fuel crossover setup?

[amamet]

so, wondering if more people like the traditional cross setup to a single inlet on the carb or a dual inlet, that connects the carbs together and with a line directly from the tank to each carb.  I have both banjos and can't figure which to use.  the cross setup is original I know but always thought it jammed things up by the airfilters.  my Ducati 750 gt has a dual petcock with a line connecting the petcocks and a line to each carb.  but thats the Ducati,  too much time now has me overthinking little details while I am stuck waiting on parts (which will be a long time). im thinking the dual banjo setup for now,  just wondering if anyone has an opinion that one is far better than the other. 
allen

[mtiberio]

I prefer the "U" to the "X", less hoses. But that is me. I am definately not an originalist.

[Aldo]

I've used both methods on various Guzzi's over the years, X-over being more popular on most of my machines. In one of my last Guzzi builds I used the double banjo's simply due to the fact that the custom aluminum fuel tank placed the petcocks in a bit of an awkward position, so it just made more sense to use the double-banjo. 

[wirespokes]

That's an area I've struggled with. Airheads with a T inserted between the petcock and carb makes it easy.

One of the things I don't like about the X is the amount of fuel constantly sitting in the lines since they're the low spot and can't drain. The transmission gets hot, so the combination can't be good for fuel lines. Also, when I hit reserve it takes a long time before it finally hits the carburetors and starts running again. With the airheads and the short lines from petcock to carb it's almost instant.

And then there's the problem of making a clean flow with them - what I mean is they look so cluttered.

With the dual banjo, the right side works out, but the left side really could use an inlet that points towards the right side. I haven't figured out how to set these things up so it's a nice clean application - pretty goofy considering how simple it is. I've even tried using a BMW T fitting from the left side with a single input banjo and the dual on the right.

My fuel taps point straight down, right into the intake rubbers for the 40mm Dells. Choices are limited.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have posted a warning about not using the fuel crossover a couple of times over the years.
I have posted the result of one coming apart at the crimp connector, too. If you want, I'll look up the pictures of the burned up V700.
I was working on a pristine LMV a few years later, moved the carb, and *that* crimp connector came apart.
Imagine going into a corner, the crimp connector comes apart and dumps raw fuel on the rear tire. It's as slick as snot. A spark from the ensuing crash sets it off..
Don't use them. Use the dual banjo.
<getting off soapbox>
Ok, here ya go..

[amamet]

my question is, what was that loop doing in the corn fields?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Not all Guzzi fuel line crossovers are created equal. Like everything else Guzzi, there are several different types. The one on my V700 is a steel block approx. 10 mm thick and 25 mm square with four inlets soldered into it. It bolts to the top of the breather box.

What I was depends on the available space around the inlet on the left side. Many times there's just no good position for a dual inlet banjo due to hoses (especially on a Convert), filters, cables, etc. I place all of my crossovers up high, not down just above the transmission.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I like the crossover on my Eldorado, I use the black rubber fuel hose without clamps there is no way its going to drop off.
If I run low on fuel it cuts out on one cylinder and I have time to turn the other petcock on before it dies completely.
I don't like clear plastic lines.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I like the crossover on my Eldorado, I use the black rubber fuel hose without clamps there is no way its going to drop off.
If I run low on fuel it cuts out on one cylinder and I have time to turn the other petcock on before it dies completely.
I don't like clear plastic lines.

Like Guzzi crossovers, not all "clear plastic line" is created equal. I use Tygon hose from McMaster-Carr. No clamps needed either. I like to see my fuel flow.

[amamet]

hey Charlie, can you get me the item number for the Tygon hose you use at McMaster?  I was going to go with the same line as my airhead but I d like to check out a clear clampless line too
thx
allen

[amamet]

I noticed their tygon fuel line is not ethanol recommended

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I noticed their tygon fuel line is not ethanol recommended

And yet it works perfectly well. It does start turning brown after a while, that's when I replace it.

This what I use: https://www.mcmaster.com/5552K25

[amamet]

thx, they do have one labeled " ultra chemical resistant". wonder how that holds up?

[LesP]

The bike I have came with a hose to each carburettor with a balance hose between them, I used those fittings to make a X of sorts and swapped to single (used) inlet fittings so you get a few options as far as reserve fuel allocation.

Even though I have not ridden a Moto Guzzi I have started to embrace the frugal aspect that seems to go with them so there was no way I was going to pay $65 for a X when I could machine something from 50 cents of material (mgc)





I did raid the Ducati shelf for some hose and clips.

