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Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter Mod

Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:31 pm
by bergj1986
Why can't we use a piece of brass tubing inside the fuel tank to bypass the OEM fuel filter? This would be much cheaper than the $20.00 a foot tubing and, in my opinion, would be more substantial. The metal tube could be brazed or soldered where the OEM fuel filter was inside the tank.

Opinions?

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 3:36 pm
by macx
Totally agree!

I hadn't thought of that, or for whatever reason didn't do it, and fought with a long loop
of that expensive efi hose inside the tank.

A short length of copper, maybe with a little swedge or bell on ea end to help keep the hoses from
slipping off under pressure and using double clamps, and reusing the formed curved hose
seems to really make the most sense.

But it's in and it works, and don't have to take that tank apart any more unless the sender or the
pump fails. And can change the filter with a simple flat screw driver in about 5 minutes without
taking anything else apart.

Haven't had to on the road yet, but the peace of mind alone is well worth the effort.

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 6:13 pm
by Xdot
Speaking of modding the fuel tank... Anyone ever put a real fuel gauge in there. I hate that idiot light and it'd be nice to actually allow the trip odometer to go over 200 milies.

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 8:59 pm
by Dr. Strangelove
I did just that.

A 3" 3/8" brass tube--or it may have been 5/16"--did it prob about 30K miles ago. no problems. It was 5/16"
The tubing is easy to find in any hardware store, and cheap.

You can get lengths of barbed tubing in that width at Home Depot or Lowes I am pretty sure. Mine was just straight though. I scratched up the ends for better grip and used FI hose clamps. All you need is a piece about the same length as the filter.

John

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 8:40 pm
by bergj1986
Dr. Strangelove, just for clarification, you were able to find a brass 5/16" barbed coupler at a hardware store which is installed where the OEM in-tank fuel filter used to be?

I haven't investigated how the fuel lines connect to the OEM fuel filter, how were you able to attach the barbed coupler to where the OEM filter used to be?

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2011 11:51 pm
by Dr. Strangelove
Sorry, maybe wasn't clear enough.
I used regular straight 5/16" tubing. Not barbed, but I have seen barbed connectors at Home depot or lowes and when I saw them thought they would work.

I roughed up the ends of my tubing for better grip, kind of scratched them.

The fuel filter is straight and about 3" long, so the tubing replacement is plug and play. And remember to use the proper size fuel injector hose clamps. EXACTLY the right size.
how were you able to attach the barbed coupler to where the OEM filter used to be?
remove filter, insert tubing, clamp. Done.

When you get in there, you'll see. It's straightforward.

But write back with any questions. One of the most satisfying mods I did.

John

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 3:37 pm
by bergj1986
Thanks John!

I've been doing allot of maintenance work on my R lately, time to put some miles on her instead of tweaking things!

I may be taking her to Biketoberfest at the end of the week, the first long distance trip (3+ hours). Maybe I'll see some of you Beemer nuts there!

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:29 pm
by Dr. Strangelove
where are you coming from to Daytona. No appeal to me...too many people, too crowded, too noisy. I prefer long solo rides, just me and the sky.

You might want to check out motorcycleroads.com to see if there is any interesting way there and back to avoid i 10 and 95, which occupy Dante's 6th level of hell. Or at least backroads there/back even if it takes longer.

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 7:52 pm
by bergj1986
I'm coming from the Ft. Lauderdale area.

So 95 and I-10 get backed up quickly? This is my first time going to Biketoberfest, joining two friends.

Re: Using Metal Tube Inside Fuel Tank - External Fuel Filter

Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 9:43 pm
by Dr. Strangelove
not backed up, but crowded with trucks and cars. just not a fun ride, not the riding experience one would desire, but coming from Ft L to DB the may be no other way? Is US 1 a viable alternative?