In Line Fuel Filter

[MR.E]

Now then

A few times i've asked questions around why the R65 (not the project bike) could be such a bugger to start.
I had a chat with Motorworks today, about engine blueprints, but while on the phone i mentioned the problem, the first question they asked was whether i had an inline fuel filter as it caused air blocks and fueling problems for the single tap bikes.

I've ordered a new 'in tank filter' for the bike as apparently it's all that's needed for the fuel system.
Has anyone else had the problem??

Thanks

[Bob_Roller]

I've been using an inline filter on the '81 R65 for about 20 years  .

No engine operating issues with the filter that I use .

http://www.itw-fastex-cva.com/images/stories/data-shts/visufilter/8471-00-9909.pdf

A lot of the filters available from most motorcycle shops, are quite restrictive in fuel flow .

I don't think I have the measurements that I took, when I compared the 'sintered' type media filter, compared to this pleated paper media, this was about 8 years ago .

The sintered filter only flowed about half of the volume that the  paper filter did .

http://www.itw-fastex-cva.com/images/stories/data-shts/visufilter/8419-00-9909.PDF

[steve hawkins]

I have not run an extra inline fuel filter on my R65 for some years after being told the same from another source(Boxerworks).  

If your filter in your tank is intact, and you will not know this unless you pull your tap off and physically inspect it, then you do not need extra filters.

If your tank is full of crap and your internal filter is damaged/missing, then you miight be able to justify another filter as a temporary fix.  Otherwise I would respectfully suggest not.

I would prefer to empty and flush my tank on occasion (not every year) to remove water/debries and restore the original equipement.

Putting extra filters in line will restrict fuel flow, especially if the filter upstream is being forced to do its job.  You might also find cold starting getting difficult when you are low on fuel (and too impatient).

The only thing 'wrong' with an internal filter is that you cannot see when you have debris floating around in your fuel.  A clear peice of pipe would be nice in this case.  

Cheers

Rev Light

[MR.E]

cheers
I've ordered a new tank filter that came today.
But i have a tank full of fuel!!!

I've a jerry can somewhere!!

Thanks

[Barry]

I too do not have an in line filter.  Just the short stock fine mesh filter which inserts into the petcock outlet. I probably should also have the fine mesh filter that fits over the straws in the tank. Not sure if the bike ever had both.

I might have had a jet block once but that was years ago before I started annual tank cleaning.

I can see the argument for an in line filter but I just don't like the look of them or at least I have never seen one that remotely looked like something the bike might have left the factory with.

[Bob_Roller]

Before I added the in line filter, whenever I removed the float bowls, I would always have a fine sediment in the bowl, along with a few globs of water .

Since the addition of the in line filter, I have not seen any of this in the bowls .

I think a source of water in the fuel tank can be attributed to a deteriorated rubber seal on the fuel cap .

When you wash the bike, or it gets left out in the rain, the water puddles around the cap, until enough has accumulated to run down the drain in the filler area .

I replace this seal about every 5 years, the hot environment I reside in, is pretty tough on rubber parts .

But, it's something to check every now and then .

I remove the fuel tank every 2 years drain it, then leave it out in the summer sun for an afternoon or two, to evaporate any water that may have accumulated in there .

But with temps in the sun for a few hours the fuel tank is in the 160 F (71 C) range, I need gloves on to handle it .

[montmil]

All three of my Airheads have the small, cone-shaped, sintered filters. The R100S has two of 'em -one at each tap. I'll change them out about every two years and have never had a problem of any sort.

[steve hawkins]

This might well be a climate thing.  If you live somewhere hot and potentially dusty, then perhaps the internal filter might not cut it even when fully intact and functional.

It would be interesting to look at the specs of the mesh of the OE filter.

I would be looking to buy the biggest filter, with a large cross sectional area, if I were having problems with contaminants....Might go check my float bowels this weekend......

Those of us in a more temperate climate perhaps should count ourselves lucky.

Rev. Light

[Bob_Roller]

The first filter that I posted a link to, the pleated paper filter, has around 15-20 sq cm of filtering area .

It is significantly more than the sintered element filter .

I thought that was more than enough for the size engine on the R65 .

Dust and dirt in the air here in the desert is a constant, it never goes away .

After a windy day or two, it takes 2-3 days for the dirt to fall out of the air and get back on the ground, where it belongs !!!! .

[URon]

Inline filters should not restrict fuel flow enough to matter unless they are doing their job and are (partially) plugged. Check your fuel flow.
350cc/min is good.  Is your tank venting?  Pull the cap and see if flow
significantly increases.

Annual or at least biennial tank cleaning is essential.  Get a new style
screen (PN 16122307112) with a gasket soldered to it.  Recommend a
NAPA 7-02323 filter. It is a marine filter, has more pleats (filtering area) than an auto filter and also separates water.
URon