Modern Vespa

Has anyone changed their gas filter/line? If so, is it a difficult job? Seems like the gas line is part of a "loom" and was wondering how hard it is to feed the new line through. It's pretty tight. My gas line is starting to crack. Guess it is time....

I replaced mine. Just undo both the fuel line and the other hose that goes through the sheath. Lift both out because it's really hard to do it with it still in the engine compartment.

Rub a soapy solution on the new one and it will slip through more easily. You probably don't really need to run it through the sheath if you don't want. It was a little extra effort but it look original. I put some screw clamps on either end of the new fuel line.

What's with the cracking, anyway?

i was wondering about that myself. i just visited a buddy of mine who has an et2 and he was showing me that his fuel line was all cut up. i said, you mean cracking? i heard it happens...

he had taped it all up with black electrical tape and was complaining that the engine will now occassionally sputter. hmmm.

replace the line. don't be like my friend.

my line & filter was replaced at 5k i was very surprized to see my brittle the old hoses

napac,
you think poor material choice of fuel line? or proximity to engine/heat degradation? combination of both?

heat degradation for sure
it gets hot under that seat bucket

I'm trying to recall a conversation I had with one of the guys on a group ride a long time back...

Fact or fiction, I was told by a guy that got a BV200 (same engine as GT) when they came out somehow Piaggio had to retro-fit lines for DOT regs and that the replacement line was crap compared to what was originally intended for the scooter.

Apparently he (allegedly) had a conversation with one of the techs at the Vespa shop at the time and found this info out...

How much weight you can put in this is questionable, but thought I'd throw it out there.

Bought the stuff to do it - sitting in my garage right now. Gotta get around to it... cost $12 total - hose, filter, clamps at Advance Auto Parts...

Rich

Thanks for all your helpful comments. After a conversation with my car mechanic, he talked me into getting the setup from Metrosport. He said that filter element may have some specific "thickness" as opposed to the generic filter. WHile the Metrosport filter is not Piaggio, is there a micron specific "thickness" that is needed for the GT200?
Also, in the installation of the new line and filter, due you strap down the new filter as ther original is?

Piaggio is, and was always, using proper fuel line. The main cause of fuel line deterioration is the type of gasoline treatment mandated by regional law.

Adding oxygen to gasoline accelerates rubber hose deterioration and rust of metal fuel lines. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether attacks rubber hoses, resulting in cracks and leaks. In addition, an oxygenated compound, whether it be Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether or Alcohol, absorbs water from damp air, causing fuel lines to corrode from the inside.

Changed the fuel line the other day... not really that big of deal. Found much easier if you take off the right side panel at the bottom of the cowl... allows for better access.

Ended up using the following (in case you don't want to wait to get it in the mail from Vespa Motorsport in SD):

2' of 1/4" fuel line
4 hose clamps #4
Purolator F21124

All in all, the above was $11.60 at Advance Auto Parts (or your local auto parts joint).

I was pleased that the Purolator filter was similar in size to stock and also it fit into the rubber holder that goes around the filter and holds it stationary.

Also kind of interesting that on a scooter assembled in Italy they're using Gates fuel line made in the USA... probably same reason that we also have Brazilian Pirellis as stock tires... below are pics of the stock line and filter.

Rich

Today must've been the day for this particular job! I replaced mine as well. Not a big job though removing the OEM stayle clamps is a bit of a pain in the ass. I took off the lower piece of the cowl as well. Threading the new libe through teh "loom" was not so bad. FYI, there was not the level of deterioration on the line that was in the "loom" vs. the ends that were exposed. My theory: the plastic "loom" shields the the line from exposure to heat!
Now, it someone could help me with my 8N tractor woes, I would be really thankful!