[moto-uno]

  ^ I really like that arrangement  , Peter

[Chuck in Indiana]

Even though I have not ridden a Moto Guzzi I have started to embrace the frugal aspect that seems to go with them so there was no way I was going to pay $65 for a X when I could machine something from 50 cents of material (mgc)

You have been tested and found worthy, grasshopper.. 

[John A]

Beauty

[wirespokes]

Thanks for the warning, Chuck! You converted me.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks for the warning, Chuck! You converted me.

Awesome. Having two of them fail in my extremely limited experience is a no brainer to me.

[wrbix]

OK, I’ll admit I’ve gotten lost in this discussion....termi nology is important. Can someone define with a diagram the two basic systems being discussed.
.....and it seems to me that should a connection come loose in either system, fuel will flow to hot surfaces, rear tire, etc. Gravity being what it is.

[Markcarovilli]

hope these pics help..

I follow Chuck's advise and eliminate the crossover which is the 'X piece in the second photo.

Mark

[guzzisteve]

I've been doing the dbl banjo on ea carb w/hose between them since seeing it at a rally in 81. I used to offer it to customers for $10 to get rid of the snake nest.

[radguzzi]

The bike I have came with a hose to each carburettor with a balance hose between them, I used those fittings to make a X of sorts and swapped to single (used) inlet fittings so you get a few options as far as reserve fuel allocation.

Even though I have not ridden a Moto Guzzi I have started to embrace the frugal aspect that seems to go with them so there was no way I was going to pay $65 for a X when I could machine something from 50 cents of material (mgc)




I did raid the Ducati shelf for some hose and clips.

With all due respect Les, that set up seems so cumbersome and unnecessarily complicated.  The Dual banjos are easily installed On the carbs, connect the lower spigots together as a crossover and the other two directly to the fuel taps.

YMMV...

Best,
Rob



Gets rid of this ridiculous thing...

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

This is definitely a "different strokes for different folks" thing. I've never seen a failed crossover in the 36 years I've had and worked on Guzzis.

Dual-inlet banjos work well on the right carb but can interfere with hoses, filters, etc. on the left, making it difficult to route hoses without kinking. I guess if one uses thick, stiff, black rubber hose, it's not an issue. I stopped using the braided fabric covered hose because you can't tell when the hose is deteriorating due to the covering.

Still using the "ridiculous thing" on my Convert due to the above.

[moto-uno]

  ^+1 , after 15 years with the x-over removed ( I'd misplaced it ) , I reinstalled it last year on my LeMans 2 and am quite pleased with how
it's cleaned things up , judging by previous remarks , YMMV (greatly ), Peter

[Chuck in Indiana]

The problems I ran into wasn't the crossover itself, it was the crimped on connections. You could literally pull them apart. Easily.

[LesP]

With all due respect Les, that set up seems so cumbersome and unnecessarily complicated.  The Dual banjos are easily installed On the carbs, connect the lower spigots together as a crossover and the other two directly to the fuel taps.

YMMV...

Best,
Rob

The dual 'banjo's were on the carburettors when I got the bike with that same crappy fibre fuel line, sorry but I do not like fuel lines below the fuel bowl (gravity or not) and would never run a non clip secured fuel line next to a cylinder given the possibility of a fire.
In my case burning a $20k plus bike to the ground is to be avoided at all cost.

The unit in the picture is quite compact and of course the main difference to the factory part is it is not a X, it is a four port T which makes a major difference to how the fuel hose connections go as far as run and tidiness along with being well away from any potential drama (hot air only and even then not in total direct path)
The horizontal inlets go to the petcocks, the droppers nicely to the carburettors and I get multiple fuel options (reserves)
Good enough for me.

The gearbox breather has the same (next size up) pretty green fuel line  going to a DR650SE OEM carburettor filter pod.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The problems I ran into wasn't the crossover itself, it was the crimped on connections. You could literally pull them apart. Easily.

Ah! I misunderstood. I've never used a crossover with those crimped on hoses. Usually the hose is crap anyway, so I cut the crimps, toss the hose and put my own preferred hose on.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ah! I misunderstood. I've never used a crossover with those crimped on hoses. Usually the hose is crap anyway, so I cut the crimps, toss the hose and put my own preferred hose on.

I have the same on the Aero Lario.. I use the same hose, too.. great minds, and all that.  My bad for not making it clear what my problem was.

[wirespokes]

I know a guy who recommends switching to reserve if you're going to pass and know it's about time to run out. I think he had a pucker moment that imprinted that decision in his head.