Topic: '76 550K: Dirty Fuel Filter

[Nortstudio]

My bike was parked and not started for about 2 weeks due to our East Coast snow storm.  When I finally got free of the snow banks, I went to start her up yesterday, and found that the in-line fuel filter had collected some funky colored gas. 

I know that many on this forum do not like the use of the in-line filters, but they were on it when I got it, and the PO was so bad at maintenance, that I figured I'd replace (new filters, fuel line) and keep the system as is until I got around to dealing with a complete tank clean/treatment.



Anyone know what this discoloration comes from?  Is it from rust in the tank?  When I look into the tank, there is only a small amount of surface rust in there.  have never seen this type of build-up before, and she started right up and idled for 20 minutes, no sweat.

Thanks,

Scott

[Gordon]

Hard to tell from the picture if there's debris in that filter.  If there is it may be rust, otherwise it could just be the gas got old and oxidized sitting in the filter for two weeks. 

[Kong]

I have seen gallons of crap like that come out of my boat's tanks when cleaning them - and the boat has one large aluminum tank and two smaller plastic ones.  It doesn't need steel or iron in the system to come up rusty looking.  I'd take the tank off and clean it completely, I'd replace the fuel lines, I'd pull the petcock apart and clean it, I'd pull the bowls off the carbs and take the float valves out and let them flow until I was certain none of that stuff remained anywhere in the system.  There is only one way to deal with trash in the fuel system and that is to go to war with it.  Little spot fixes will not suffice.

[Duanob]

My tank looked fairly clean from the filler but it still has a lot of the same color crap in it. Even after trying to clean it with phosphoic acid and lots of hot water. It's better than it was but far from clean.

[TwoTired]

Do the neighbors like your motorcycle?

[Gaither]

IMHO & FWIW

That's why I like a clear, inline fuel filter (OK, most do not). 'Lets you quickly and easily see what's going on.

Just don't allow any low "dips" in the line/s that can interfer with gravity flow of fuel - which is easily accomplished.

No dispute with folks who don't like 'em. Ain't it nice to "have it your way".

[Nortstudio]

The thing that threw me a bit is I have looked at that fuel filter just about each time I approach the bike.  It's never looked anything like this at all.  Always looked clear (gasoline colored clear I guess).  Even today, it didn't show any of that sediment. 

I would like to clean the whole fuel tank, but it's a bit back on the list right now.  I know it's importance, but safe wheels, brakes etc are too.

Two-Tired, The neighbors seem to love my bike, especially when it sits silent for 2 weeks . Actually, I get quite a few comments about the bike (and my constantly working on it) from passersby.  Makes for a good conversation starter with neighbors who most people go 10 years without introducing themselves to.  The fedex guy stood over my shoulder as I used your shim technique on the timing TT!!!

[jimkalfakis]

Nort, listen to me! It's senseless to play games with you tank. It's winter now and it's the best time to take time and clean your tank the right way. Take the tank off and remove the fuel switch from the tank. Rinse out the tank clean the best you can with water. Plug or cork the bottom hole. Fill the tank with 4gal vinegar. Let it sit with the vinegar in it for at least a week or two. After, flush it clean with water and then swoosh some alcohol and let dry completely. Finally, coat the inside with Red-Kote. I did two coats with a week to dry each coat. Perfect! Never a tank problem again.    http://damonq.com/Red-Kote.htm 

[scottly]

Just guessing... perhaps while the bike sat for 2 weeks, fine rust particles that had been suspended in the gas settled to the bottom. As long as the petcock isn't plugged, I would drain some of the gas into a clean container and see if there is any junk in it. If it isn't too bad, replace the filter with a new one, as it's obviously doing it's job, and carry on.  

[Duke McDukiedook]

If you have a clean tank you don't have to use inline filters.

Plus those types of filter are only good when used sitting in a vertical orientation, not horizontal like yours is.

Doesn't the 550 have an in-tank filter anyway, or a petcock screen that will catch particles?
 

[Nortstudio]

How much of this stuff are you using?  I have thought about this kind of thing, but honestly, it's very pricey, and out of reach for me right now (unless it only takes a single quart).  I have this on my list of things to do, but....  

The fact of the matter is, I have been running the bike for four months now (this is the longest stretch with no activity since I've gotten it).  It has been runnig pretty well, other than the typical need for 3000 mile tune-up etc.  When I cleaned the carbs, there was practically no discoloration in the floats at all, and definitely no larger particles (the cleanest part of the bike - shockingly).  

I understand this color in the filter must mean something, and I appreciate your help.  But right now, I might try the filter swap, check the fuel in the bottom of a can, and keep an eye on it.

I wasn't aware of the angle of the filter making a difference, the way it sits now is an exact replacement of what was there when I bought the bike.  There is supposed to be a filter inside the tank on this 550, but this is a matter of a backwards "don't fix what's not broke.". She runs, and runs fairly solid.  I'm trying to open cans of worms one at a time.

Thanks for all the help folks.  I'll post any new info when I get it.

