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Zip Ties and Ethanol Fuel

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Old Jun 29, 2014 | 05:59 PM
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Default Zip Ties and Ethanol Fuel

FYI,

Everyone is aware that the fuel lines within the fuel tank are specialized lines designed for submersion in fuel. While recently replacing an “O” ring on my fuel regulator I was curious about the zip ties that hold the fuel pump to the articulating arm. Harley actually has a stock number for these ties in their parts catalog. Are these ties made from a specialized plastic? As an experiment I soaked different plastic zip ties in fuel containing ethanol. The zip ties were Toyota OEM, Napa brand , and 2 no name el-cheapos. After soaking for 30 days, I inspected the ties. There was no visible deterioration and the plastic remained flexible.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2014 | 06:05 PM
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. . . and your point is ? ?
 
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Old Jun 29, 2014 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by mmcbeat
. . . and your point is ? ?
I think his point is that you don't need to buy the specific HD zip ties for the inside of the fuel tank, that regular ones will withstand the ethanol fuel.
 
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Old Jun 30, 2014 | 02:39 AM
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Thank you Rider1200. Yes, my point is that many of us Harley owners live in countries that do not have a dealership, parts availability, or a maintenance shop to fall back on and we must do all own wrenching. Those of us that fall into this category must understand every engineering aspect of the bike in order to maintain it. Something as simple as a zip tie which could deteriorate when immersed in fuel could be the difference between making it home or being stranded along the road in the middle of nowhere.
 

Last edited by olongapo1; Jun 30, 2014 at 02:57 AM.
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Old Jun 30, 2014 | 07:22 AM
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Ethanol is harmless I soaked several random things in e85 for 2 years and it did nothing.
 
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Old Jun 30, 2014 | 07:24 AM
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Uh oh! You voided your warranty, LOL!
 
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