Rocker oil line protection

lazyeye6 · Dec 14, 2020

I have a Mk II 850 with a single Mikuni and a cNw electric starter. Even with careful oil line (OEM) routing there are two spots where the rocker oil line rubs.
1. Under the starter unit; 2. Next to the carb manifold. I'm concerned with abrasion due to vibration wearing through the line . So, I have used a couple of
rubber grommets which I split allowing them to be fitting onto the line. However, they tend to slide on the oil line. I suppose I could glue them to oil line to
keep them in place. Or I could use some spiral wire protector. How have others dealt with this problem? Even with SS rocker line the problem would remain
and probably be worse as that would saw it's way into the metal where it rubs.

maylar · Dec 14, 2020

A section of rubber fuel line slit and glued to the line.

kommando · Dec 14, 2020

Wrap self amalgamating tape around the affected area's.

gortnipper · Dec 14, 2020

Oil proof heat shrink

NPeteN · Dec 14, 2020

Stainless loop clamps. If there is a bolt nearby (rockers etc...) you can affix the clamp to the bolt, this will hold the line away from any hot spots permanently.

SteveC · Dec 14, 2020

I have the nylon rocker lines and use the clip that holds the o-ring.

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The clip is attached to one of the carb manifold studs. I also use a split grommet held in place by a bit of spiral wrap underneath to stop the lower section rubbing.
if you have the SS braided lines it should be possible to fabricate a similar clip to fit.

chaztuna · Dec 14, 2020

maylar said:
A section of rubber fuel line slit and glued to the line.

I use rubber vacuum hose. Rather than slit it in a straight line, slit it in a spiral. That way, it won't fall off and I've never had to glue it in place. Use hose with an ID, slightly smaller than the OD of the plastic oil tubing.

RoadScholar · Dec 14, 2020

NPeteN said:
Stainless loop clamps. If there is a bolt nearby (rockers etc...) you can affix the clamp to the bolt, this will hold the line away from any hot spots permanently.

I had the same concern. I used an insulated cable clamp, something like this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-Pack-Steel-Suspension-Clamp/3013244

I will update this post with the actual part number and a picture before the end of the week.

I mount the clamp to the cNw 6 mm long bolt on the forward end of the starter, it holds the rocker oil feed line comfortable away from the Mikuni. I adjusted the line from the timing cover (by orienting the head banjo bolts) so that it has a gentle loop going through the cradle.

Best.

swooshdave · Dec 14, 2020

Some of the braided SS lines have a clear cover.

RoadScholar · Dec 14, 2020

swooshdave said:
Some of the braided SS lines have a clear cover.

You're right; can be made in, virtually, any color as well, however, any covering will just delay the inevitable once abrasion starts. Whether you add/make a stand-off or wrap the line with a split piece of rubber hose a pre-ride check needs to include a good look at exposed oil and fuel lines.

Best.

chaztuna · Dec 15, 2020

RoadScholar said:
I had the same concern. I used an insulated cable clamp, something like this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-Pack-Steel-Suspension-Clamp/3013244

snipped

That style of clamp is referred to as an Adel clamp. They are used extensively in aircraft. I believe that is where they originated. FYI, Adel clamps purchased from an aircraft vendor will be of higher quality. They are also available with different rubber compounds, for different jobs [ie fuel proof, high heat, etc]

Standard Adel Clamps

High Heat Adel Clamps

Adel Clamps 101

Looking forward to seeing your installation photos. Using Adel clamps makes for a very professional looking installation.

gortnipper · Dec 16, 2020

We call them P-clamps.

kommando · Dec 16, 2020

P clamps, very useful in stainless steel.

Lineslinger · Dec 16, 2020

early mock up
As mentioned I split vinyl tubing, pull heat shrink tubing over the top of it and heat it in the desired position.
The last image is a shot of the bumpers I put on the oil lines running to and from the oil tank.

cliffa · Dec 16, 2020

Another option is to drill the inlet rocker shafts, and do away with the cross connect pipe.

