Hose Clamp Question
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 1
From: Athens, Georgia
Hose Clamp Question
Guys, I have my 03 Ultra down to the frame/engine for a complete make over. New fenders, wheels, bars, etc. I'm gonna have a lot of questions for you guys over the next couple of months. My first is do you guys put the HD hose clamps (the kind you crimp with pliers) back on when you take stuff apart ie: fuel crossover, fuel line inside tank, etc. or do you use ??? something else. I know the line inside the tank is under pressure so its gotta be a good clamp that hopefully won't loosen up with time. Thanks, Gary
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
Since you're taking the tank off now, put a quick disconnect back on to make things easier in the future. Contact John at herko@insightbb.com or look for herko products on ebay in a fuel line disconnect search. I do use the oetiker clamps when I put things back on. I have the tool and got it cheaply. They have them cheap on ebay also.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 782
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From: Central Oregon
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 166
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From: California Desert
God, I just can't believe the things I learn on this site. I had no idea that they are called Oetiker clamps.
Anyway, I use the Oetiker clamps supplied with the fuel filter, etc, but I don't have a special crimper for them. An engineer may not like it, but I take a pair of side cutters and gently squeeze the top of the clamp. If I can't twist the clamp after tightening it, I think it's tight enough. As a matter of fact, I just installed a new fuel filter today. If you don't know your own strength you may want to spend the money on the crimpers because you may crack the fuel pump with enough force.
The funny thing is there are Oetiker clamps on both the fuel pump side and the fuel filter side of the one convoluted tube but there aren't any on the convoluted tube that runs between the check valve and the regulator housing. I guess one line runs more pressure than the other.
I don't think you can go wrong using some other type of clamp, if that's what you want to do, but I would make sure you use one that won't rust.
Also, I use a heat gun and apply a little heat to the ends of the convoluted tubes to make it easier to put them on. DON'T MELT THEM! Just use a little heat to make them a little more flexible. DO NOT USE A HEAT GUN IF THERE IS GAS OR GAS VAPORS IN THE AREA. I used a heat gun because the tank is off the bike and there is no gas or vapors in any of the lines. Unless you take everything apart there may be gas vapors that will ignite. I cannot be held reponsible if you are walking around without eyebrows.s
Anyway, I use the Oetiker clamps supplied with the fuel filter, etc, but I don't have a special crimper for them. An engineer may not like it, but I take a pair of side cutters and gently squeeze the top of the clamp. If I can't twist the clamp after tightening it, I think it's tight enough. As a matter of fact, I just installed a new fuel filter today. If you don't know your own strength you may want to spend the money on the crimpers because you may crack the fuel pump with enough force.
The funny thing is there are Oetiker clamps on both the fuel pump side and the fuel filter side of the one convoluted tube but there aren't any on the convoluted tube that runs between the check valve and the regulator housing. I guess one line runs more pressure than the other.
I don't think you can go wrong using some other type of clamp, if that's what you want to do, but I would make sure you use one that won't rust.
Also, I use a heat gun and apply a little heat to the ends of the convoluted tubes to make it easier to put them on. DON'T MELT THEM! Just use a little heat to make them a little more flexible. DO NOT USE A HEAT GUN IF THERE IS GAS OR GAS VAPORS IN THE AREA. I used a heat gun because the tank is off the bike and there is no gas or vapors in any of the lines. Unless you take everything apart there may be gas vapors that will ignite. I cannot be held reponsible if you are walking around without eyebrows.s
Last edited by HEMSPLT; Mar 10, 2009 at 06:24 PM. Reason: Because there are some stupid people out there.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,051
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From: McHenry, IL
ace hardware multi use stainless hose clamp. never had a problem. I have done a dozen or so w/o an issue. I am however excited to install my herko disconnect on the '09. I'll Be Sh!ttin' in tall cotten then.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 37
From: Boise Idaho
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 404
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From: Athens, Georgia
Thanks guys-I had no idea what these clamps were called. Been cutting them off and replacing with screw clamps for years. I'm gonna have $1000 in new tools by the time I get this thing back together. Gary
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clamp, crossover, davidson, disconnect, filter, fuel, harley, herko, hose, instructions, line, oetiker, quick, replacement, tank
