Oil Feed to Head: Nylon or Steel?

And don't heat that nylon with a heat gun or it looses it's shape and grip.

Dave
69S

I've still got the original black plastic on my 75, no problems. But I'd like to replace it before its too late. Can someone give me a good spec or source for the proper replacement? Thanks,

JD

jaydee75 said:

I've still got the original black plastic on my 75, no problems. But I'd like to replace it before its too late. Can someone give me a good spec or source for the proper replacement? Thanks,

JD

Click to expand...

I bought a 'proper' replacement for mine. They were new and they leaked. I could have just gotten a bad set.

I sent them back and replaced with SS braided. No leaks and looks good. I am not a bling kinda guy, but for Brake lines and the oil lines, braided was the best solution.

Cheapest way is go to your local truck supplier and buy air brake line. Comes in many colors. Otherwise you have to buy 25' from suppliers like McMasters.

Here's my note to myself.

Use nylon 11 such as air brake line available at most napa or MSC for dirt cheap$.....25 cents a foot
Hold the cold line in a flareing brake line tube holder.
It should be held 1/8-3/16" longer than the oil line barb.
Pound the barb in with a plastic mallet.

mscdirect.com
74203753
Nylon 11 Tubing - Fractional Sizes Inside Diameter: 0.170 In., 11/64 Outside Diameter: 1/4 Wall Thickness: 0.040 In. Material: Nylon 11 Color: Black. .43/foot

http://www.anythingtruck.com/commercial/airb_hose.html

Nylon 11, 1/4" od, 0.17 id, .04" wall, op temp -60 to 200F McMasterC 5548K84 11.75/25'

Dave
69S

DogT said:

Cheapest way is go to your local truck supplier and buy air brake line. Comes in many colors. Otherwise you have to buy 25' from suppliers like McMasters.
Dave
69S

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That's what I did. Original oil lines were leaking, so I got a new AN set from my local guy. Leaked, somehow messed up one end when they assembled it. Replaced the dodgy length of tube with the air line from the local NAPA store - no issues since. (12,000+ miles)

With the P11, it came with the metal line with a cracked solder joint at one of the banjos. Tried fixing it myself, but it still leaked. Took it to a radiator shop for a silver solder repair - lasted a month. Bought the AN line for the commando and shortened the top line (P11s have the oil feed on top of the head, Atlas-style)
No issues since.

You'd think this plastic stuff is inferior to metal, but it seems impervious to vibration, is cheap and light, and WORKS.

I would decide simply based on the appearance I wanted. There is no functional improvement using a braided SS oil line in this application - if routed correctly the line is not in any danger of being abraded/physically damaged. The operational life of the nylon tubing is at least as long as braided SS - maybe longer. Original oem nylon fuel injection lines are still working fine on FI cars from the early 80's. My '73 Commando had the original lines and they were fine - I replaced them with braided SS for the look when I pulled the head/installed new valves, etc but they didn't "need" replacing.

Mine were rather brittle and I did break one line when I was pulling the banjos off. I would replace any old line, it's cheap enough. The stuff is really only rated to 200°F. That's why I say not to put the heat gun on it. But if you want SS covered ones that's good too.

Dave
69S

They do get very brittle. I went to SS lines after having a leg soaked with hot oil.

I highly doubt that the nylon lines will last as well as the SS lines. I replaced my nylon lines 3-4 times since 1972 and then went to SS about 3 years ago. It is probably cheaper to replace with nylon even 5-6 times over but if you lose that oil line you are done for the day and you will be getting home however you can. (This can be annoying.)

If I still had nylon lines I would grab and shake them before every ride. Go and do it right now and I'll bet that 1/3 will break.

Russ

Mine was brittle as well, 38 years (AFAIK) worth. I heard a slight crack, (maybe it was like a 36" oak tree breaking, I'm so hearing impaired :lol: ) when removing the carbs. At first start up, I saw the dribble... ahhhh. I really dislike braided stainless except where it's mandated by HIGH prrssure, corrosion, mechanical forces, etc. I resisted, but in the end caved in because the OldBritts oil pressure gage was so sexy, in a FUNCTIONAL kind of way, and it came with braided hoses.

jaydee75 said:

I've still got the original black plastic on my 75, no problems. But I'd like to replace it before its too late. Can someone give me a good spec or source for the proper replacement? Thanks,

JD

Click to expand...

I sell the one piece Goodridge braided stainless kit that includes the stainless banjos and copper washers. I have 3 in stock and will include free domestic shipping, or an equivalent discount on shipping for international forum members (please remind me of your accessNorton membership) , while my supply lasts: http://www.rockypointcycle.com/p-norton ... -5121.html

Bill.