Tank removal - disconnect fuel line...

[Basil Brush]

Righto - had my 14 for nearly 11 years now. And there is one small job that I simply cannot grasp/figure out/find a easy way.

I always manage it. But, one if these days I'm gonna bigger up the fuel connector- it's only a matter of time.

Fuel pipe disconnection. I prop tank up with a price of 2x1. Unclip switch. Then the dreaded fuel line. I normally use a pair of long nose pliers nip the inner (light grey clip) and prepare for battle. Mine never comes away freely. Every time I struggle to disconnect the twat. Do u turn it/ straight out? I'm at a loss.

Just about to do a plug change/clean filter out. Any tips and thoughts would be appreciated. Many thanks.

BB.

[Andre]

I just use my fingers. One side of the clip goes easy, the other requires some doing till the nose arrests. When both noses arrest the hose can be pulled.

[seth]

I remove from the throttle bodies as easier to get at and as Andre does I just use my hand it's a knack but straight forward to remove.

[Kiwifruit]

BB try moistening the clip with WD40 and work the clip backwards and forwards before pushing the grey tabs in to release the clip.

[Basil Brush]

Seth - is it the same style clip at the other end?!

Kiwifruit - one more suggestion for my armoury. Many thanks👍

[seth]

@Basil Brush
Its the same clip both ends .
I find it easier to remove from the throttle body end .
Top tip is if you can lift the back of the tank slightly an inch or 2
(thats 25-50mm for modern folk)
it's even easier I use a hammer shaft in the luggage box on to the tank mount

[gsxbarmy]

The way I always found easiest was to u do the 2 bolts at the back, and disconnect the fuel pump wire/plug, then liift the rear of the tank and put a roll of parcel tape underneath (on its side). That gave sufficient room to get both digits on the plastic clip of the fuel pipe, press them in and then turn the pipe slightly forward and backward to break the seal - once that done a slight twisting motion on the pipecwhilstbpulling gently backwards always seemed to work.

[Basil Brush]

Seth - Dave,

First of all,  thanks for the replies/suggestions.

Just to clarify. I had a lightbulb moment. I do unclip at the throttle bodies. As this is by far the easiest to see/reach. I 'think' I might now know where I've been going wrong. I always prop the tank up with my trusty wooden mallet. This is an archaic thing. Measuring a good six inches. I think I might be raising the tank too far? Thus putting extra pressure/strain on the clip?  I've got a clear afternoon tomorrow. And I'm planning on taking the 14 out for a short ride. Then comes the strip down. This weekend.

I'll either try a roll of gaffer tape - or a peice of 2x1 on its side. In all honesty I've been tripling the working clearance. Possibly making clip less liable to release? Or otherwise I've got the clip from hell...

Thanks once again. This is what makes this forum so great.

[grog]

Think you have the clip from hell, i lift my tank as far as i can. You can buy a tool, very cheap, to release JIS fittings. Either plier type or just plastic thingos that squeeze together. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fuel-Line-Pliers-Petrol-Clip-Pipe-Hose-Release-Disconnect-Removal-Pliers-Tool-/182803868683?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0

[V_i_c_i]

Have same fight with this clip. For me is easier remove them in side next to throttle boddies.
But have idea in my head for some time change this clip for some more user friendly. Some type that use compressed air for example....

[Dusty ST]

+1 for the fuel line pliers, one of those why didn't I get one of those years ago tools.
Also just the thing for releasing the clutch switch on my Triumph.

[Basil Brush]

Well - I've decided that I have the clip from hell. Especially made and designed by Satan.

Managed to get the thing off. What a battle. I did look to see if I could see traces of the number 666 embossed on that damned creation...

[Notty]

Well - I've decided that I have the clip from hell. Especially made and designed by Satan.

Managed to get the thing off. What a battle. I did look to see if I could see traces of the number 666 embossed on that damned creation...

Mine was made by satan as well - I dread having to take the tank off - Well done 

[gsxbarmy]

Well - I've decided that I have the clip from hell. Especially made and designed by Satan.

Managed to get the thing off. What a battle. I did look to see if I could see traces of the number 666 embossed on that damned creation...

Given the age of the fuel line Brian, it could well be that a replacement might be an investment and solve your issue of removal as over time the rubber of the pipe will go hard making removal more difficult.

According to Suzuki the fuel line(s) are supposed to be replaced every 3 years,which no-one does, but assuming yours is still the original and now probably some 16 years old it may have hardened off somewhat.

[KiwiCol]

A wee tip for you BB, now that the tank is off, have a look at the clip & how it works - how it holds together & how it releases.  Have a few goes at clipping & unclipping the thing now you have good access to it & without the pipe in there.  If you get used to doing it off the pipe, it should be easier to do when it's on.
The other thing you could do is replace that clip for a different type. They're available from ??   Grog knows what alternatives fit & are easy to undo

@Basil Brush @grog