Do I need to change my Norge fuel filter? How can I find out?

[blackbuell]

I have read the threads about the half-plastic fuel filters that come stock with early Norges. After less than one year of ownership, based on the recommendation of Guzzisteve, he changed the fuel filter to an all metal one on the 2009 Norge that I owned until last June. I recently bought a 2007 Norge with 2,300 miles; I am the third owner. The previous owner changed nothing on the bike and does not know if the first owner made any changes. Is there a simple, non-invasive way that I can determine if the fuel filter is stock or has been changed to an all-metal one.

Is it a big deal to change the filter? I'm not much of a mechanic, but I am trying to learn about how to do more of the maintenance on my Guzzi's.

Thanks,

Jon

[i HONK]

I replaced my plastic filter with the metal version when I bought the Norge  in 2008. It had ~ 15,000 miles on it. Now it's 2018 the bike has over 100,000miles on her and I have not changed the filter again. How does one know when to change it ? I've never even changed one in my wife's car with 200,000 + miles on it. Maybe a disaster is just over the horizon!

Randy

[oldbike54]

I replaced my plastic filter with the metal version when I bought the Norge  in 2008. It had ~ 15,000 miles on it. Now it's 2018 the bike has over 100,000miles on her and I have not changed the filter again. How does one know when to change it ? I've never even changed one in my wife's car with 200,000 + miles on it. Maybe a disaster is just over the horizon!

Randy

 With the advent of modern fuel storage tanks and gasoline that starts out with fewer particulates, fuel filters last a good long time .

 Dusty

[ITSec]

Is there a simple, non-invasive way that I can determine if the fuel filter is stock or has been changed to an all-metal one.

Is it a big deal to change the filter? I'm not much of a mechanic, but I am trying to learn about how to do more of the maintenance on my Guzzi's.

The simplest way only works if you have an inspection scope or a mirror on a telescopic extension (both available at auto supply or Harbor Freight, etc.) Run the bike to a low fuel level, grab a flashlight and whichever viewing device you have, and poke it down through the gas cap. If the filter is half-plastic chances are it's the factory unit, and if all metal it was probably changed (though I doubt it given the low miles on the bike).

Changing it is only mildly tricky - there are a couple of threads that describe the process, which involves drawing the assembly out halfway, stopping, tilting it in another direction, and completing removal. The reverse is done in returning it into place. The only other tricks are to use submersible fuel injection tubing (you have to specifically ask for that when buying it), and (my view) use Oetiker clamps rather than screw-tightening clamps like Tridon.

[pyoungbl]

You most certainly have the plastic/metal filter.  Will it fail?  Most don't.  Do you feel lucky?  With that said, it's not hard to change the filter.  In fact, the hardest part is the darn fuel quick disconnect that you must remove in order to take the tank off the bike and get access to the fuel pump assembly.  Reading between the lines I'd suggest that you either have a local independent shop do the work or link up with another CARC owner who can walk you through the process.  This is a one hour job but it will be done best if you have the correct tools...like the Oetiker clamps.

Peter Y.

[fotoguzzi]

a cheap borescope will look inside the tank if you want..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KFHL17S/ref=asc_df_B01KFHL17S5356535/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B01KFHL17S&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198056450525&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10462385384116560879&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019578&hvtargid=pla-384041321963

[Idontwantapickle]

The only other tricks are to use submersible fuel injection tubing (you have to specifically ask for that when buying it), and (my view) use Oetiker clamps rather than screw-tightening clamps like Tridon.

Search the forum and you will find the exact Oetiker clamps needed to fit the original fuel tube. It is plastic, not rubber, and will not need replacing unless damaged. Submersible fuel line is very expensive (bonus Guzzi content) and not flexible enough to use on the Norge pump assy without placing a strain on the fittings.
Check you tube for videos of correct Oetiker clamp removal.
Hunter

[lti_57]

I bought my 2010  Norge New, rode it about 2000 miles
then decided to pull the tank remove the filter put an all metal filter in
My filter was  swollen up soft had not ruptured.
I put the all metal filter in used the Oetiker clamps    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Guzzi-Motorcycle-Fuel-Filter-Clamps-11-3-x-7-64-10/172646405156?hash=item2832871424:g:wFsAAOSw9etXQaoe&vxp=mtr



and never gave it a thought again. Was it necessary ? I don't know.
But it was worth the piece of mind.

[Scott of the Sahara]

My understanding is the half plastic filter does not like the Ethanol. IF you are using ethanol free gas, I wouldn't worry about it.
I did the filter replacement and it was a horrible job, well after the third time I was pretty good at it. (stupid hoses and hose clamps)
Better to visually check it, then decide if it needs changing. I would never do that again ( I would have a shop do it)

[blackbuell]

Just bought an inexpensive borescope from Harbor Freight; works rather well. It enabled me to determine that my Norge, unfortunately, does still have the original half-plastic fuel filter, and the orange plastic part does appear to be swollen. I'll leave it alone for now, but will have it changed before I ride the bike out west this Spring, either to Death Valley in April or to Utah in May.

Jon

[ITSec]

Just bought an inexpensive borescope from Harbor Freight; works rather well. It enabled me to determine that my Norge, unfortunately, does still have the original half-plastic fuel filter, and the orange plastic part does appear to be swollen. I'll leave it alone for now, but will have it changed before I ride the bike out west this Spring, either to Death Valley in April or to Utah in May.

Jon

Let me know if you choose Death Valley, and I'll bop out and meet you for lunch or something. It's only about 90 minutes from Las Vegas...

[twowings]

If this bike is indeed a Norge, inspecting/replacing the fuel filter IS NOT rocket science...if you need help, just ask...several owners on this board, including me, have done it...

[blackbuell]

Let me know if you choose Death Valley, and I'll bop out and meet you for lunch or something. It's only about 90 minutes from Las Vegas...

Will do.

Jon

[tris]

Just bought an inexpensive borescope from Harbor Freight; works rather well. It enabled me to determine that my Norge, unfortunately, does still have the original half-plastic fuel filter, and the orange plastic part does appear to be swollen. I'll leave it alone for now, but will have it changed before I ride the bike out west this Spring, either to Death Valley in April or to Utah in May.

Jon

That's a good idea!!

I think I'll run the tank down and then have a shufti with the borescope from work!

[PJPR01]

If this bike is indeed a Norge, inspecting/replacing the fuel filter IS NOT rocket science...if you need help, just ask...several owners on this board, including me, have done it...

But you do need to be careful NOT to break the plastic elbow connector...to release the hose which has the funky connector push/pull/squeeze mechanism.  If you break that elbow part, you can find replacements at Gutsibits...so if you have any doubts, better order the replacements parts to have on hand just in case...(speaking from personal experience, having broken this elbow inadvertently...so I ordered 2 of the replacements elbows.