Fuel Tees Leaking and Hard to Find=Carbs Come Off

In a pinch, OEM T's can often be reused by wrapping a layer or two, or three, of teflon tape commonly used for threaded plumbing connections around the molded-in O-rings of the OEM T's. The teflon tape comes in a few thicknesses. Let the feel of the press fit of the wrapped portion into the carb's inlet be your guide on how many wraps to use.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

So I gather from all of this that no one would recommend use of any type of fuel acceptable sealer on the OEM style fuel tees? Would hate to have the darn things leak again.

Rick H.

My 1977 KZ650 fuel tees had never leaked. Then in 2008 I removed the tank and drained the carbs because I was putting the bike in my basement to do some work on it over the winter. In the spring when I took the bike outside and put the tank back on it the fuel tees leaked. RATS! So I spent a couple days trying to find NOS ones, but I had no luck. However, the leaks had totally stopped. That was 12 years ago and the tees have never leaked a single drop since then. I could be wrong, but I suspect that the tees swell up a little when they are wet with fuel. So if your tees stopped leaking they may be fine for the long term. Ed

Be sure to apply some lubricant to the O-rings during install or they may tear. Silicone grease works well.