TOPIC:

Added an inline filter. I'll never run another bike without one.

Very cheap insurance, even at 3.00 each- replaced the fuel lines with 1/4" filter is .25 ID/OD- quality high pressure clamps, not pinch on.
Rust, dirt, paint chip- yes a large primer gray paint fleck (top middle of filter)
Last year after a flooded gas-oil headache, and refusing to pay the money for a new petcock, I modified the factory one to full on/full off. Ditched the factory tank filter- the original was horrible, and the one I got from a local dealer looked like total garbage made in ROC-didn't fit properly, you could see where it might let some crap past its mated edge to the tank.. bleh.

click for full sized photo- its pretty amazing
img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/HawgDog/fuelfilter.jpg

pretty nasty looking stuff. I think I'll change my filter tomorrow...it's been a while.

A tank rinse wouldn't hurt you. Someone posted recently about using straight vinegar, I think. Worked pretty well, won't harm the paint. Of course you need to let it soak for quite a while.

I really wonder where that much crap came from, mid, maybe late summer, I did a tank rinse with muratic acid, then baking soda after and then denatured alcohol, it 'looked' super clean.
Probably a good, cheap idea, another tank rinse...

I bet it clung around the petcock bung.

Seriously though, if you did an acid clean it probably was sitting by where the screen normally is above the petcock.

Yup, running a filter is a very cheap way to protect your carbs and keep your bike running.

I have mixed feelings over too much fuel filtering due to the extra maintenance. I have in the past had to replace small inline filters several times during the year due to sudden clogging. I have also had some of them break in half. I always carried a full length of fuel line just in case

Most times I just stick with the stock petcock screen. Honestly the only thing I care about is the carb float valves getting clogged. That can be irritating but the petcock screen takes that risk away.

I understand that the vacuum-actuated petcock has a bad reputation, but I am enjoying mine after cleaning it up.

cfaherty wrote: I have mixed feelings over too much fuel filtering due to the extra maintenance. I have in the past had to replace small inline filters several times during the year due to sudden clogging. I have also had some of them break in half. I always carried a full length of fuel line just in case
Most times I just stick with the stock petcock screen. Honestly the only thing I care about is the carb float valves getting clogged. That can be irritating but the petcock screen takes that risk away.
I understand that the vacuum-actuated petcock has a bad reputation, but I am enjoying mine after cleaning it up.

Imo, fuel tank interior needs cleaning, and left in existing condition will continue causing clogged petcock and clogged in-line fuel filters.

The petcock screen helps sift out the larger particles of grit, but a good after-market in-line fuel filter provides superior filtration.

Good Fortune!

I'm not a huge fan of this style of filter. Hours of searching has convinced me they are not 100% free flow- sintered bronze and screens flow better..but, wont catch the crap this one did.
I posted this last year for input- this is the followup sort of- HOWEVER- sometimes things stack up to create problems. i.e. this bike- around 100 miles of driving would fuel starve coast to the side of the road (it started doing this before when I first got it) the inline screens had a tiny bit of stuff- cleaned all same problem. Cleaned vent cap, same problem. Removed tank, cleaned it, cleaned tank screen, same problem. New tank screen looked cheap (as noted)put inline filter in, replaced lines with 1/4". Problem seemed to go away.
Second tank full this year the problem returned. Pulled vent off, vent hole while open had some maybe paint round the edges, tiny drills opened it up...same problem. (yeah, should have looked at filter) Anyhow, pulled it and tada!
Best thing about this scooter, is the storage- tools, filters, road flare, so its handy. I am going to put LOTS of miles on this in 2012.

Ive never had any luck with paper filters in Montana. I dont know why but they always stop flowing gas after a few weeks and theres nothing visable in them. Its done it on 3 different bikes so I use the 2 peice brass ones. They dont filter as well but they work. Im listening if anyone has any theories or has had the same experience. You gotta clean that tank out soon man !

paper filters?
I agree with your observations. I'm pretty sure its here somewhere- not a solution, but an explanation of sorts about paper filters- they work too well!
Theres a photo of an empty soda liter bottle turned upside down in the guys post

Sometimes crud accumulates on the petcock screens that protrude up into the fuel tank.

Would remove, disassemble, and clean the petcock.

And also, remove the fuel tank and take necessary steps to clean it internally. At the minimum a thorough flush (several fills with whatever, and fast-dump upside down through the open cap). May require more severe methods, such as muratic acid, OR b-b's, sheet metal screws, chain, etc., and tumbled in the clothes dryer while well secured with padding, cushions,blankets, quilts, etc., OR other methods.

Until the tank interior is pristine, the petcock screens will continue clogging, as will the in-line filter.

And the grit and crud not stopped by the petcock screens and in-line filter will find its way to the fuel valve.

Good Fortune!