[gweric47]

Over time, I've seen numerous discussions here concerning inline fuel filters with the overwhelming consensus being that they're something every conscientious owner would have on his or her bike. I guess it's time to admit I've never had one on mine. I bought my '81 Custom ten years ago with about 35K on it and she's now coming up on 76K, having given me great service but not without asking of my time and energy occasionally as most bikes of this age and mileage are likely to do. Believe me, I have no complaints. This bike is the best $600 investment I've ever made.



I've had the fuel petcock disassembled several times, always giving that intank tubular filter a hard look. I've flipped the tank over in my hands and sloshed a quart or so of gas out of the tank into a clean container, looking for residue or any type of suspicious gunk, never finding any. I have two sets of carbs which I clean meticulously while running the other set and have really had no, what I would consider, "fuel problems."



HOWEVER, I've gotten so much good advice here from guys that have forgotten more than I know about these mechanical beasts that I'm gonna make the leap and go with an inline filter.



Finally, (whew), my questions.....Is there a particular make and model filter that people like? I saw somewhere where Marshall was on the hunt for a certain K&N type (81-0222) and saw, though it seems hard to come by, that it's a 90 degree type. Is that what's necessary?



If anyone knows of a link that has a visual of a filter installed, maybe that would help me figure out what I need....



Thanks, again, to all, past and present, who have helped me here.....gweric

 

[rickbert]

I'm not sure spending the money on something named "K&N" will do you any better than what I have. Sometimes a name brand as you know is simply a "name" that some people THINK is better than the rest when they actually are not. Almost 3 years ago everyone just told me to go get one at an auto parts store or small engine shop. This is the same exact one I have on my riding tractor as well. Have really had no fuel related issues since I've put it on.



I think they are about $3 at Napa where I get mine....I change it twice a year.



In the second pic you can see that the trick for me was simply turning the petcock towards the rear of the bike instead of it sticking straight out facing the side of the bike......this allowed a pretty straight shot thru the filter to the carbs without having to really bend that thick fuel hose....which is almost impossible to do since the hose is now pretty short on each side of the filter.

 

[Blindstitch]

The K&N is desired as it is small and has the ability to do a lot of things with the 90 degree angle. I prefer the angled one over straight.

 

[marshallf3]

Well, I sent another letter to K&N and it was a lot more firm about how important that filter was to a ton of different motorcycle owners, not just us. The reply should be interesting.

 

[DaveF]

My preference is the 90 degree filter because it's much easier to install without placing it under a constant strain, particularly with the location of the carb fuel port on the GL's. A couple of years ago I had a straight inline filter develop a crack due to the lateral force from the hoses. Gas slowly seeped out, not a good situation at all.



An alternative to the K&N filter is a 90 degree Visu-Filter. This is the type I'm currently using. They are sold in many motorcycle shops, and also online from multiple vendors including this one.

 

[rickbert]

Yep Dave that's exactly why I turned my petcock, to take away that stress.....good point.

 

[nolavox]

Yep Dave that's exactly why I turned my petcock, to take away that stress.....good point.

And I thought it was just to show off those shiny nipples...





I use a straight filter, no problem even though I have it slightly higher than the petcock. With a bit of fuel in the tank there is enough pressure to keep it flowing enough to start.

 

[rickbert]

And I thought it was just to show off those shiny nipples...

Yes I do try to keep my nipples nice and shiney....

 

[marshallf3]

An alternative to the K&N filter is a 90 degree Visu-Filter. This is the type I'm currently using. They are sold in many motorcycle shops, and also online from multiple vendors including this one.

http://www.clarkemfg.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=40&products_id=348



Yes, those look perfect but I refuse to pay $10 shipping on a 1 oz item they could drop into a small bubble wrap envelope and put $1.71 postage on it.



I forwarded the info to Matt @ TAS, perhaps he can find out who their supplier is or talk the company into a wholesale deal to him, that way we could get them with free shipping. I sure wouldn't mind paying $4 - $6 with free shipping.

 

[gweric47]

Thanks to all that had an opinion on the subject and thanks, Rickbert, for the pics. I see now how a 90 degree filter elimimates the need to persuade your fuel line to make that turn without crimping although giving your petcock a quarter turn, Rick, was a clever move. I'll soon hunt down a filter with the built-in turn.



At the risk of beating the subject to death, does anyone know offhand the proper I.D. of our fuel line and are there any opinions on types of clamps?



thank you, one and all....gweric

 

[ramprat06]

I'll toss in my two cents. While Rickbert and I have the same bike, his method is likely better than mine. It is less visual for sure, as far as the placement of the hose. In this pic, however, you can see how mine is set up. It's a bit larger filter, also from an auto parts place, and the 1/4" line flows pretty nicely back around with no kinks. I've had no problems.

 

[rickbert]

At the risk of beating the subject to death, does anyone know offhand the proper I.D. of our fuel line and are there any opinions on types of clamps?



thank you, one and all....gweric

It's been a couple years so my memory is a bit clouded but I THINK I just walked into NAPA and asked for 1/4 inch fuel line and that was it. Bought a couple foot, cut it down to size, have some spare of course that I carry with me.



It's so tight that I don't use a clamp at the petcock or the carb but I do use a clamp on each side of the fuel filter and it's simply a standard small clamp (the kind you tighten and loosen with a screwdriver).



EDIT: I wanted to ask you other guys about those screws that hold the big black clamps around the boots on each side of the carb....do you find that no matter how EXACT of a screwdriver that you use that the heads of the screws ALWAYS seem to get chewed up to the point that you're worried you won't be able to get them off again (or close to that point) ? Last time I ordered parts I ordered 8 of those screws so I have spares....I put a new one on each time I take them off because of this....am I the only one that sees this issue ? They seem to be made of some real soft metal ??

 

[Casey Stangle]

This is a photo of the filter. From what I can read on it it looks like Filtex preceeded by a t or tw.

Thanks Carolina for the info. I wonder if the muriatic acid would cut through the old por-15 in the tank? Your tank turned out great!



What does the Coke do? I thought it also was an acid.

Remember, Filters are not perfect.

 

[ramprat06]

Re: Rick *aka Lisa*

and his messed up clamp screws. I don't use clamps either, as you can see in my photo. But I agree with Rick on the poor quality of metal on the clamp screws. Many times those screw have a six sided head that you can get a socket onto. Most I've used before are 1/8th or 1/4" and the socket makes easier work of them. Thin walled of course.

 

[rickbert]

I'm talking about the clamp screws for the big black OEM clamps that go around the insulator tubes on each side of the carbs....they are phillips head only and are EASILY mangled.



Lisa

 

[marshallf3]

This place said if you will call their office direct they will use USPS and only charge $4 shipping

http://www.clarkemfg.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=40&products_id=348