
The fuel filter in a Harley Davidson is in place to strain unwanted particles from the fuel that could otherwise clog the fuel-injected components. While modern gasoline is highly refined and quite clean, occasionally contaminants do get into the tank and get stopped by the fuel filter element. The filter can become clogged, and the pump has to work harder when that happens, which can cause premature failure. Many rideability issues and a general lack of engine performance can be linked back to a dirty fuel filter, so Harley-Davidson recommends replacing it at 25,000-mile intervals.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Harley Davidson Dyna Glide models (1999-2015)
Yes, you can replace the fuel filter element in a Harley Davidson Dyna Glide model (1999-2015). The fuel filter strains unwanted particles from the fuel that could clog the fuel-injected components. While modern gasoline is highly refined, contaminants can still enter the tank and be stopped by the fuel filter element.
The filter can become clogged, which makes the pump have to work harder and can cause premature failure. Harley-Davidson recommends replacing the filter at 25,000-mile intervals, but some owners travel up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element.
To replace the fuel filter, you will need to remove the fuel lines and hose clamps, as well as the pump assembly from the fuel tank. Be sure to securely fasten all electrical connections and the pump before installing the tank top plate. Harley recommends using a new top plate gasket and fastening screws, which should be tightened in a crisscross pattern to 20 in/lbs. With the top plate installed, connect the fuel pump wiring harness and vent tube.
Some owners have reported that replacing the fuel filter in their Harley Davidson Dyna Glide has improved the bike's performance, with one owner stating that it felt like they had added 20 HP or more.
Replacing Your Fuel Gauge Needle: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Fuel filters strain unwanted particles from the fuel
Harley-Davidson recommends replacing the fuel filter at 25,000-mile intervals. However, some owners disagree, with some travelling up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element.
To replace the fuel filter, you will need to replace the fuel lines and hose clamps as necessary before installing the pump assembly into the fuel tank. Be sure all electrical connections are securely fastened and the pump is securely held in place before installing the tank top plate. Per Harley's recommendation, use a new top plate gasket and fastening screws. Tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern to 20 in/lbs. With the top plate installed, connect the fuel pump wiring harness and vent tube.
Replacing the Fuel Tank in a GMC Suburban: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Fuel filters should be replaced every 25,000 miles
Yes, you can replace the fuel filter element in a Harley gas tank. Harley-Davidson recommends replacing the fuel filter at 25,000-mile intervals. This is because the fuel filter strains any unwanted contaminants from the fuel before it is plumbed to the fuel injection system. Modern gasoline is highly refined and quite clean, but occasionally contaminants do get into the tank and get stopped by the fuel filter element. The filter can become clogged, and the pump has to work harder when that happens, which can cause premature failure. Many rideability issues and a general lack of engine performance can be linked back to a dirty fuel filter.
Some Harley owners disagree as to how regularly the fuel filter should be replaced, with some travelling up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element. However, Harley-Davidson's recommendation of 25,000 miles is in line with other manufacturers. For example, VW recommends replacing the fuel filter every 20,000 miles on many current models, and Subaru says you should install a new one every 60,000 miles. Mercedes used to commonly recommend replacing a new filter every 30,000 miles, but most current models say to change it every 150,000 miles or 15 years.
If you put off a filter change for too long, you can risk engine failure because the fuel pump needs to work extra hard to overcome the dirt-clogged fuel filter. This can lead to a decrease in engine power when driving uphill or towing heavy objects like a trailer.
Replacing the Fuel Pump in Your Classic 1986 Continental
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Fuel filters can become clogged
Harley-Davidson recommends replacing the fuel filter at 25,000-mile intervals, although some owners travel up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element. However, it's important to note that a clogged fuel filter can cause a range of issues, so it's best to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any potential problems.
When replacing the fuel filter, it's important to follow the correct procedure and use new screws and seals, as recommended by Harley-Davidson. The bike can then be reassembled in the reverse order, ensuring that all electrical connections are securely fastened and the pump is held in place before installing the tank top plate.
Contaminants can enter the tank in various ways, such as through the fuel pump or during transportation to fuel stations. Filling up in dusty environments or with older fuel tanks can also contaminate the fuel and eventually clog the fuel filter. Therefore, it's essential to regularly check and replace the fuel filter to ensure optimal engine performance.
Replacing the Fuel Pump in a 1994 Toyota Pickup
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Fuel filters can cause a lack of engine performance
Yes, you can replace the fuel filter element in a Harley gas tank. The fuel filter strains unwanted particles from the fuel that could clog the fuel-injected components. Modern gasoline is highly refined and clean, but occasionally contaminants do get into the tank and are stopped by the fuel filter element. The filter can become clogged, and the pump has to work harder when that happens, which can cause premature failure. Many rideability issues and a general lack of engine performance can be linked back to a dirty fuel filter, so Harley-Davidson recommends replacing it at 25,000-mile intervals.
Owners disagree as to how regularly the fuel filter should be replaced, with some travelling up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element. However, a clogged fuel filter can cause the fuel pump to work much harder and shorten its life. One Harley owner reported that his bike was using a lot more gas than before after replacing the fuel filter, and he estimated that his fuel flow had been reduced by about 25% with the old filter.
To replace the fuel filter element, the bike can be re-assembled in the reverse order of the procedure outlined above. Replace the fuel lines and hose clamps as necessary before installing the pump assembly into the fuel tank. Be sure all electrical connections are securely fastened and the pump is securely held in place before installing the tank top plate. Per Harley's recommendation, use a new top plate gasket and fastening screws. Tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern to 20 in/lbs. With the top plate installed, connect the fuel pump wiring harness and vent tube.
Replacing Fuel Pump in Toyota Rav4: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Harley-Davidson recommends replacing the fuel filter at 25,000-mile intervals. However, some owners travel up to 100,000 miles before opening up the tank and replacing the filter element.
The fuel filter strains unwanted contaminants from the fuel before it is plumbed to the fuel injection system.
If the filter becomes clogged, the pump has to work harder, which can cause premature failure. Many rideability issues and a general lack of engine performance can be linked back to a dirty fuel filter.
With the new fuel filter in place, the bike can be reassembled in the reverse order of disassembly. Replace the fuel lines and hose clamps as necessary before installing the pump assembly into the fuel tank.
Harley-Davidson recommends using a new top plate gasket and fastening screws.











































