GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Jerka on April 01, 2008, 11:51:05 AM

Title: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Jerka on April 01, 2008, 11:51:05 AM
I read a post somewhere that said inline fuel filters had to be motorcycle specific or else the filter element would be too thick for the low pressure fuel system of our fuel pumpless bikes.  The post had a link to a $60 filter or something crazy like that. 

My question is...can't you just use a small, cheap inline filter from an autoparts store or even a lawnmover fuel filter...heck, they sell those at Home Depot?
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Kurlon on April 01, 2008, 12:08:12 PM
The concern is the cheapie filters don't flow enough to keep a GS properly fed.  As it is the stock petcock system starves the bike for fuel when getting it's neck wrung, any additional restrictions will make the problem worse.

As a note, Motion Pro makes inline fuel valves with 5/16" fittings, just like many of the cheapie inline fuel filters.  They say you're not to use the valve on 300cc or larger motors, and it doesn't have a filter to help clog the works...
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Jerka on April 01, 2008, 12:13:49 PM
Anybody got a link to a cheap and proven fuel filter for the GS?
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: mhavel on April 01, 2008, 12:39:11 PM
I've had good luck in my cars with an Earl's Inline fuel filter.  Nice thing about them is that you can take them apart, clean them and then re-install.

I'll probably be trying this one:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=EAR%2D230103ERL&N=700+115&autoview=sku (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=EAR%2D230103ERL&N=700+115&autoview=sku)
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: scottpA_GS on April 01, 2008, 01:39:42 PM
I use the cheap $4 filters avaiable at any motorcycle shop. They are cone shaped. I have even used 2 of them in line and still no problems on the GS
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Kaizer on April 01, 2008, 02:55:21 PM
crap. been using the filter for like $4 from advanced auto. what is the filter that you use? let me know. thanks. maybe that can explain my crappy mileage. would it?
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: ben2go on April 01, 2008, 03:02:49 PM
YOU CAN'T USE AUTOMOTIVE FUEL FILTERS. THEY REQUIRE FUEL PRESSURE TO FORCE FUEL THRU THE ELEMENT.Some of the aftermarket screen type work but don't catch the fine stuff that clog up jets.The best ones are made for motorcycles and use a brass filter element.Most mc shops have them for around $2 or $3.Sometimes you can find them at big auto parts stores.A$$vanced had them in the area where the small engine and motorcycle stuff is.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: scottpA_GS on April 01, 2008, 03:02:50 PM

There are TONS to try

http://www.cernics.com/catalog_keyword_search.asp?searchtype=keyword&keyword=FUEL+FILTER&Search=Search

I use

http://www.cernics.com/eshopprod_cat_3799-24085-10276_product_476188_keyword_FUEL+AND+FILTER.VISU_FILTER174_LARGE_CAPACI.htm

:thumb:
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: ben2go on April 01, 2008, 03:03:53 PM
This is like the ones I use.
http://www.cernics.com/eshopprod_cat_3799-24085-10276_product_476188_keyword_FUEL+AND+FILTER.VISU_FILTER174_LARGE_CAPACI.htm
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Kaizer on April 03, 2008, 01:05:59 PM
ok here is what i found on another site.

"The external fuel filter should be between the fuel switch and the carb. It can be replaced with an off the shelf filter from an auto parts house. Use a Purolator F20004 type filter. It looks nearly exactly like the Yamaha stock units but only costs about $3 instead of $15."

so...has anyone used the purolator F20004? I have had it in my bike for 1.5 YEARS!!! is this okay? thanks.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: ben2go on April 03, 2008, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: Kaizer on April 03, 2008, 01:05:59 PM
ok here is what i found on another site.

"The external fuel filter should be between the fuel switch and the carb. It can be replaced with an off the shelf filter from an auto parts house. Use a Purolator F20004 type filter. It looks nearly exactly like the Yamaha stock units but only costs about $3 instead of $15."

so...has anyone used the purolator F20004? I have had it in my bike for 1.5 YEARS!!! is this okay? thanks.

I haven't used that one but I replace my fuel filter every spring.If you don't ride in a dusty area and your bike is stored inside,1.5 should be ok.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Kaizer on April 04, 2008, 12:06:24 AM
I change my filter once a year along with the oil. i dont ride much long distance.  thanks.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: pbureau69 on April 04, 2008, 05:57:27 PM
hum dont have a fuel filter...... Oh well bike only 2 years old anyways....go through 2 tanks of gas a week...  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: ben2go on April 05, 2008, 12:56:15 PM
Quote from: pbureau69 on April 04, 2008, 05:57:27 PM
hum dont have a fuel filter...... Oh well bike only 2 years old anyways....go through 2 tanks of gas a week...  :icon_rolleyes:


GS don't come with a fuel filter.That's the factory's way of making you take it back to the dealer and have the carbs cleaned out reguarly.If you're running 2 tanks per week,you need a fuel filter bad.Every time you open the tank some very tiny particles enter combing with others and fouling up the carbs.Plus, the fuel dispensers bypass the filters when they sense a flow restriction passing contaminates to your tank.Not all of them do this just the older ones.The old ones with the rotary number display is bad for this.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: Kaizer on April 05, 2008, 02:28:50 PM
hmm so what you are saying is dont open the tank so much. ditto. i have had to make short trips but I normally get gas once a month. btw, silly question, if you were to insert a ruler into the GS 2001 tank, and it measures 2 inches, how MUCH gas is in there? anyone has done these calculations? I think 2 inches in the 5.3 gal is close to half a gallon of gas. not sure. let me know what you geniuses come up with, since there is no gas gauge on the GS.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: ben2go on April 05, 2008, 05:44:22 PM
Quote from: Kaizer on April 05, 2008, 02:28:50 PM
hmm so what you are saying is dont open the tank so much. ditto. i have had to make short trips but I normally get gas once a month. btw, silly question, if you were to insert a ruler into the GS 2001 tank, and it measures 2 inches, how MUCH gas is in there? anyone has done these calculations? I think 2 inches in the 5.3 gal is close to half a gallon of gas. not sure. let me know what you geniuses come up with, since there is no gas gauge on the GS.

You could drain it into a 1 gallon milk jug and see how much it is.
Title: Re: Fuel Filter Question
Post by: pbureau69 on April 06, 2008, 04:48:30 AM
Quote from: Kaizer on April 05, 2008, 02:28:50 PM
hmm so what you are saying is dont open the tank so much. ditto. i have had to make short trips but I normally get gas once a month. btw, silly question, if you were to insert a ruler into the GS 2001 tank, and it measures 2 inches, how MUCH gas is in there? anyone has done these calculations? I think 2 inches in the 5.3 gal is close to half a gallon of gas. not sure. let me know what you geniuses come up with, since there is no gas gauge on the GS.

2001+ Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.0 liter (5.3 gal.) 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.) CA. Model