Page 1 of 1
Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2015 10:07 pm
by towerworker
I have only done this once before but found it worth while. I've got 60K on my '04 R and had never changed the fuel filter. I had an '03 and removed the internal fuel filter, bypassed it with a piece of fuel line and installed an external fuel filter. I did the same today on my '04 with 60K on the original filter. (way overdue)
It's a pain in the ass to remove the tank, then remove the filter/pump assembly to simply replace the fuel filter. So again I today bought a standard $6 fuel filter from Advance Auto, 12" of fuel injection rated fuel line (about $6 per ft) and a pack of "fuel injection" type fuel line clamps. You DO NOT want the cheap standard screw type hose clamps.
I removed the internal filter and installed in it's place a short length of fuel line. Then installed the $6 filter outside the tank with a short length of line. So when it comes time again to change the fuel filter it will be maybe a 20 minute job.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 6:23 am
by gregor
My 02 hit 25,000 miles (yesterday). Thought I'd get the filter changed for the first time and all the ABS fluid (second time) as the tank needs to be lifted anyway. Booked in at the local dealer as I'm not confident with that area.
Good luck to you.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 7:35 am
by towerworker
Gregor-
Servicing the ABS is next on the list. Could have done it yesterday when the tank was off but I'm too slow in my wrenching these days. Another weekend.
Wayne
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 8:50 am
by skylarmav1
Thx. Tower.
Any pics? Where is the fuel filter now?
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 9:03 am
by Dr. Strangelove
There's an xls file somewhere that shows how to do it, it's easy, but a pita, then it's done and voila! I think SweatMark posted it years back and it has all the detail and pictures you need. Thanks SweatMark.
I am shouting this:
YOU NEED TO USE GOOD FUEL INJECTION TUBING. ANYTHING ELSE WILL "MELT." It is expensive; if what you find is cheap, you have the wrong stuff. Also, the EXACT right size for the fuel injector clamps is mandatory...a sixteenth too big can cause problems. The clamps are ava at PepBoys; the FI hose at Napa, iirc.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 7:45 pm
by towerworker
The filter is now just ahead of the QD's and just under the lip of the tank. I'll take a couple pics tomorrow and try to post them. Another thing---I used a physically small filter(smaller than OEM) so it most likely won't last as long as the original but it's a 15 min change out so I can live with that. And the Dr is right.......the right FI tubing is more expensive ....$6+ per ft. And it's heavier and has more reinforcement in the tubing walls. Don't scrimp on the tubing nor clamps.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 9:53 pm
by Roger 04 rt
For hose inside the tank your talking $25-30 per foot. It has to be rated for constant immersion in gasoline.
Since you have to check the condition of the intank hoses periodically and for safety, I've left my filter in the tank.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 6:28 am
by towerworker
I will admit that bit of information got by me. The fuel line I had on hand was what was left over from doing my last R. I will recheck that line spec (R10) and pull the tank if necessary. Thanks!
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:32 am
by Roger 04 rt
towerworker wrote:I will admit that bit of information got by me. The fuel line I had on hand was what was left over from doing my last R. I will recheck that line spec (R10) and pull the tank if necessary. Thanks!
No problem, I learned the hard way. The dealer who I bought my bike from refreshed the hoses before selling it. He used non-submersible for the vent lines in the tank. They were mushy in a couple months.
I'm pretty sure the hose you used is non-submersible from the rating you gave.
Re: Externalizing the fuel filter
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:38 am
by towerworker
Roger 04 rt wrote:towerworker wrote:I will admit that bit of information got by me. The fuel line I had on hand was what was left over from doing my last R. I will recheck that line spec (R10) and pull the tank if necessary. Thanks!
No problem, I learned the hard way. The dealer who I bought my bike from refreshed the hoses before selling it. He used non-submersible for the vent lines in the tank. They were mushy in a couple months.
I'm pretty sure the hose you used is non-submersible from the rating you gave.
The R10 spec I quoted was from Anton Largaider (
http://www.largiader.com/shop/) He responded to a post on ADVRider concerning the same. I'm pretty certain my fuel line used was not of that spec but still looking into it.