[Hogdog]

Earnestine is a 1989 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. The plastic part of the fuel inlet fitting is leaking (broken). How do I replace this? I have tried to unscrew the brass portion of the fitting and it just turns. The service manual shows this part as a fitting without threads. Since the service manual shows this part as a seperate item it must be replaceable but makes no mention of replacement procedures. What a peice of lousy engineering!!

[kenfuzed]

Removing the inlet first requires you to empty the carb of fuel and also remove it from the manifold (assuming you already did).

There's a couple ways to remove the brass piece.

1. Heat the body where the fitting is pressed in. Using an ez-out extractor bit, twist the fitting base counter-clockwise until out.

2. Run a tap into the remaining brass fitting base and then screw a piece of long threaded stock in. Place a pipe nipple over the threaded stock followed by a large washer. Now thread a nut or large wing nut onto the stock to start pulling the fitting up thru the pipe-nipple-puller-thingy (for lack of a better name). Heat the body where the fitting is pressed in to help pull the piece out.

Hope I described that right.

I rebuilding someone's carb this week that needs a new inlet, so I'll try to take some pictures to help demonstrate better.

[Hogdog]

Thanks Ken,

I like the puller idea, especially the name. I used the same technique on a tranny problem, why didn't I think of it sooner!!! I suppose the new inlet is just pressed back in with a thingy version 2. What do you think about tapping the body and putting a real fitting in??

Hogdog

[kenfuzed]

The only problem with tapping the body for a new fitting is the body material is really soft. The new brass fittings have a "block" elbow which you can hammer in, use a small press, or use a large clamp. I've received so many requests over the years for the same thing that I've thought of fabbing a simple puller to help others upgrade their own fitting.

There are 2 replacement fittings available. One is the replacement brass fitting from Harley, the other is the high-flow version originally put our by Direct Parts... now sold by John's Motorcycle Parts.

[Hogdog]

Thanks Ken,

The thingy worked great, a number 7 drill, 1/4x20 tap , 1/4x20x4" bolt nut and washer and a 3/8 inch pip nipple did a great job, it came right out with a little satisfying crack. The replacement fitting as you described will be easy to reseat. Yep, forget the 1/8' pipe thread in the body - too soft. Thanks for your help, maybe someday I can repay the favor!!!

Hogdog

[chucktx]

Originally Posted by Hogdog

Thanks Ken,

The thingy worked great, a number 7 drill, 1/4x20 tap , 1/4x20x4" bolt nut and washer and a 3/8 inch pip nipple did a great job, it came right out with a little satisfying crack. The replacement fitting as you described will be easy to reseat. Yep, forget the 1/8' pipe thread in the body - too soft. Thanks for your help, maybe someday I can repay the favor!!!

Hogdog

well, thanks for posting pics for all of us to see!!!! lol lol
they say a pic is worth a thousand words.....just trying to help those that like pics better than words....

[Hogdog]

I agree chucktx, the world has two sets of people, wordy and pictures. It would have taken only a minute to shoot the setup. The carb is already back on Earnestine, For the next time how do I send pictures with my post???

[kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by Hogdog

I agree chucktx, the world has two sets of people, wordy and pictures. It would have taken only a minute to shoot the setup. The carb is already back on Earnestine, For the next time how do I send pictures with my post???

Anytime you want to add a picture to your post take a look below the screen you are typing in, under Additional Options. There is an Attachments button where you can upload a picture. You can also add it to our new gallery where you could link to the picture as well.

Great to hear it worked for you.

[chucktx]

glad it is all done and your back on the road.......have fun and stay safe!!

[CD]

You have no idea how many of those things we replaced before I came up with the Hi-Flow brass elbow.

Here is a link to Johns instructions page:

Keihin CV and butterfly carburetor fuel inlet elbow

Later model CV's actually went to an all metal elbow...go figure.

[chucktx]

hi ya cd.....nice to see ya posting....hope everything is going your way!!!!!!
take care
chuck

[ironhorse]

Good to see a post from ya, Must have been a hellofa fishing trip, take care