Nort, listen to me! It's senseless to play games with you tank. It's winter now and it's the best time to take time and clean your tank the right way. Take the tank off and remove the fuel switch from the tank. Rinse out the tank clean the best you can with water. Plug or cork the bottom hole. Fill the tank with 4gal vinegar. Let it sit with the vinegar in it for at least a week or two. After, flush it clean with water and then swoosh some alcohol and let dry completely. Finally, coat the inside with Red-Kote. I did two coats with a week to dry each coat. Perfect! Never a tank problem again.    http://damonq.com/Red-Kote.htm 

[Stev-o]

I'd, at least, drain the tank and put fresh fuel in there.
Wonder if the PO lined the tank causing the discoloration?

[Nortstudio]

I'd, at least, drain the tank and put fresh fuel in there.
Wonder if the PO lined the tank causing the discoloration?

That sounds like a solid plan.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Well, from the looks of the pic it appears you have a pretty sufficient amount of air entrapped at the top half of your filter.

[jimkalfakis]

You've never taken the petcock off the tank yet?

[Nortstudio]

I never have had the petcock off the tank.  I know, I know... it's something I figured I'd get to the second week I owned the bike.  Right after I did my 3000 mile tune-up and got the brakes working well.  You know how it goes, those fixes will only take me a week or so...

...3 months later, I have gotten those things pretty tight (almost, almost).  Soon enough it will be time for me to get the tank off, refinish it a bit and do the petcock etc..  When i did the carb cleaning, they were basically spotless.  Shocking really, considering the state of the rest of the bike.  So I was not so worried about the petcock, or not enough to start there.

The thing that baffles me is that it has run fairly well, and has never had this type of discoloration.  I know that sitting for 2 weeks could be the difference, but it was not particles in there, just an odd color to the gas.  The in-line filters don't seem to have any buildup, and despite the air bubble (apparently due to their horizontal positioning) the carbs seem to get fuel well enough.  I have run it twice since I found this kooky gas color, once at idle for about 20 minutes, and again for a quick ride to and from the lady's place.  Both times she ran quite smooth (in 30-35 degree weather!), and this gas traveled the system without incident. 

I'm keeping my eye on it until I can get the tank off and really take a look around...

[Duke McDukiedook]

One or two weeks with the new ethanol blends and sitting can be pretty bad for our bikes.

[Nortstudio]

One or two weeks with the new ethanol blends and sitting can be pretty bad for our bikes.

Great. With another 6-12 inches of snow on the way, I'm looking at at least a week! 

[bollingball]

I had this happen once it came straight from the gas station

[TwoTired]

Some places sell gas that has not had a road tax added to it.  Instead, they add a dye to it so it can be known to not have the tax paid.  Farmers and off-roaders use this stuff so they don't have to pay the additional road tax.
Strictly illegal to use this gas on the highways.  There are fines if caught.

Seems you have a handy little sight gauge there (clear filter) so the officers can tell at a glance you are using gas without a road tax paid.  Maybe you could add a little LED behind it to draw extra attention?   

Aviation fuels are also dyed, btw.  And, the color relates to the octane rating or grade. 

Cheers,

[Nortstudio]

Well, the same gas is still in the tank and no weird color, so maybe they paid partial tax

[Stev-o]

Some places sell gas that has not had a road tax added to it.  Instead, they add a dye to it so it can be known to not have the tax paid.  Farmers and off-roaders use this stuff so they don't have to pay the additional road tax.
Strictly illegal to use this gas on the highways.  There are fines if caught.

Seems you have a handy little sight gauge there (clear filter) so the officers can tell at a glance you are using gas without a road tax paid.  Maybe you could add a little LED behind it to draw extra attention?   

Aviation fuels are also dyed, btw.  And, the color relates to the octane rating or grade. 

Cheers,

TT - it's hard reading your posts these days, eyes keep wandering toward your avatar grabbing her boobie!
Not complaining, just sayin'......

[Whaleman]

You have to be very careful to do this. I would take off the tank and get a 5 gallon bucket. Dump the tank upside down over the bucket. Stop every gallon and swish it around and start dumping again right away. Drain everything out that you can. You will be shocked at the stuff in the botton of the bucket. Let it settle and put it in your oldest car. The big pieces will fall to the bottom of the bucket and this would be discarded. Buy another gallon of gas and put it in the tank and swish around real hard. Now pour this out also and put in the car. Repeat as long as you are getting crap. Keep in mind this is free as you would have bought gas for the car anyway. I do this every fall. Good Luck. Dan

[Nortstudio]

Unfortunately I do not have a car, let alone an "oldest" car

This seems like it could help though.  Maybe you have a substitute?  I guess I was waiting until I got to a full clean of the tank, and would dive into this type of job then. Hoped to ride it close empty. 

Is there anything else I can swish around inside the tank that won't mess it up, and that dries on it's own?  Mineral spirits or something like that?

[Stev-o]

No car!?! Only in NY! That's unheard of in TX, I have 3 but still wouldn't put that gas in my "oldest" car, A Honda S2000!