looking for a plastic fuel filter with an inspection camera '14 V7

[rastoga]

I've borrowed a borescope and would like to see if I have the half-plastic fuel filter.  Where exactly is it located?  I poked around but couldn't see it.  Is there something I can remove in the filler area for a better look?

[lorazepam]

the fuel pump should be on the left side of the tank, and the filter is right there as well. You can take the bolts out that hold the chrome cap holder, and it should give you more room to see.

[Cam3512]

Please post your findings, been wondering the same for my '14.

[Kev m]

I don't think his findings will mean squat.

If he doesn't have it, you might still.

If he has it, you might not (OK, but I doubt it).

I'll finally pull the tank and check mine this winter.

[lorazepam]

I have a couple BMW fuel filters laying around, and will check mine this winter also.

[Vasco DG]

I'm actually getting close to weeping there are so many threads on the first page at the moment that are hovering on the event horizon of a black hole of stupid!

This one is a classic example.

Someone is worried about whether they have a filter that may, or may not, cause a problem in their bike.

If this was me I'd just buy a filter of the preferred sort, pull the tank, take the pump out and see what the filter looked like. If it was the sorts I wanted? OK I'll have a spare for when I needed it in a zillion Kms.! (I have never changed my Griso or Mana filters in 90,000 and 65,000km respectively. They are not clogged!).

Pulling the tank on a V7 is scarcely arduous. Considerably less arduous than going to the bother of sourcing, (Buying?) a borescope and then fart-arseing about like an amateur proctologist trying to get a squizz at what *Might* be lurking in the tank!

Look? If you want to spend hours of your spare time exploring an excercise in futility? Please, be my guest! But if you want the easy and probably cheaper sollution just buy another filter and dip in for a look!

God's Teeth! Get a grip!

Pete

[sib]

As often happens, I agree completely with Pete's advice but not his tone.  I certainly wouldn't want to run into him when he's REALLY disturbed about something.  Peace.

More to the point, I did change out the half-plastic fuel filter on my '13 Stone, but I'm going to assume, until I'm reliably informed otherwise, that my new '16 Stone has a proper all-metal filter.

Changing the filter is easy-peazy, as long as you:
make sure the tank is nearly empty when you remove it
don't snap off the flimsy plastic quick release on the fuel line
don't lose any of the bolts that hold the pump/filter assembly onto the tank
maneuver the pump/filter assembly out of the tank through the impossibly small hole
use new proper type and size hose clamps
don't screw up the fuel lines when you remove the old, non-reuseable hose clamps
make sure you install the new filter in the correct orientation
tighten the new hose clamps enough to prevent things from coming apart under pressure but not so much as to weaken the fuel lines
maneuver the pump/filter assembly back into the tank through the aforementioned impossibly small hole
don't screw up the gasket when you screw up the assembly
remember to check the tightness of (better to unscrew, use Loctite and re-install) the screws holding on the rubber pucks that the front of the tank slides onto
re-attach the fuel hose without snapping the flimsy plastic quick release
reinstall the vent and overflow hoses correctly
don't pinch any of the hoses when you reinstall the tank
get the tank back on straight

[John A]

I was refreshed by the advice from the cantankerous Pete so I thought his tone was fine. It was not directed  to me so that's a relief for I do come up with some hairbrained ideas sometimes.....

[kirb]

For $20 or less you can get a cheap bore scope from Amazon with LED on the end. Tape it to a coat hanger or some other rod device and have a go.

It's not 100%, but it's cheap.

[Kev m]

Changing the filter is easy-peazy, as long as you:
make sure the tank is nearly empty when you remove it
don't snap off the flimsy plastic quick release on the fuel line
don't lose any of the bolts that hold the pump/filter assembly onto the tank
maneuver the pump/filter assembly out of the tank through the impossibly small hole
use new proper type and size hose clamps
don't screw up the fuel lines when you remove the old, non-reuseable hose clamps
make sure you install the new filter in the correct orientation
tighten the new hose clamps enough to prevent things from coming apart under pressure but not so much as to weaken the fuel lines
maneuver the pump/filter assembly back into the tank through the aforementioned impossibly small hole
don't screw up the gasket when you screw up the assembly
remember to check the tightness of (better to unscrew, use Loctite and re-install) the screws holding on the rubber pucks that the front of the tank slides onto
re-attach the fuel hose without snapping the flimsy plastic quick release
reinstall the vent and overflow hoses correctly
don't pinch any of the hoses when you reinstall the tank
get the tank back on straight

Really that's a lot of hand wringing over some basic stuff.

If it's THAT difficult to you (or anyone here) yeah, get a bore scope and then find someone to do the work for you.

Otherwise, like Pete says, just get the replacement and do the job.

[lorazepam]

To be fair, there is considerable alarm on other websites about the plastic filters. It seems the food we turn into fuel causes these to swell and in internet land maybe actually burst! Since we as a society have been conditioned by the sensationalizing of any news, it seems that this issue has caused near panic in some.
I for one am not overly concerned, and will eventually pull the pump and change it at my leisure.

[sib]

Really that's a lot of hand wringing over some basic stuff.

If it's THAT difficult to you (or anyone here) yeah, get a bore scope and then find someone to do the work for you.

