Rocker Feed Oil Lines

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Thought I'd reach out to you folks for help with replacing the rocker feed oil lines on my stock '73 Interstate. Venhill has a stainless braided line kit. It seem from reviewing this site, this product has issues with the metallic jacket, length, routing, etc. I like the OEM look Andover offers, (06-5561) but it's not available to me locally. I've reviewed most threads here and found lots of help. The best I've found is from British Motorcycle Parts, # 06.5561A which looks OEM and is all stainless at: https://www.britishmotorcycleparts.co.nz/search/06-5561a-oil-pipe-stainless-steel-rocker-feed?gn=Search Results&gp=4

I don't trust just replacing the tubing with something from an auto parts store unless someone has a suitable line suggestion that survives pressure & temperatures. My original crossover line snapped at the barbed banjo fitting with a light tug by hand. Also, I'm embarrassed to say I lost one of the single barb banjo fittings so I'll probably need a kit.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Dave
I have an extra single banjo if you want. One long, one short. Which one do you want?

I cut a small wooden block and drilled a 1/4" hole then cut through the hole with a saw. You know have a holding tool for the plastic line and can put it in a vice without worrying about crushing it. Start with a short bit ...about 3/8" long...extending out from the block and it will be stiff enough to drive in the banjo cold. Once it's started, reposition the hose and drive the banjo the rest of the way.
 
I use a flaring tool. I clamp the air brake tubing in the 1/4" size with about 1/2" of the tubing standing proud of the tool.
Put a drop of oil into the tubing and then set the banjo fitting in place and tap it in with a hammer. You just have to remember that the end down at the timing chest is 90 degrees from the ones on the head. If you want, I can post pictures of how I do it? The Sinflex air brake tubing made by Gates and used in heavy trucks can be purchased at NAPA and I expect other places. The cost is minimal compared to what you have to pay for a complete assembly.
John in Texas
 
The generic spec for North American air brake tubing is SAE J844. 1/4” is Type 1 (single wall). May help in a Google search.
 
Thought I'd reach out to you folks for help with replacing the rocker feed oil lines on my stock '73 Interstate. Venhill has a stainless braided line kit. It seem from reviewing this site, this product has issues with the metallic jacket, length, routing, etc. I like the OEM look Andover offers, (06-5561) but it's not available to me locally. I've reviewed most threads here and found lots of help. The best I've found is from British Motorcycle Parts, # 06.5561A which looks OEM and is all stainless at: https://www.britishmotorcycleparts.co.nz/search/06-5561a-oil-pipe-stainless-steel-rocker-feed?gn=Search Results&gp=4

I don't trust just replacing the tubing with something from an auto parts store unless someone has a suitable line suggestion that survives pressure & temperatures. My original crossover line snapped at the barbed banjo fitting with a light tug by hand. Also, I'm embarrassed to say I lost one of the single barb banjo fittings so I'll probably need a kit.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Dave
I have had the one I built on my bike for years. Works a charm. The tubing used for air brakes on big trucks have to be very strong or the DOT wouldn't allow it to be used.
 
According to the SAE spec, it has to meet a minimum burst pressure of 1200 psi, have good heat resistance and UV stability, and be oil/fuel proof - so just about perfect for the application.
 
According to the SAE spec, it has to meet a minimum burst pressure of 1200 psi, have good heat resistance and UV stability, and be oil/fuel proof - so just about perfect for the application.
Yes, I recall one of the old threads on this topic there was concern over using air brake hose as it might not stand heating. Obviously it can take heat from oil just fine, with 8k+ miles on my bike alone. And I'd expect this is the same material as OEM.

What has not been mentioned in this thread is the risk of damage from stainless braided line due to abrasion on other items, frame/tank/electrical cabling etc. My front brake line is braided stainless but it is sheathed in clear vinyl.
 
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