Piggyback on my VF700 thread - Fuel Filter

So I asked last time what fuel filter to use, as I'll be replacing it this week. Could you guys be really specific with the newb?

1985...Line size? Brand? Type (paper, etc)? Do I have to buy the OEM one? Can I install an aftermarket one in the same place?

I'd like to buy one before I pull the other one out.

Thanks, y'all.

 

High Maintenance (pun)

I know I'm asking a lot - I tried to look the information on the line size in the Clymer manual but couldn't find it.

Thanks for your help.

 

Most inline fuel filter will work. The SAE size fits on the metric fuel line.

Most recommend a clear filter so you can see if the gas gets cloudy or you see dirt.

I've been told the brass element ones work best. You can get a small cone shaped inline one from Cycle Gear for 2.99.

I always try to put my filter where I can see it pretty easily and change it out easily if it gets cloggged. Anywhere before the line hits the fuel pump is good. After the fuel pump is usually considered bad as it could possibly lead to a false backpressure reading at the pump and cause your carbs to starve at high RPMs.

 

So I went and bought my fuel filter (brass element and cone shaped), got into the bike to retrieve the old one and had a few issues:

1. The old filter (it looks filthy, I think I confirmed my problem) is older and much bigger. It is in a big white clip under the fuel pump. I could not get the hoses off; they were secured with little metal clips that were stubborn as hell...Help!

2. If I did get the hoses off, I don't believe there would even be enough fuel line to get to the smaller filter.

Solutions? I think I can find the OEM filter, but those damn hoses baffled me.

Also, I love the idea of putting the filter under the seat, but how would I go about it with the line, i.e., how would I connect the hoses that are now connected to the filter under the pump?

I'm nearly sure this is the problem with some sputtering issues I'm having so I don't feel I can ride until I solve 'em. I would love to do it myself (that was my first time inside the bike!). Thanks for the help.

 

The fuel filter on my '83 is in a hole for sure. Not much room to work around it. The fuel lines, after 20+ years can be pretty hard to remove from the filter even after removing the clamps. Have you considered replacing the fuel lines while you're in there? It may make replacing the filter easier and prevent a leaking line in the future. Your Honda dealer can sell you the fuel line or at least tell you what size it is. I'd guess 1/4 or 5/16 line. It'll only cost about 5 bucks. I might just replace the stock filter with a stock one. I'm sure the Honda dealer could get one if they don't have one in stock. Aftermarket brass filters work great, but your stock one has worked well for over 20 years. I'd pull the tank off and siphen out most of the gas to put back in, then dump the last quart or so. Rinse it out again with some of the gas you siphened out, then put it back on. After doing this you will have a clean tank to work with. It looks like there is a little room beside the rear shock to put your new smaller filter where the fuel line exits the tank. In any case I'd still replace the stock filter with a new Honda filter, even if adding the new one.
Usually a stopped up filter will cause the bike to "run out of gas" at highway speeds when it'd use a lot of gas (climbing an interstate ramp or climbing a steep hill in high gear at higher speeds). Sometimes a little water can get in the filter and cause some sputtering, but not very often. You might consider a new set of spark plugs along with the filter change to complete your tune-up. Might help with the sputtering. What do you think?

 

Here is what I did to remove the pump to replace the fuel lines and filter. (It's been a little while so I may have forgotten the exact procedure)

Needed:
1" Fuel line
2 Fuel line clamps: either spring loaded or screw. I prefer screw.

1. Turn the petcock to "OFF"

2. Disconnect the electrical connection to the pump

3. Remove the seat, left sidecover, regulator, coolant overflow pump, (IIRC, the crankcase pressure reservoir has to removed too). Pay attention to where the hoses/electrical are routed

4. Disconnect the hose from the gas tank. (the pump is still attached to the carb line though - don't necessarily have to remove)

5. The pump is mounted to the plastic piece that the regulator was mounted to. You should now be able to remove the pump and plastic piece all at once.

6. Once removed, just use a pair of pliers to unclamp the lines going to the fuel filter. Replace the filter and 2 lines with one piece of fuel line.

7. Replace pump and assembly in the bike.

8. Cut about a 2" to 2.5" section of fuel line. Place one end at the gas tank and the other into the fuel filter. Now hook up the other end of the fuel filter to the stock line to the fuel pump.

9. Tighten fuel line clamps.

For your first time, it will probably take you about an hour. If you have to do it a second time, it'll take about 1/2 hour.

Advantages:
You can see your fuel filter just by removing the seat.
Easy to replace.
Easy to remove/bypass if it gets clogged. (Be sure to carry the proper tool to unclamp the fuel lines)

Disadvantages:
It's not OEM.

 

Guys, you're the bomb...thanks for all the help. I've got a stock filter on the way and am going to change my plugs at the same time. I'll let y'all know how it works out. I've got a weekend 300 miler in two weeks so it MUST get done:biggrin: