Removing Fuel Pipe

[chrisb]

I noted with interest that Bikerdude2006 worked his way around a "fuel pipe connected" petrol tank to change an air Filter. Welcome to the club.. So did I. Short of taking a knife to it I could not disconncect it, I would have been there yet. Now a spark plug change is looming and I am dreading it..even the getting off of the tank. Am I missing something ? does the pipe literally pull away from the spigot on the tank ? It seems to be welded in place. ( model is a 2001 650 )
Thanks,
Chris.

[Charlie]

which pipe? There's 4 to be disconnected.

The main fuel supply pipe is the thick one on the left hand side. Squeeze the clip with pliers and move it down the pipe well out the way. This pipe may also still have a protective spring around it. It may just pull off the spigot -mine always does with a bit of wiggle - but if not pulling harder only makes the pipe grip tighter on the spigot. If so it needs carefully levering away with a broad screwdriver. A small amount of fuel will leak out when it comes off.

The thinner pipe at the same location is the vacuum pipe that opens the fuel tap. It is connected to the carburettor. Should be easy to pull off.

The other 2 pipes are under the tank just about accessible with the back of the tank lifted. These are a real PITA. One is the overflow (probably the thicker of the two) the other the breather. I have never investigated which one does what. I have cut both mine and fitted a plastic joint - just cheap jobs - that has the effect of making the pipes longer and easier to disconnect. I also heated up the stub of the pipes attached to the tank and stretched them so they are nice sliding fit over the joints. TBH its a bit of mess really as it doesn't really fit properly and I am sure the joints come loose from time to time. One day I will fit a much longer pipes that properly fit the spigots under the tank and route them somewhere access is easy.

I can get my tank off in about 10minutes or about 20minutes if the fairing is coming off as well.