Fuel Filter

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Cathcart · #16 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:46 pm

What a link, very much appreciated.
So... I'm thinking I'm just going to bite the bullet and change the filter... Chances are its never been changed. Dreading it now. I shan't be playing with nowt else.

Aladinsaneuk · #17 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:48 pm

if it helps

my filter has never been changed - i do have one in stock, but have no intention of changing it until i need too

Cathcart · #18 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:16 pm

What's the miles on your bike? I was all for taking it apart and figuring something out... Now I'm not so sure I even want to touch it...
This wasn't the result I expected.

HisNibbs · #19 Post by **HisNibbs** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:39 pm

About 65,000 miles and have never even looked at the fuel filter...

#20 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:53 pm

Just found this cautionary tale on AF1...

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... -fuel-pump

Be sure you know what you're doing and have all the right bits to hand before you start messing about with fuel filters etc...

If you are feeling brave, this fuel filter looks a sensibly priced alternative that will do the job and is a decent make (UFI):

http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails. ... 9&pk=F1B0C

Also fits a Nissan Micra, if that's important to you...

Cathcart · #21 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:17 pm

Hmmm... Why are things that are meant to be simple all of a sudden seem complicated and risky?
So, change the fuel filter and hope for the best or leave it be?
Don't think I'll bother with the whole external filter thing now, more hassle than its worth.

#22 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:00 pm

I've never heard of anyone installing an external fuel filter and quite honestly it's not just hassle; I really can't see how you could make it work.

Unless you have a real need or desire to, I'd leave it until it becomes necessary, or you have the fuel pump/filter assembly off for another reason (such as lining the tank).

If you do go ahead, have the correct crimps and pliers for the fuel lines and get a new O-ring and (belt and braces) some Loctite 518 flange sealant.

If it's any consolation, things are the same for all the V60 Aprilia V-twins and all Ducatis also run a fuel pump and filter in the fuel tank - my old 888 certainly does. At some point in the near future I've got to renew all the fuel lines on the 888 as they're getting dangerously brittle (the bike is over 20 years old, after all). I'll be getting a healthy supply of the Oetiker single-ear clips and the clamping tool before I do, though.

slickliner6 · #23 Post by **slickliner6** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:13 pm

I'll make the executive decision for you.
Leave it well alone.
If it aint broke,,,,,,,,,,,,don't try and "fix" it.

seemples.

Cathcart · #24 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:55 pm

Would actually not be too hard to make it all external... Some piping and an external pump.. Although I've not had a look at the wiring for the Aprilia so can't promise how easy it'd be. The bike doesn't care how it's setup, provided your supplying a constant correct pressure it'll be happy. Now I'm too worried to even touch the damn tank. Thinking I'll take the advice and leave well alone until I get any problems with it.

Aladinsaneuk · #25 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:58 pm

i think that where as we will quite happily fettle with anything, the fuel tank is one thing we generally all leave alone....

D-Rider · #26 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:02 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote:i think that where as we will quite happily fettle with anything, the fuel tank is one thing we generally all leave alone....

Got to agree.

.... and when we do need to start fiddling, maybe start looking at some machined aluminium plates to stabilize the tank aperture or something .... have to wait until I have one apart though to see what might work.

#27 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:14 pm

Cathcart wrote:Would actually not be too hard to make it all external... Some piping and an external pump.

That's the only way you could do it. Externalise the pump and filter. A replacement fuel pump for a hot hatch (injection) should do the job. Your biggest problem will be finding any space to install it and make a neat job of it without fuel lines looping all over the place. You'd also claw back about half a litre of fuel capacity, I suspect.

Cathcart wrote:Thinking I'll take the advice and leave well alone until I get any problems with it.

That really is the sensible approach...

#28 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:20 pm

Aladinsaneuk wrote: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

Andy's comment reminded me of Alad's earlier comment (above) which I'd passed over. I'm not sure whether this changed on later bikes, but my pump/filter base is made of cast aluminium, not plastic. Was this one of the updates made to later bikes or is Alad smoking crack again...?

D-Rider · #29 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:35 pm

Sorry - can't say - never had mine apart and I'm not going to risk it just to find out!

Cathcart · #30 Post by **Cathcart** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:30 pm

Appreciate all your responses, but alas, I'm now scared to touch that damn tank. Never ever heard of a tank being this delicate but then I've never had a plastic tank bike either. I'll leave alone until I get fuel related problems which at present I have none of.

Cheers lads.

I've obviously never checked mine, but mine is black frame/black bronze panels so I assume it's a "later" one.