Replacing Fuel Filter On 2010 Softail: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 2010 Softail is an important service item to keep on top of. The fuel filter or strainer on a carbureted Harley-Davidson Softail is a component part of the fuel supply valve, which controls the flow of gas to the carburetor while filtering out contaminants. The procedure to replace the fuel filter will vary in time depending on skill level but is estimated to take around one hour. It is important to be careful during this procedure to avoid damaging the valve.

Removing the fuel filter from a Softail Classic

The fuel filter or "strainer" on a carbureted Harley-Davidson Softail Classic is a component part of the fuel supply valve. This valve serves to control the flow of gas to the carburetor, while straining out unwanted contaminants from the fuel. Removing the fuel filter from a Softail Classic requires careful attention to avoid damage to the valve. The length of time to complete this procedure will vary depending on skill level, but it generally takes around one hour.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Start by turning the valve handle to the OFF position. This will ensure that the fuel supply is cut off before you begin the removal process.

Step 2: Remove the outlet and vacuum hoses from the fuel supply valve. These hoses are responsible for carrying fuel and creating vacuum pressure.

Step 3: Attach a long piece of fuel hose to the outlet hose. Place the other end of this hose into an empty gas can. This will be used to drain the remaining fuel from the system.

Step 4: Turn the supply valve handle to the RESERVE position. This will allow you to drain the fuel from the reserve tank as well.

Step 5: Attach a hand-operated vacuum pump to the vacuum nipple on the fuel supply valve. Apply 1 to 10 inches of Mercury vacuum pressure to the valve. This will create a good drain flow of gas into the empty can.

Step 6: Allow all of the gas to drain from the Softail Classic into the gas can. This step is important to avoid spilling fuel during the filter removal.

Step 7: Using an open-ended wrench, turn the hex fitting that attaches the supply valve to the gas tank. This will loosen the connection between the valve and the tank.

Step 8: Pull out the valve and filter assembly from the gas tank. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.

Now that the fuel filter assembly has been removed, you can replace the old filter with a new one. It is recommended to refer to the year and model manual for specific instructions on filter replacement and any additional maintenance tasks. Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any damage to the fuel system.

The fuel supply valve

The fuel filter on a carbureted Harley-Davidson Softail is part of the fuel supply valve. This valve controls the flow of gas to the carburetor, removing contaminants from the fuel. The valve is vacuum-operated and opens when the engine produces enough vacuum pressure to activate the internal valve.

To remove the fuel filter, you must first turn the valve handle to the OFF position. Then, remove the outlet and vacuum hoses from the fuel supply valve. Attach a long piece of fuel hose to the outlet hose and place the other end into an empty gas can. Turn the supply valve handle to the RESERVE position and attach a hand-operated vacuum pump to the vacuum nipple on the fuel supply valve. Apply 1 to 10 inches of Mercury vacuum pressure to drain the gas into the can. Ensure all the gas is drained from the Softail.

Next, use an open-ended wrench to turn the hex fitting that attaches the supply valve to the gas tank. Finally, pull out the valve and filter assembly from the tank. Care must be taken during this procedure to avoid damaging the valve. The time taken to complete this process will vary depending on skill level but is estimated to take around one hour.

Draining the gas from the Softail

The fuel filter, or "strainer", on a carbureted Harley-Davidson Softail Classic, is part of the fuel supply valve. This valve controls the flow of gas to the carburetor, removing contaminants from the fuel. To avoid damage to the valve, care must be taken when draining gas from the Softail. The process will take around an hour to complete.

First, turn the valve handle to the OFF position. Remove the outlet and vacuum hoses from the fuel supply valve. Attach a long piece of fuel hose to the outlet hose and place the other end into an empty gas can. Turn the supply valve handle to the RESERVE position. Now, attach a hand-operated vacuum pump to the vacuum nipple on the fuel supply valve. Apply 1 to 10 inches of Mercury vacuum pressure to the valve to get a good drain flow of gas into the can.

Allow all the gas to drain from the Softail. Ensure you have an empty gas can ready to collect the fuel. Once the gas has finished draining, turn the hex fitting, which attaches the supply valve to the Softail's gas tank, with an open-ended wrench. Finally, pull out the valve and filter assembly from the gas tank.

Removing the valve and filter assembly

To remove the valve and filter assembly on a 2010 Softail, you'll need to follow these steps:

Firstly, refer to your Softail manual to determine the exact process for your model. It's important to have the right tools and safety equipment, and to work on a cool engine to avoid burns. Place your Softail on a centre stand, rear stand, or front-wheel chock for easy access to the underbelly. Cover the ground with cardboard to catch any drips and prevent stains.

Before beginning, cover any painted pieces to avoid damage. Now, use a rag to clean grime from around the valve and filter assembly. Loosen the drain plug with a wrench, then finish unscrewing it by hand. Once oil starts seeping past the threads, collect the oil in a drain pan. Keep the sealing washer safe, and check the old oil for any issues.

Next, you'll need to remove the old filter. If your Softail has an internal cartridge filter, simply swap it out, ensuring the new filter is inserted the correct way round. Take a photo of the old filter before removal to use as a reference. For a spin-on filter, use a strap wrench, filter pliers, or a filter socket. Pour out the oil, then wipe down the mating surface with a clean rag, checking for any remnants of the old O-ring. Lubricate the new O-ring with oil, then hand-tighten the new filter, rotating it an additional three-quarters to one turn after you feel the seal touch.

Finally, reinstall the sealing washer and drain plug, tightening it to the torque specified in your manual. Don't over-tighten, as this can strip the threads. Now you can add new oil and start the engine. Let it run for a minute, then shut it off and recheck the oil level and the filter and drain plug for leaks. Top up the oil if needed, and you're done!

Reassembling the fuel filter

Before you start reassembling, it's crucial to inspect the inside of the fuel tank. Make sure there is no debris or dirt in the tank that could cause issues once the fuel filter is installed. This is an important step to prevent any contaminants from entering the fuel system.

Firstly, carefully feed the new fuel filter and its associated lines and wires back into the fuel tank. Take your time with this step and avoid forcing the components into place. Forcing them can lead to damage and potential leaks. Ensure all the lines and wires are connected correctly and securely.

Next, you'll want to secure the fuel filter assembly to the gas tank using an open-ended wrench. Tighten the hex fitting that attaches the supply valve to the tank, being careful not to over-tighten it.

Once the fuel filter assembly is securely attached, you can proceed to reattach the outlet and vacuum hoses to the fuel supply valve. Ensure these connections are secure and sealed to prevent any fuel leaks.

After that, you can turn the supply valve handle back to the "ON" position. Remember to follow the instructions in your Softail's manual for any specific guidelines or variations for your model.

Finally, inspect your work and ensure that all components are securely connected and there are no signs of damage or leaks. If you're satisfied, start the engine and check for any leaks or unusual behaviour. If everything looks and sounds good, congratulations! You've successfully reassembled the fuel filter on your 2010 Softail.

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