Changing the Fuel Filter

How does one change the fuel filter on a 550 Max? I feel like it should be easier than I currently understand it to be.
Thanks, guys!

 

If you have an inline fuel filter, just pull it out of the line and stick a new one in. If you are relying on the beanie filters in the carbs, then you have to pull the rack, pull the fuel valve seats, replace the beanies, and reassemble. If you don't HAVE the beanies in your carbs anymore, then you really SHOULD use an inline filter.

Inline filters aren't expensive, so measure the ID of your tubing and get the right sizeone.....you'll be good to go.

 

The "fuel filter" that comes on the bike is the nylon screen-filter on the petcock itself, see pic below. The "fuel filter" is that yellowed thing at the top.

Which is why most of us immediately install an in-line fuel filter.




Inline fuel filter options:




The above are from the petcock rebuild article: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=25058.html

 

I'm wondering from the wording if the O/P is referring to the strainer in the fuel tap? this isn't a fuel filter as such isn't usually changed, it only stops the bigger stuff like rust flakes getting through & blocking the beanies, which are a last line of defence really & as they're a pain to get at I'd advise fitting an inline filter as Dave said...

EDIT-: damn Fitz ya beat me to the punch!

 

Thanks guys. I bought a petcock in-tank filter from Chacal. That's what you're talking about, Fitz?
I didn't realize I had to take the whole thing apart.

 

Bummer, may as well replace it next time the tank's near empty as you've got it. But really an inline filter is the thing you want to stop smaller particles making their way to the carb's float needle seat

 

Okay. I read Fitz's gorgeous post about taking the petcock apart, etc. But how do you get the whole thing off of the bike? How empty does the tank have to be to take it out? What tools am I going to need?
Makes me wish I'd bought an in-line instead. :cry:

 

I'd run it low, then drain the rest on PRI till it stopped & set the tank on it's right side just to make sure, you don't have to take it apart to change the strainer, just 2 bolts holding it to the tank, draw it out & then switch strainers. You got a new tap-to-tank o-ring too right?

Personally, if the tap's working properly & flowing OK I'd leave it alone & just add an inline as well, then replace the strainer if & when I rebuilt the tap.

 

This is beyond my abilities, I think. And this makes me really nervous. No, I didn't get an o-ring, unless it comes with the filter. I wrongly assumed this would be a easy fix for me, and I'm not so sure now.
I'll probably take it to a shop and have them put it in. If in-line filters are as easy as you guys say, maybe I'll get one of those so I don't have to do the in-tank again any time soon.

 

Possibly the o-ring does, I'm not sure. I don't know what your abilities are but as I say the tap's only held on with 2 bolts. That said, I take it you're just starting out if you don't know about in-line filters?

If you're not confident pulling the tap off then leave it as the strainer's not essential, fitting an inline filter is as simple as (first making sure the fuel tap isn't leaking or on PRI)
cutting the fuel pipe, slipping an extra clip onto each cut end, pushing the filter into the ends of the pipe & set the hose clips in place... voila, all done

 

Yeah. The most I've done one my own is change my oil & filter. I thought I'd try and do it myself, but I'd rather not mess the whole thing up. I still want to ride it. haha
Looks like I'm off to talk to Chacal about an in-line!

 

If you can do your oil & filter you should have no trouble with an inline fuel filter. If chacal's already sent the strainer you may as well keep that for a time when you're more inclined to pull the tap out

 

Of course he has. He's so speedy! I'll definitely hang onto it. Thanks for your help!

 

I should have known that!