Handy hose clamps that work.

[oldhippie]

Since I have been tinkering with my Roketa MC-54-250B and going over all the systems to make it a good, reliable ride, I discovered the original hose clamps just don't seem to be substantial enough for me. I have been known to be a little too picky when it comes to a lot of stuff, but having a good, reliable ride has a lot to do with making my day. So I ventured forth and tried a lot of different clamps to see what I could find that would satisify my need for a good clamp. Although most of the clamps I located were good, I discovered the lowly nylon tie to be what satisfied me the most. First, I wanted to see how well they held. Pulled the hose in two pieces but did not come off the brass fitting. They are cheap and plentiful and you can toss a handfull into almost anyplace on the scoot without taking up too much space. But, most of all, you can be confident in knowing how much pulling pressure you put on the tie when you installed it, and they are so much easier to put on and cut off. Just a thought...happy scootin, the Old Hippie

[unclejay]

Zip ties expand when heated and are not good in a pressure situation. They also become brittle after a year or so.

My aircraft mechanic training really ruins improvisation ! generations before me have shown the way.

[earlwb]

yeah nylon ties are good for installing and holding things, but you really need to use the stainless steel hose clamps. The plastic in the zip ties isn't all that great, and they will deterorate over time with engine heat, gasoline fumes, etc.
I use jillions of zip ties all over, but not on the rubber hoses where they need to be clamped.
But in a emergency, a zip tie holding a hose on as a temporary clamp is a super good trick to remember. i always keep a small bunch in the tool bag.
Duct tape is another great emergency item. i have used it to stop a pinhole leak in a water hose on my truck years ago. Duct tape is handy for if your scooter falls over and a plastic panel is cracked or broken, you can duct tape it temporarily to get you home.

[owenbrau]

There are a couple of spots, notably the fitting where the fuel line enters the carb, where I can't get a hose clamp on and tighten it, just the little spring clamps that held the original fuel line. There isn't room to get in and tighten one down. Ideas?

[earlwb]

I got one in there no problem. Plus my fingers are big too. But I don't remember how I did it.
But I have to agree, it can be tough to do sometimes.
Fuel lines are the most hazardous, you definitely don't want any raw fuel dripping down on the engine.

[littlered50]

I had the same problem getting a hose clamp on that fuel line (where it enters the carb). I ended up connecting it and tightening the clamp _before_ I bolted the carb to the intake. Makes it much easier...

/Otto

[oldhippie]

Well, the nylon ties seemed like a good idea to me. However, I only put the ties on the vac and other non-gasoline lines, so if the little ties do get loose, I won't be setting my tail on fire. Also, the fit of the new US made rubber hoses seemed like they would work/hold without any clamps because of the tightness when putting them on, but I put the ties on anyway just in case. I found the litttle factory wire/spring clamps to be weak, in my viewpoint, so I replaced the ones that hold any gas lines with some spring-type band clamps from Advance Auto Parts. They really fit well, hold tight and are easy to apply. Thanks for the advice. Old Hippie

[greg]

i like the smooth stainless clamps rather than the worm gear ring clamps that dont allways go into a neat circle shape and the teeth tear into the rubber.