fuel filter doesn't work!

[larstorders]

Quite sometime ago I fitted a Mahle fuel filter. Over 300 ish miles I got fuel starvation twice forcing me to stop   . Took the filter off all was well again. The filter was fitted with it's arrow in the direction of flow, it now sits in a box in the shed instead of doing it's job keeping my carbs clean. Anyone else experience this nonsense ?
Odd that such a simple 'paper' filter could cause a problem.

[Justin B.]

It sounds like maybe it was doing it's job extremely well and likely clogged up!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

There are those that love them and those that have never considered putting one on their airhead.

I am in the second group.


There are two other screens between your fuel supply and the carbs.  Those should be checked once a year for contamination.
If you empty your tank, and remove your petcock, you will hopefully find a clean screen with no liner peeling off onto it.
Some folks report finding no filter in there.  NOT a good thing!
RealOEM link

The second OEM filter is located at the bottom of the petcock, just above where the hose pushes on.


Duane Ausherman has a good section on measuring fuel flow on his site: http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/petcock/index.htm (scroll down)
(remember, Duane is pre-R65...)

"An Everbest will flow 100 cc of fuel in about 12-15 seconds with a half full tank.  Only when it would get up to around 20 seconds would I remove the petcock to investigate it further.  A full tank will flow more fuel than a low one, so take that into account in your flow measurements"

[MrRiden]

I'd be curious 'nuff to cut it open! I've run a "universal" metal cased paper element automotive filter with good result. I did, at one point, use the popular sintered bronze in plastic model but became wary when the plastic deformed due to heat. Is your filter metal? Could it be opened with a pipe cutter?
rich

[tagordon]

If you locate the sintered brass and plastic type filters so that they are in a different position it may help.
I too, had the deformed filter goblin. Located the filters high and with some slack in the line to put them into more of the airflow.
The metal one I was using plugged and I then switched back to the plastic so I could see when I needed to change them.
Notice I said them, I use one on carb fuel line.

[montmil]

...Notice I said them, I use one on carb fuel line.

Sort of a "belt AND suspenders" kinda guy? Me, too.  

Monte