I'm a dunce,....fuel line connections question

[cricman]

Okay, I finally had the need (like a lot of us here) to replace those POS quick-connects. So far, so good, except one detail. I remove all of the disconect components and didn't mark which was the return or feed line on the bike side. Luckily, the tank side is marked on the inlet and outlet tubes. Is there an easy way to figure this out, without destroying anything on the bike? Can I figure it out by looking at the fuel regulator and distributor? I'm open to any sound suggestions.

Thanks,

cricman

[awagnon]

I believe on the right side, you have three lines coming from the fuel pressure regulator under the air box. The top is the line from the fuel pump, the middle goes to the right fuel injector, and the bottom is the fuel return line. In the picture, the return line has the pressure gauge attached.

[Buckster]

Lesson for those that will do this mod...do 1 line at a time!!
I crossed up my fuel drain hose and breather hose when I had my tank off. Now, I leave one barb in the top line and the other on the bottom line so not to do that again!!

[boxermania]

Buckster.....nothing to be ashamed off, as that name of the game is live and learn, besides if in trouble you can always get an answer here. Remember that part of the BMW ownership experience is working the kincks out of it......

[Beemeridian]

11

[cricman]

Thanks for the input ya'll,

Beemeridian, that's the way I deduced they would be set up; with the long section going to the bottom and the short on top. However, the diagram in this thread (from the manual) is confusing me, because it shows the pressure side (return to tank) as being on bottom but the markings on the tank show it as being a feed line. I'm wondering if I should connect the power plug to the tank, set up all four lines to catch fuel (small bottles), and turn the key to see what happens.

Buckster, you're right. I did make sure I didn't cross-up the breather lines. Unfortunately, I was so excited about being able to easily take of the factory fuel line clamps (8" bolt cutters from Harbor Freight worked perfectly- $7) that I just kept cutting and cutting!

I'll keep ya'll posted. I'm going to try to get 'er buttoned up this afternoon.

cricman

[Hottech]

I plan on switching out my QD,s also,which replacement brand did you decide to go with?

[cricman]

Hey Hottech,

I went with straght barbed connectors. I figure its better to lose a little gas in the garage, than any amount out on the road because of a failed connector. Before I button'er up this afternoon, I will probably add a circuit for my tom-tom. Outside of that, if the tank has to come off once a year, I can still deal with straight barbed connectors and fuel line clamps.

cricman

[cricman]

Update:

It's alive and kickin'!!! After reviewing some of the tech boards and the posts in this thread, I connected the hoses. I think that the thing that confused me about the illustration at the top of the post was that I didn't notice that the pressure gauge is actually in line. What clinched the decision was the "External Fuel Filter Modification" page on ibmwr.org. It explained, in detail, which line was feed and return on the bike. For future reference, on the bike, the upper hard line is the return and the lower hard line is the feed from the pump in the fuel tank. On the tank it's easy- look at the arrows on the pump assembly plate. If all else fails, put the lines from the tank in a jug and turn the key. The pump/feed side will be readily apparent. Thanks again for everyones help.

cricman

p.s. I'm thinking of putting a subwoofer in that huge carvern between the computer and battery. Any thoughts?

[awagnon]

I think that the thing that confused me about the illustration at the top of the post was that I didn't notice that the pressure gauge is actually in line. For future reference, on the bike, the upper hard line is the return and the lower hard line is the feed from the pump in the fuel tank.

Interesting..! It does appear the gauge is in-line rather than terminated on the lower line. I'm not sure how they would attach it without cutting the line unless the excess hose just isn't illustrated. Good to know.

[CycleRob]

"I'm not sure how they would attach it without cutting the line unless the excess hose just isn't illustrated."

The gauge's hose has a black plastic QD on it's end and plugs right into the stock fuel line.

Save your old plastic QD's when you upgrade to metal ones and use one to make your own fuel pressure tester.

.

[awagnon]

Save your old plastic QD's when you upgrade to metal ones and use one to make your own fuel pressure tester..

I saved my old plastic QD to make a hose to drain the tank when I need to remove it. Just connect it to the return hose and it runs out like a charm. I suppose I can use it on a pressure tester if I ever need it. Thanks.