Removing oil return hose (1965 B40F)

[Phil C]

Afternoon all,

I was down near the sump, removing my oil feed pipe in order to fit a slightly longer one which would reach my new tap, when I noticed that its companion, the oil return pipe (black rubbery herringbone type) was a bit frayed at the very end, breaking up a bit, just the last mm or two, so at the open end beyond the jubilee clip. Not a concern in itself but not knowing how old it is, I just wondered if it might be getting a bit brittle with age, so thought I'd take it off the metal pipe and have a look, then if it's okay just cut the end clean and put it back on. Ha! Getting it off is easier said than done. Don't want to get too brutal and strain the metal pipe joint with the engine. Hard to get enough room to grip it to pull it, without undoing it at the oil tank end as well, which I'd rather not. Been shoving the end of it with a screwdriver, but just further damaged the end of the hose without shifting it. Maybe should have just left well alone but anyway, any advice please on how to remove the oil return pipe at the engine end? Any tricks of the trade?   Phil

[Spaceman]

Free the other end and then rotate the pipe to break the adhesion at the engine fitting and then pull off.

[Phil C]

Thanks spaceman, but I was hoping to avoid undoing the oil tank end as it's very fiddly to refit the jubilee clip at that end. If I have to then I will, but was hoping to just take off the engine end.
Phil

[chaz]

I would go with spaceman, but failing that, maybe some gentle heat from a heat gun/hairdryer, obviously you want to keep the pipe, but if not then slice the pipe.if its starting to decay at the ends, you dont know what the inside is like.

[Spaceman]

If it was me, I would take the opportunity to replace both oil pipes for peace of mind - the easiest way to do this is to disconnect at the oil tank and then unbolt the engine pipe assembly allowing you to remove the pipes away from the bike. Otherwise it's a very fiddly job to do in situ especially if the bike is not up on a ramp.

[idie]

Use a Stanley knife or similar and slice the rubber pipe.

[Phil C]

If it was me, I would take the opportunity to replace both oil pipes for peace of mind - the easiest way to do this is to disconnect at the oil tank and then unbolt the engine pipe assembly allowing you to remove the pipes away from the bike. Otherwise it's a very fiddly job to do in situ especially if the bike is not up on a ramp.

Are you saying remove the oil tank first?  Phil

[Spaceman]

No - just disconnect the pipes at the oil tank!

[Phil C]

Still no joy here. Undid the metal pipe connection at the bottom, but that on its own didn't really help me. Pulled pretty hard downwards on the rubber pipe to try to free it at the oil tank end, but it's not for moving. Access of course is pretty limited, which is a major part of the problem. Can't get in to twist the rubber pipe to loosen it's grip. Then my new torch went dim (needs a charge I guess) so that's that for the day  - only spent about fifteen minutes on the job, which is a bit frustrating. Not sure what to try next. Could put it back together and leave it, but that's a bit defeatist. Could try to cut it off at the bottom, but that would still leave me the top to get off. Can't get in to cut it there. Wondering if I might have to take the oil tank off. I've had that off before but can't remember how much of a faff it is.  Amazing how difficult it can be just to get a rubber pipe off. Phil

[chaz]

sounds tome that trying to turn/twist them that are stuckto the pipe might well tear the inside of the hose and you will end up with a leak or a weak point.
can you get a pair of pipe grips on there or even pliers to give more twist power, thats what Ivew done before. but it does sound like you need new pipes.

[Phil C]

I've had the oil tank off before, so must have had the pipe off at the top then I guess. No memory of taking it off, sadly.  Phil

[Phil C]

Actually, just been out there for a quick peek, and I think if I take the battery tray off then I might be able to get a pair of pliers on to the rubber pipe near the oil tank and give it a twist to break the seal. Hopefully. So I'll look at that tomorrow.
Phil

[Phil C]

On further thought it might be simpler to remove the oil tank - just two bolts I think, whereas taking the battery tray off is more than that. Anyway, we'll see tomorrow. Bet you can't wait.🙂
Phil

[chaz]

on ours its two bolts  top and bottom and one towards the back that you can loosen, easiest one to get to but dont need to remove completely,near mudguard,  but thats just ours.

[Phil C]

Hurray!
Used biggish screwdriver, pushing down on the edge of the tube wall, suddenly off it shot. Glad I got it off without taking off oil tank etc!
Thanks all.
Phil