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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Danny500 on March 01, 2009, 05:39:00 PM

Title: Fuel Filters
Post by: Danny500 on March 01, 2009, 05:39:00 PM
Hey guys. Bought my bike with a fuel filter installed from the PO/Dealership (used bike who knows) and it's the type with a bronze colored stone inside of it. I'm doing some work and spring-time upgrades for the season and decided to pop off the filter, blow it out and make sure all is well.

Once I had the filter off I realized that the hard, clear plastic casing had turned brown and was now almost as rubbery as the fuel hose itself. Also, on the side leading to the carburetors the little nozzle that goes into the tube has been reduced to about half it's original opening.

SO it's time for a new one... obviously.

Where can I find one with a brass/bronze/metal/stone element inside of it like the one I have? Anywhere I've looked I've seen them for 35+ dollars. (NO WAY.)

I'm not doing any dirt/dust riding with this thing so I don't need to be super particular on my particulate screening. (hah)

Could I just run a regular-old lawnmower style plastic-screen filter and be OK? Or does this need to be a motorcycle-grade part?

Thanks in advance.  :cheers:

Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: Danny500 on March 01, 2009, 05:49:08 PM
Damn it... I hate it when I search, can't find something... post a question... search some more and THEN find the one I want...


Lol.

I found these... all for like, 4 bucks.

http://www.cernics.com/eshopprod_cat_4305-32636-32664_product_519762_keyword_fuel+AND+filter.VISU_FILTER174_SLIMLINE_COM.htm (http://www.cernics.com/eshopprod_cat_4305-32636-32664_product_519762_keyword_fuel+AND+filter.VISU_FILTER174_SLIMLINE_COM.htm)

(http://cdn-0.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/ec0389/12-1555_400.jpg)
(http://cdn-0.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/ec0389/12-1550_400.jpg)

They all use what's called "Sintered Bronze" elements. As good as a paper filter but in a smaller package. Sweet.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: GeeP on March 01, 2009, 10:15:19 PM
http://www.russellperformance.com/tech_center/motorcycle_fuel_filters.htm

I use the all aluminum one on the top right of the page.  $32 IIRC.

Can be disassembled for cleaning.
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: ineedanap on March 01, 2009, 11:22:29 PM
I use a pingel one that looks nearly identical to the one Geep noted and probably costs the same.  If you can swing the extra money for an aluminum one it's worth it.  I went thru 3 plastic ones in one year (at 3 dollars each, the bottom one in your photo) before I got fed up.  They all turned to mush like yours.  You'd think a fuel filter could handle fuel without melting. 
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: fred on March 01, 2009, 11:50:12 PM
$32 for a fuel filter? My bike gas gone more than 87,000 miles without one and it seems to be fine.... If your tank is so full of crud, wouldn't it be better to just clean out the tank? If the tank isn't all full of rust, what's the point of filtering something that is already clean enough? I'm pretty sure gas comes out of the pump nice and clean, so if you're not adding junk to it, why go through all the trouble of filtering?
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: GeeP on March 02, 2009, 03:36:16 PM
Quote from: fred on March 01, 2009, 11:50:12 PM
$32 for a fuel filter? My bike gas gone more than 87,000 miles without one and it seems to be fine.... If your tank is so full of crud, wouldn't it be better to just clean out the tank? If the tank isn't all full of rust, what's the point of filtering something that is already clean enough? I'm pretty sure gas comes out of the pump nice and clean, so if you're not adding junk to it, why go through all the trouble of filtering?

For the one time you do get crap into the fuel lines.  Generally, about 1,500+- miles from home :). 

Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: intergalactic on April 25, 2009, 07:31:45 PM
So I just added a filter. I cleaned my carb float bowls and did this with a re-jet. But I *think* I am getting some starvation or have a nasty air bubble. Any opinions on fuel filter placement? Mine is down lo on top of the tranny case behind/ below the carbs. The filter P/N is in my sig.

FWIW I had a rust plugged pilot jet on 1992 carbs.
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: commuterdude on April 25, 2009, 07:45:29 PM
I'm using one for a John Deere lawn tractor I got off the shelf at Home Depot....seems to work great.
Title: Re: Fuel Filters
Post by: intergalactic on April 25, 2009, 07:49:16 PM
update

I installed 40 bleed pilot jets, that's probably my problem. Filter is probably ok. And $5 and locally available.

Quote from: intergalactic on April 25, 2009, 07:31:45 PM
So I just added a filter. I cleaned my carb float bowls and did this with a re-jet. But I *think* I am getting some starvation or have a nasty air bubble. Any opinions on fuel filter placement? Mine is down lo on top of the tranny case behind/ below the carbs. The filter P/N is in my sig.

FWIW I had a rust plugged pilot jet on 1992 carbs.