Fuel Filter

Message

Cathcart · #1 Post by **Cathcart** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:09 pm

Hey, you know the hassle involved in doing the Falco fuel filter? Well, can't we put a straight pipe through where the filter usually goes and do a normal in line filter external to the tank like on most jap bikes? I change my filter every year and can't be bothered with the Aprilia sort of filter hassle...

Possible in theory? Anything against this?

fatboy · #2 Post by **fatboy** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:35 pm

Others are far more experienced in Falco ways but the only problem I can see is having a fair sized inline filter very close to the top end of the motor

Cathcart · #3 Post by **Cathcart** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:48 pm

I've not had a good look or that yet but I assume there'll be an easy way of heat protecting it or stopping it from touching the rocker.
I just feel that if the likes of R1's etc can do it then I don't see why we can't. Granted we have a rocker at the rear too but surely I can work round that somehow.

#4 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 8:41 pm

How on earth are you going to pipe up an external filter, seeing that the only way you could do it is by putting the filter in the supply line? You really don't want to be doing that, as it will substantially reduce the fuel pressure leading to all sorts of unpredictable results. You'll also have problems making it fit if you tried that.

I suggest you'd be better employed sourcing some equivalent filters at less than Aprilia prices, and some suitable petrol (and ethanol) resistant o-ring sealant, then biting the bullet...

Cathcart · #5 Post by **Cathcart** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:22 pm

Don't the jap's have it in the supply line? Although saying that I'm sure it's pre pump... It's not the filter price that bothers me, it's the stupid placing of it by Aprilia. Draining the tank and removing the gumph. Na, I'd be happier at a better location.
I'm not so sure I'd suffer from any pressure problems, the pump already sucks the fuel through the filter, all I'm asking it to do is push it through the filter instead. Surely the drag on the pump is the same at either side?

I am curious of the location though...

#6 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:42 pm

Yes, but the filter doesn't just protect the injectors, it also protects the pump. A pump is just as susceptible to fuel borne cack as the injectors.

Cathcart · #7 Post by **Cathcart** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 10:02 pm

Hmmm... Fair point. I take it the fuel pump is definitely in the tank on the Falco? I assumed it is.
Guess I'll need to have a think and a bit of research... They already do this on the BMW gs or whatever it is. Not sure if their pump is external or what though.

#8 Post by **mangocrazy** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:20 pm

Cathcart wrote:Hmmm... Fair point. I take it the fuel pump is definitely in the tank on the Falco? I assumed it is.

The pump and fuel filter are all part of the block that bolts onto the back underside of the tank. It's all designed to work together; reverse engineering it with an external filter would be a nightmare, especially making room for all the bits that previously lived in the tank.

Cathcart · #9 Post by **Cathcart** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:31 pm

I was just thinking of a simple bridge where he original filter is and a cut in the feed line outside the tank then placing the usual inline filter in. Only thing worrying my now is the fuel pump damage... As you so rightly noted. Filtering the fuel through a simple filter on fill up totally defeats the purpose of making it everything easier, as this was my first thought when you mentioned the pump.
I'll need to whip my tank innards out to have a look.

D-Rider · #10 Post by **D-Rider** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:38 pm

Cathcart wrote:Hmmm... Fair point. I take it the fuel pump is definitely in the tank on the Falco? I assumed it is.

Yes it is - and Mango has made the points that were running through my mind as I read through this thread.

I've never yet changed my fuel filter - TBH with the tank warping issues and some having problems resealing their tanks when they do have the pump out, I'm not that keen to do so before I really have to.
Having looked at the User Manual and the Workshop Manual, there seems to be no interval given to replace the fuel filter. The only guidance it gives is that it is advisable to do so while you have the pump out.
I guess that equates to every 4 years as the service interval for replacing fuel hoses is every 4 years (though I bet few have ever done so) and there are fuel hoses inside the tank connected to the fuel pump.

This also suggests it's pointless trying to place the filter outside the tank as you're going to need to get in there anyway to replace the fuel lines!

Cathcart · #11 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:49 am

It all seems an overly problematic way though, that's what gets me. I like to know my filters are clean so I change them every year along with oil etc. I don't fancy running the risks of playing with the tank a lot.
Acht, we'll see where this ends up. From both of your comments I'm starting to doubt that I'm going to do it. Mostly as the pump will get fill with crap and Falco parts are few and far between as is.
Chances are I'll never replace those hoses until they become faulty. I assessment most folk are in that boat.

#12 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:50 am

To be honest, I think it's almost a case of 'fix on fail'. I'm not happy with that idea really, but getting at the filter and fuel pump is a faff. Perhaps you arrive at an arbitrary mileage or age of bike and say - I'm replacing the fuel filter and all the fuel pipes in one hit. Get all the parts together, bite the bullet and get in there and do it.

Cathcart · #13 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:09 am

So, unless I go full hog and fit an external pump and filter, after finding space, after figuring out he wiring... I'd be much easier just do stick with what is.. Don't want to ruin the fuel pump for the sake of making the fuel filter an easy frequent job. Guess I'll just replace the standard filter.

Aladinsaneuk · #14 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 11:53 am

having enjoyed my popcorn, i will add a few thoughts

we know that our beloved government's fuel has shafted our tanks - they are more deformed than Martdude's personal collection of genital warts but what many may not realise is that the base of the fuel pump is secured into the plastic tank on a simple plastic plate - and that deforms as well

when it happened to my bike, i did not know where to start - it was repaired, but, I have learnt, don't play with it unless you really need to

for peace of mind, have a set of spares and replacements to hand - filter. hoses etc and replace it IF you ever need too, or have to open the tank up - bar that, leave it well alone is my view

flatlander · #15 Post by **flatlander** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:08 pm

https://www.ridersite.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

might be some use Micra I hear you say Micra

oh and if it is any use we can even let the badger chunner about some mythical search function