RoadScholar · Dec 16, 2020

Follow-up:

The insulated cable clamp is a Gardner Bender product, their part number is, PPR-1550.

I looked at the links posted by chaztuna (many thanks!) and was impressed with the quality, but the mounting holes would need to be opened; I have tried opening holes with other cable clamps and had no success because I couldn't think of a way to hold them for drilling and wasn't interested in filling my shop with the dust that my Dremel would have generated; I was able to successfully destroy the clamps I tried to enlarge and they retaliated by drawing some blood.

I was also very impressed with the way Lineslinger laid out his oil system and would like to know where he got his clamps and whether or not the mounting holes needed to be enlarged; superb craftsmanship!!

Here are the pictures of what I'll call a standoff:

Lineslinger · Dec 18, 2020

RoadScholar said:
Follow-up:

The insulated cable clamp is a Gardner Bender product, their part number is, PPR-1550.

I looked at the links posted by chaztuna (many thanks!) and was impressed with the quality, but the mounting holes would need to be opened; I have tried opening holes with other cable clamps and had no success because I couldn't think of a way to hold them for drilling and wasn't interested in filling my shop with the dust that my Dremel would have generated; I was able to successfully destroy the clamps I tried to enlarge and they retaliated by drawing some blood.

I was also very impressed with the way Lineslinger laid out his oil system and would like to know where he got his clamps and whether or not the mounting holes needed to be enlarged; superb craftsmanship!!

Here are the pictures of what I'll call a standoff:
View attachment 20415 View attachment 20416

Your engine setup is to be admired RS.
My oil line clamps are just me improvising. I try to insulate exposed surfaces from rubbing/vibrating against a fixed surface as best I can. Oil lines. break cables, electrical runs etc.
I take the clamps shown in the photos to the drill press, grab them in the press clamp and open the hole up slightly to desired size.

I have moved on from that to opening up the clamp hole and creating a slot out of it rather than a hole. Side cutters are used to trim out the bottom of the hole and then the rough edges are smoothed out and I true up the slot. I use a washer over the top (and sometimes the bottom) of the slotted clamp which allows it to slip it into position at the desired angle and snug down the nut/bolt to hold it in place.

I ran out to the shop and did a quick clamp modification for photos to put up here. I end up screwing around with stuff like this forever as my perfection bug too often overrides functional performance

Mark Savage · Dec 18, 2020

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I put this sheathing on my S/S Venhill oil line with heat shrink at the ends. If the right size is used it can be fitted quite tight.

The bike came with the exposed braiding lines on when I bought it. In the past when I've bought braided lines for oil or brakes I've bought the covered type as I think it looks better as well as being less abrasive.

fiatfan · Dec 20, 2020

Lineslinger said:
early mock up
As mentioned I split vinyl tubing, pull heat shrink tubing over the top of it and heat it in the desired position.
The last image is a shot of the bumpers I put on the oil lines running to and from the oil tank.
View attachment 20410 View attachment 20411 View attachment 20412 View attachment 20413 View attachment 20414

I´m going for something a bit like your couplings, but they are somewhat smaller. Got to get rid of those horrible hose clamps...... But what is that black braided oil line?!? I need that......

Lineslinger · Dec 20, 2020

fiatfan said:
I´m going for something a bit like your couplings, but they are somewhat smaller. Got to get rid of those horrible hose clamps...... But what is that black braided oil line?!? I need that......

The hose is racing designated oil line with a Kevlar braided cover. High pressure rated but the cost isn’t.
You can find a variety of hose /diameters/sizes on Fleabay.
Search AN fittings-oil lines.
Much of what’s available are once used from NASCAR And NHRA teams.
They renew their hoses constantly, even after short duration engine testing, many already built with the AN fittings still in place.

Rocker oil line protection

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