Extreme Noob Fuel Filter Question

[steelfan41]

I bought an in-line fuel filter for my HT. There was no filter on it when I bought the bike, so I have nothing to compare to. I have the filter that looks like a child's spinning top. Is the "top" part the "in" side with the "nose" being the "out" side? I have flip-flopped this darn thing about 5-6x and I can't make up my mind... Help, clueless in Tucson.

 

[Lazieboy]

Does it run poorly both ways ? is there something that shows the direction of fuel flow. dumb question hu. Go someware that sells fuel filters for lawn mowers and gt new if u think bad. 2-3$.

 

[happycheapskate]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31oOjgniCkL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

There should be a small arrow on it somewhere, that goes in the same direction as fuel from tank to motor.

Mine looks like this, and the widest part is on the bottom

 

[steelfan41]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[HeadSmess]

it doesnt reaaaaally matter. theres no oneway /backflow valve in them. its just a screen acrass a widened section of the fuel line... either way will do

the paper element types, you usually mount with the dirty fuel from tank entering the outside of the element, so you can see how much crud its stopping (and any water!) whether it always lines up with the arrows or not is another matter entirely... as i said, theres no valves, just a filter.

 

[motorpsycho]

yeah those round "top" looking filters just have a fine mesh screen in them, so those don't matter which way they go.
if you have an autozone near you, go there and get one of these style filters.
they're small (about an inch long), have a nice, real filter inside of them and they have an arrow showing the direction of flow. it's made to fit 1/4" i.d. fuel line...and they sell the line there as well. the bigger round end goes towards the carb and this is where all the crud is collected. the filter inside is narrower at the top than the bottom so the gas flows around the outside of the filter and then through the filter, and the crud can't get into the carb. the crud is collected outside of the filter and settles to the bottom. the good thing is that they are clear so you can see the build up of crud and you can also see if you have fuel flow. I run these filters with clear fuel line which allows me to see what's going on without pulling the fuel lines or filters off of my bikes.
these filters are easy to clean as well but they don't come apart. i just spray a little brake clean in the filter, turn it upside down and tap it on the ground and the crud falls right out. it's amazing how much crud can be filtered out of gas, even if you have a clean gas tank.
Part Number: 334283
<a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/robriley/?action=view&amp;current=filter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e304/robriley/filter.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[happycheapskate]

Just don't reverse the filter direction if you remove the line from the carb. You will backwash the filter and any contaminants straight into your carburetor. The clear vinyl hoses work ok, but they harden from chemicals in the fuel, and may become yellow or brittle. Its so cheap though you can just keep spares or replace them every year.

 

[steelfan41]

Great advice, ty guys for your time and effort. I promise my noobian butt appreciates the input.

 

[professor]

One more bit of information- I used a paper folded filter (like in one of the pics) and after a while, it would not flow. Turns out it needs to be used with a fuel pump and not a gravity feed.

 

[blue 48]

those fine mesh filters are great there was an in tank filter i took out the day i got the bike only because it blocked up on the previous owner so he sold it cheap (he sold it in not running cond) and he didnt even check it so i rely on the in line filter for keeping it clean and does well and looks better (braided fuel line??????)