Looks like fuel hose is 8mm (or 5/16) high pressure. Would 10ft be enough to replace all that kind of hose in my bike?

[Lucas]

Easiest way; cut the hose, plug it......and zip tie it to whatever you find appropriate (not one of the fan blades).

I absolutely am sure I have a vacuum leak. Looking behind the radiator I see a little valve on the block, but it looks plugged.

If I wanted to reduce the chance of vacuum leaks, which hoses should I replace? I know the breather hose for sure, but anything else?