Fuel Filter
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 3,073
From: Brighton, MI
Fuel Filter
I know some don't like running a filter. I know the in the tank screen does a pretty good job of getting the larger stuff, but I am curious why some say "don't run one".
The reason I ask is my factory tank liner is letting go, and I have cleaned out as much or the loose stuff as possible using a brush and high pressure air (I have access thru about a 3 1/2 hole on the top of the tank for the float).
I feel pretty good about getting all the loose stuff out, but wanted to run a clear inline filter for awhile to watch for debris. Does paper element flow better than sintered bronze? Any recommendations on a filter? YD
The reason I ask is my factory tank liner is letting go, and I have cleaned out as much or the loose stuff as possible using a brush and high pressure air (I have access thru about a 3 1/2 hole on the top of the tank for the float).
I feel pretty good about getting all the loose stuff out, but wanted to run a clear inline filter for awhile to watch for debris. Does paper element flow better than sintered bronze? Any recommendations on a filter? YD
Last edited by Yankee Dog; Sep 11, 2018 at 08:24 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,632
Likes: 3,391
From: Cental, MI
I know some don't like running a filter. I know the in the tank screen does a pretty good job of getting the larger stuff, but I am curious why some say "don't run one".
The reason I ask is my factory tank liner is letting go, and I have cleaned out as much or the loose stuff as possible using a brush and high pressure air (I have access thru about a 3 1/2 hole on the top of the tank for the float).
I feel pretty good about getting all the loose stuff out, but wanted to run a clear inline filter for awhile to watch for debris. Does paper element flow better than sintered bronze? Any recommendations on a filter? YD
The reason I ask is my factory tank liner is letting go, and I have cleaned out as much or the loose stuff as possible using a brush and high pressure air (I have access thru about a 3 1/2 hole on the top of the tank for the float).
I feel pretty good about getting all the loose stuff out, but wanted to run a clear inline filter for awhile to watch for debris. Does paper element flow better than sintered bronze? Any recommendations on a filter? YD
If your in tank filter don't stop it... it will go thru the engine...
think about it... with the In tank filter in place, it will plug long before an inline sees any debris!!!
ie, Useless....Unless your plan is to remove the in tank filter, and run thru an inline until it runs clean!!! No Thanks... I would replace that tank, and/or a good Indy or maybe even a Radiator shop [old school one] can clean the Tank.
I won't fool with "sealed" tanks... Some uninformed person has ruined that tank IMO...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've never used an in-line filter simply because in 40+ years of riding I haven't had the problems you mention. My first move would be to empty the tank and clean it of all loose stuff, then consider using a sealing product to minimise future problems.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
My experience with inline fuel filters has been entirely negative.
On both bikes I've tried them on they restricted fuel flow to the point where under hard acceleration or sharp corners the bikes would act like they were running out of fuel.
I don't recommend them.
On both bikes I've tried them on they restricted fuel flow to the point where under hard acceleration or sharp corners the bikes would act like they were running out of fuel.
I don't recommend them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I recently changed the petcock on my 1990 as it was sticking. I was surprised at the amount of paint chips from the gas pump chipping the filler neck and some other debris built up over the years. The lower half of the filter was pretty clogged but cleaned easily.
I think the internal filter seemed pretty good and not sure what would make it past it to worry about. I am not familiar with your bike and if it has the same filter attached to the petcock or not but feel it’s adequate.
I have seen folks running those in-line paper filters as I guess a back up and if they are changed regularly they are fine IMO.
I think you can continue to clean your tank but if you are getting a ton of rust flakes I would replace it over trying to seal it Some people will swear you can seal them but I have never tried. Depends on your budget and if this bike will be kept teen.
Good luck
I think the internal filter seemed pretty good and not sure what would make it past it to worry about. I am not familiar with your bike and if it has the same filter attached to the petcock or not but feel it’s adequate.
I have seen folks running those in-line paper filters as I guess a back up and if they are changed regularly they are fine IMO.
I think you can continue to clean your tank but if you are getting a ton of rust flakes I would replace it over trying to seal it Some people will swear you can seal them but I have never tried. Depends on your budget and if this bike will be kept teen.
Good luck
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 3,073
From: Brighton, MI
Inline fuel filters have been nothing but a PITA for me..
If your in tank filter don't stop it... it will go thru the engine...
think about it... with the In tank filter in place, it will plug long before an inline sees any debris!!!
ie, Useless....Unless your plan is to remove the in tank filter, and run thru an inline until it runs clean!!! No Thanks... I would replace that tank, and/or a good Indy or maybe even a Radiator shop [old school one] can clean the Tank.
I won't fool with "sealed" tanks... Some uninformed person has ruined that tank IMO...
If your in tank filter don't stop it... it will go thru the engine...
think about it... with the In tank filter in place, it will plug long before an inline sees any debris!!!
ie, Useless....Unless your plan is to remove the in tank filter, and run thru an inline until it runs clean!!! No Thanks... I would replace that tank, and/or a good Indy or maybe even a Radiator shop [old school one] can clean the Tank.
I won't fool with "sealed" tanks... Some uninformed person has ruined that tank IMO...
As mentioned, all the loose stuff has been removed with brush and high pressure air. I suppose the remainder will eventually fall off as well.
My thought process was, a sintered bronze or paper filter would catch what the larger in tank mesh screen would not. Especially after just removing all the loose stuff and trying to catch the remainder of the "fine particles". YD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
You can get a small all metal filter with hose barbs on both ends at the auto parts store for a few bucks. Not paper, either, but some kind of metal mesh stuff inside. My factoid database says:
Inline fuel filter 5/16" in and out: Fram G3515, WIX 33027
Inline fuel filter 5/16" in and out: Fram G3515, WIX 33027
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 3,073
From: Brighton, MI
Same with the aftermarket screw apart filters like Russell or emgo, differing types of filter elements. My job is to figure out which one. But at least with what you posted and the ones with the replaceable elements, it's easy to do on the side of the road as well as carrying a few spares. YD
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
Those are kind of what I was thinking. Only I was thinking a clear one so I could see what kind of chit was making it's way past the in tank screen. Some of those fram/wix filters have the sintered brass/bronze filter element in them, some are paper, and some have a mesh screen similar to what we have in our tanks now.
Same with the aftermarket screw apart filters like Russell or emgo, differing types of filter elements. My job is to figure out which one. But at least with what you posted and the ones with the replaceable elements, it's easy to do on the side of the road as well as carrying a few spares. YD
Same with the aftermarket screw apart filters like Russell or emgo, differing types of filter elements. My job is to figure out which one. But at least with what you posted and the ones with the replaceable elements, it's easy to do on the side of the road as well as carrying a few spares. YD
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 3,073
From: Brighton, MI
I just feel like because of the scrubbing I did in the tank, and the fact that some of the factory sealer remains (but is firmly attached to inside of the tank at this point), knowing that it will some day let go, I should do something to prevent any stuff getting in the carb.
I might ad that there is no rust or gunk in the tank, after the liner came off, it revealed shiny metal. YD