R1150 GS Fuel Filter

[jez kearns]

Hi there all. I would do the customary introductions, but I am in a dodgy internet cafe in morocco and don't know how reliable the connection is. I am currently on a trip into West Africa with a 2001 1150 GS and I have come across the fact that I might run into some less than perfect petrol and that this might give the fuel filter some problems. Could someone let me know if the fuel filter is easily cleaned or am I best to have a spare. I am a bit inadequately prepared for various reasons. If i need a spare it's a 500km back to Casablanca where I could possibly get one. I figure that if they can't be claned oyt thn it's btter to head back than get stuck hundreds of km from the middle of nowhere in the Sahara.

Have to say that I found the site really helpful when I was planning the trip and I hope someone can give me some good advise on this one.


Happy Trails,
Jez.

 

[Steptoe]

Don't worry about it, just remove it if it gets blocked and bypass it with a piece of fuel hose, the bike will still run as normal.

But it's just not going to happen. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Well that's one hell of an introductory post. You'll be the chap who is on his honeymoon to Timbuktu with your new wife the Sunday Times journo that I read about today. Congratulations by the way.

With regard to the fuel filter - it has a paper core and it is totally sealed I'm afraid. I have no idea if it is possible to clean it as the only way of getting any sort of fluid into it is via the narrow entry and exit pipes. If you do get a spare then I suggest that you get some spares of the very small hose clips as well - the ones that connect the breather pipes to the inside of the filter/pump/float mounting plate. It is a fairly straightforward job to replace the filter - just a bit of a fiddle that's all. Best of luck.

 

[Lord Snooty]

Steptoe must have been typing his answer at the same time as me. If he says it isn't going to happen then it won't as he is the oracle as far as GSes go.

Continue your journey and enjoy!

 

[oblertone]

We fitted ...

... external in-line filters to the bikes on the last trip to The Gambia (via Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal) and found no evidence of any fuel borne particles when we arrived; although these were the far superior Honda C90

 

[sparkplug]

Just another voice to say that you are seriously unlikely to have any problems. 8000 miles through Africa on my 1150 without a problem.

If you want to reduce the risk - find a funnel with a mesh filter in it and use it every time you fill the tank up.

You'll be fine

 

[jez kearns]

Wow, what a response.

Thanks for your responses, it does put my mind at ease. Yes, I am travelling with my wife who is a Sunday Times journalist, but no we're not on honeymoon (that was snowboarding in Canada). There will be occasional articles on Times online's travel section if anyone is interested.

I'm afraid the woeful lack of preparedness is down to my having finished an Osteopathy degree in early June, leaving 6 weeks to buy a bike, kit it out and get the papers and get on the ferry on the 15th July. It was a case of now or never and I would really have liked more time.

The other quick question I would have would be re the air filter. I remember from maintenance days of yore soaking it in oil and carefully squeezing it out. Does this apply on the GS or does fuel injection mean there is other stuff to do.

Super impressed with everyones response and I will see if I get a shout into one of the articles on the Times website.

On a matter of site etiquette, should I carry on with this thread now it's started or should I start new ones in the other sections when I have questions or reports?

Thanks Again.

 

[sparkplug]

Hi Jez,

Air filter - if you have an oil based filter (K&N) then you will need to do the oil soaking thing.

However, you've probably got a paper one. If things get really sandy, you can take it out and shake the worst of it out, but really this is a 'use and dispose' item. You really want a spare.

As for 'posting etiquette' I'd suggest posting questions in the appropriate sections - not because it's wrong to do it here, but because you'll get more views there.

As for ride reports, again in the appropriate section.

Have a great trip

 

[Deleted account W]

Hi Jez,

Stick your technical questions here.

And your trip reports here.

Have a good trip

 

[Steptoe]

The other quick question I would have would be re the air filter. I remember from maintenance days of yore soaking it in oil and carefully squeezing it out. Does this apply on the GS or does fuel injection mean there is other stuff to do.

.

Standard air filter requires no maintenance, and under NO circumstances put oil anywhere near it.
It should last you the length/duration of your journey without any problems whatsoever, IF you happen to ride through a sandstorm ( doubtful) just remove it and knock out any excess sand.

Otherwise don't remove it at all to clean or shake any debris/particules out, you'll more likely cause more harm than good

 

[Lord Snooty]

Jez, we look forward to reading your ride report and if your wife happens to drop the name of the forum into her Times reports that would be much appreciated

When you are back from your travels how about turning up at one of the weekend events to meet the rest of us Tossers and to give us a first hand account of the trip.

 

[Duchess]

Jez I'm going to move this thread over to the Technical Section of our forum for you where you'll get a much better response to your queries posted above though I think most have managed to answer them for you already .....

Welcome to UKGSer its good to have you with us and we look forward to seeing a ride report from you if you have the time to share your travel experience with us here.

Enjoy your stay, enjoy your trip.

Ride safe

 

[Stewart H]

Just my 2p worth

I in the unlikely event your fuel filter does happen to block it is fairly common practice to blow through it against the flow direction, ie backwards using an airline/tyre inflator/mouth if desperate, this often removes enough gunge to allow the vehicle to run.

Stewart