Fuel line (stupid) question

[monomono]

My bike came with an inline fuel filter and cracking fuel lines, obviously not original. The bike was losing power so I figured the fuel filter was clogged.

From what I've read here the correct fuel line is 5.5 mm. My local car parts place had 5.6 mm so I've thrown it on for now. But it was really hard to get in onto the nipples of the carb and petcock. Is that expected, and is there a trick to doing this? Is it in far enough in the attached pics? Yes I will put some clamps on later (dumbo forgot to reconnect the fuel level sender when reinstalling the tank, so it will be coming off again).

 

[EnriqueM]

Looks like the fuel line is not over the little ridge which keeps it from slipping off (you can see the thicker ridge of the metal tube just barely sticking out from the fuel line).

I have had issues with fitting fuel lines in the past, what worked for me was making 3 small slits into the fuel tube (about 1 - 2mm long), evenly spaced around the tube's end. Think circle split into 3 even parts (every 120 degrees) - that is where you make the small slits "into" the tube, parallel with the tube.
These little slits will allow the fuel tube end to "open" up slightly more, making it easier to slip over the nipple. Due to the slits you would need to slide the fuel line a little further onto the nipple (however long your slits are, that much further). The slits are just to get it onto the nipple and over the nipple's retention "ridge" more easily.

Additionally, rub a drop of oil or lubrication around the metal nipple so it slips on easier, and you could heat up the nipple and / or fuel tube end a little with a blowtorch from far away or a hair drier (safer option).

One or a combination of these tips should help.

 

[mrtwowheel]

5/16" fuel hose works on all of my DOHC's with no special tricks.

 

[drgnrdr750]

I would use a pair of needle nose pliers by putting the pliers into the end of the hose and spread it just enough to slip it over the tube.

 

[monomono]

Thanks all for the advice. I got in on with the needle nose pliers technique and some lube on the nipple.Didn't need heat nor cuts luckily.