Otherwise, like Pete says, just get the replacement and do the job.

Basic stuff for you, Pete and me, but, perhaps not for everyone.  From some of the questions asked on this forum, I have to conclude that there are some pretty inexperienced wrench wielders here.

[lorazepam]

Basic stuff for you, Pete and me, but, perhaps not for everyone.  From some of the questions asked on this forum, I have to conclude that there are some pretty inexperienced wrench wielders here.

It looks like this filter change will be a piece of cake compared to the R1150RS I used to own.    I should have it done in the time it took to get to the pump assembly on that bike.

[Kev m]

Basic stuff for you, Pete and me, but, perhaps not for everyone.  From some of the questions asked on this forum, I have to conclude that there are some pretty inexperienced wrench wielders here.

Sure, but really, you could come up with a similar list for any task.

Someone looking to start wrenching needs to know their own limits.

Really, this is the heart of what I've done for my career. There's no way to anticipate every single thing they won't know.

At some point they'll have to use common sense, take their time, and tackle the job. If they're THAT unsure seek help with a friend or bring it to a mechanic (I didn't say Tech cause Pete seems to get all up in arms about that term).

[Cam3512]

I've had a in-tank fuel pump fail doing 80+ mph in the left lane of Rt 95 outside Baltimore.  Granted, it was the fuel HOSE, but same result - instand dead bike.  Lucky I wasn't flattened by semi doing 90 mph.  Then there was pulling the tank on the shoulder,  having the right tools, etc.

I for one won't take a "wait and see if it happens, I'll eventually get to it" approach on my V7's filter.  Was NOT a good experience.

It's a pain in the balls job on the work bench.  We aren't all trained mechanics.  Doing mine this winter too.  Pump party Kev?

[Kev m]

Doing mine this winter too.  Pump party Kev?

Sounds good!

We can invite other Philly/Jersey types if they want.

Just have to tackle it before it gets too cold or crappy on the roads.

I've had a in-tank fuel pump fail doing 80+ mph in the left lane of Rt 95 outside Baltimore.  Granted, it was the fuel HOSE, but same result - instand dead bike.  Lucky I wasn't flattened by semi doing 90 mph.  Then there was pulling the tank on the shoulder,  having the right tools, etc.

I for one won't take a "wait and see if it happens, I'll eventually get to it" approach on my V7's filter.  Was NOT a good experience.

FWIW, I think these filters are probably 100x LESS likely to fail than those fuel hoses.

In the what 6 or 8 years since the specter of the 1/2-plastic fuel filter has been raised we've heard of what? ONE failure? But with the Cal-Vin fuel hoses we heard of a dozen in a year?

I waited 2+ years to pull the one on my Breva 1100. It seemed a little swollen and a little soft, but I doubt it was anywhere near failing.

[Cam3512]

On second thought, maybe we shouldn't call it a "Pump Party"...

2009 Calvin - All metal filter, sponge fuel hose.

2014 V7S - Half sponge filter (likely), good fuel hose.

Gotta love them Guzzis!  What's next, back to tubed tires??

[Zinfan]

I didn't find it that difficult a job to do ('13 Stone with half plastic filter) but wish I had known about unplugging the fuel pump then cycling the ignition to relieve pressure in the fuel lines.  I had a job getting the connectors off without breaking them, releasing the pressure would have made it easy. 

[Wisconsinv7racer]

If you take the fuel line apart at the green connection it comes right apart.  And I always get a kick out of this topic.  It's cheap and easy just replace it.

[Sasquatch Jim]

 I'll just buy an electric motorcycle.  They don't have fuel filters to worry about.  Or valves to be adjusted, or rings to replace, or carbs to rebuild, or fuel injection systems to map, or cam chains to go loose, rods or mains to knock, oil to change, or even gas to buy.
  Yeah, just ride the lightning!  BTW, the even have reverse for sidecar use.  And I can always get a recording that goes potato potato potato which I can play when alongside a Harley.

[rastoga]

Ok, for the record my '14 USA spec v7 stone has the half-plastic fuel filter.  I couldn't see it with the inspection camera, so I just pulled it.  I don't know if it is swollen or if it comes like this from Austria. This one has been soaking in 10% ethanol since about Sep of last year. 

I'm going to swing by an autoparts store (advanced, autozone, pepboys, or napa) to pick up an all metal replacement filter and some stainless clamps.   Any filters you all recommend?  Can I use the screw type clamps (jubilee clips)?

Also, before I put this all back together again, what is this nipple supposed to connect to?  Did a hose come off this while I was pulling it out of the tank?

[rastoga]

I just ordered the Mahle 145 from Amazon.  Still need to now what that nipple connects too.  Can I lower my low fuel sensor while I'm in here?

[Cam3512]

Think that's some sort of pressure release valve.  If your hoses are still connected at each end, you're good.  While you're there, I would replace the rubber hose that's upstream of the filter.  Even though we've heard of no failures on the V7's, that's the one that pops off on the earlier bikes.  Use Otiker or the smooth collared fuel injection clamps.

[rodekyll]

If you are going for the rack-and-pinion clamps get the ones with the rolled edges -- less likely to cut the hose.

That nipple is the pressure regulator/fuel return.  It needs to stay open and clear.