I need to put a filter on my bike, but I don't know what size to buy. Does the GS500 take a 1/4" or 5/16"? Thanks!

it takes 6mm.

It's almost exactly half-way between.  I'd probably go with 5/16, but you may have you work to get the hose ends on the filter (but then, you won't need to remove them until it's time to replace the filter).

When you redo your hoses, you can redo them with 5/16, and they will slip onto the tank/carbs pretty easily then.

also, when you redo your hoses, use clear vinyl tubing... makes fuel starvation problems easier to spot. less than 3feet does the whole system, with a little extra length to make tank removal easier.

Where would I get clear vinyl tubing? Where would I get any kind of new hosing for the bike? Do I have to redo the hoses when I put a fuel filter on?

you can buy the tubing at a hardware store


no, you don't have to replace the hoses, but since you're there, it's a good idea (cheap insurance... cost less then 10 bucks)

I used zip ties instead of the stock hose clamps with the vinyl tubing (just guessing the next question...  was I right? :lol:   )

Hehe......yeah, that'd be one of the questions.  :mrgreen:

Well, the only other question I have is about size. What size tubing should I buy, or should I just take a piece from the bike with me to the store?

if you can find it 7mm, but i just used 5/16 and clamped it tight, no problems

oops... no I didn't.. I used 1/4... I just went and checked...

now I remember.. I used 1/4 and stretched it a bit with the butt end of a 5/16 drill bit (by hand) to get it over the nipple, then clamped with zip tie.. sorry for the confusion, went out and looked

the heat is no problem w/ the vinyl?

1/4 inch poly fuel line ... search ebay ... just poly fuel line will work ... lots of hits ... blue, red ... all colors ...
Cool.
Srinath.

5/16 is, imho, too big.


I use 1/4 from home depot.  It doesn't say "gas safe" it does say chemical safe though... it's been on there about 2k miles with no problems. (I'm talking about fuel hose here...) fuel filter I used lawnmower 1/4 fuel filters...

my 1/4 inch vinyl has been on for about 4 months (4000 miles or so)  with no problems

to be clear here, a fuel filter would be an add on, correct?

yep... a good idea, they make some pretty neat re-useable ones that go inline (those universal glass tube looking ones are nice)

what is a good filter to use and where exactly does it go. i know dumb questions, but don't want to screw anything up. i have a habit of making the simplest things impossible.

Quote from: stevemac12073what is a good filter to use and where exactly does it go. i know dumb questions, but don't want to screw anything up. i have a habit of making the simplest things impossible.

really any filter is fine as long as it's 1/4.  I like the ones I can see through.. not for any reason though.  just about any will work.  use zip ties and tip tie the fuel line onto it so it can't pull off.  you put the fuel filters on between the tank and the petcock... (one on each fuel line..) or you can just do one filter from the petcock to the carbs

what are the real benefits from a fuel filter?  is it just for protection against crap flowing from the tank?

Quote from: weaselnozewhat are the real benefits from a fuel filter?  is it just for protection against crap flowing from the tank?

yes. primarily rust.  you can also get other junk in there that's no good for the carbs that will flow right through the shitty fuel 'bag' they call a filter in the tank

will it catch the crumbs from my cookie that i was eating while doing a fill up?  lol jk