Ameer Randolph
Motorcycles are loved for their speed and agility, but they can sometimes present problems, especially in the fuel system. A common issue is a blockage in the fuel filter, which can cause the motorcycle to sputter, lose power, or refuse to start. To check the fuel filter, it is important to first confirm the flow of fuel between the tank and the fuel pump. If the fuel is barely dripping out or not flowing at all, the in-tank filters may need to be cleaned or replaced. Additionally, it is recommended to use a motorcycle code reader, such as the Ancel MT700, to accurately diagnose issues within the fuel system by providing specific error codes. Regular maintenance is crucial, including periodic cleaning and replacement of the fuel filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
Characteristics and Values Table for Checking a Fuel Filter on a Motorcycle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle not getting fuel | Listen for the fuel pump to "pump" itself 5-10 times. |
| No sound or a single "pump" | Likely an electrical failure, a break in the circuit, or corrosion/wear and tear. |
| No electricity to the pump | Loose/corroded connections, broken wires, blown fuses, etc. |
| In-tank fuel filters | May need cleaning or replacing if fuel is barely dripping out or not flowing. |
| Fuel pump issues | May be due to tank sealant breaking up and clinging to the fuel sock. |
| Fuel filter maintenance | Regular cleaning and changing per manufacturer recommendations. |
| Fuel filter clogging | Use a code reader like Ancel MT700 to diagnose and fix the issue. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the flow of fuel between the tank and the fuel pump
To check the flow of fuel between the tank and the fuel pump, you must first confirm that there is fuel in the tank. If there is fuel in the tank and the engine is not getting fuel, the pump may be faulty.
If you have a vacuum-operated fuel valve, you can test it by disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor and placing the end in a suitable container below the fuel tank. Then, activate the engine starter motor and turn the engine over. When the engine vacuum is applied to the valve, fuel should flow. If the vacuum hose is leak-free and has good connections, the petcock is faulty.
If you have a gravity feed fuel system, you must check that the fuel tank has an atmospheric vent to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the tank, which could stop the fuel flow. Check the vent and fuel hoses for damage, clogs, and kinks.
If you suspect that your fuel pump is faulty, you can test it by applying some vacuum/pressure on the vacuum line and feeling for responding pressure on the output line. Alternatively, you can watch for the flow of fuel from the output line. If the fuel pump is not working, it may be due to electrical failure, corrosion, or wear and tear.
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Listen for the fuel pump priming itself
To check your fuel filter, you must first confirm that the fuel pump is receiving electricity. With the ignition key in the "on" position, flip the engine cut-off switch on your handlebar to "on". Listen closely to determine if the fuel pump primes itself by pumping 5-10 times. If you don't hear anything or only hear one quick pump, you may have an electrical failure, a break in the circuit, or another issue with the pump.
It can be difficult to hear the sound of the fuel pump priming, and you may need to use a voltmeter or power-testing unit to confirm if the pump is receiving electricity. If the pump is not receiving electricity, check for loose or corroded connections, broken wires, blown fuses, or any other issues that could interrupt the flow of electricity.
If the pump is receiving electricity but is not priming, the electrical inner-workings of the pump may have failed due to corrosion or wear and tear. In this case, you may need to replace the pump or its electrical contacts.
It's important to note that these guidelines may not apply to all motorcycles, and it's always a good idea to refer to your motorcycle's service manual for specific instructions.
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Check for loose or corroded connections
If the pump is not receiving electricity, you should check for loose or corroded connections. Many diaphragm pumps work with a system of electrical contacts within a pump housing that might be corroded or worn down, preventing them from making contact correctly. If the contacts are not making proper contact, the pump will not receive electricity and will not run.
To address this, you can try using a contact-cleaning spray on the contacts. Alternatively, you can try lightly scraping or filing the contacts to see if that gets the pump working again. If the contacts are worn down or non-existent, they will need to be replaced. If new contacts cannot be installed on the pump, the entire pump may need to be replaced.
It is important to note that these guidelines and this process of elimination may not apply to all motorcycles. Additionally, if you are familiar with how to use a voltmeter or a power-testing unit, you can confirm if the pump is receiving electricity.
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Use a voltmeter to confirm if the pump is receiving electricity
To confirm whether your motorcycle's fuel pump is receiving electricity, you can use a voltmeter. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, locate the fuel pump's electrical connector, which is usually near the fuel tank. Carefully disconnect it, ensuring you don't damage any components. Set your voltmeter to measure DC voltage, as you'll be looking for a reading between 12 to 14 volts.
Next, identify the positive and ground wires in the connector. Your motorcycle's manual should be able to help you with this step. With the ignition key turned to the 'ON' position but the engine not running, touch the voltmeter's positive probe to the connector's positive terminal and the negative probe to the ground terminal.
If you get a reading within the expected voltage range, it means the pump is receiving electricity as it should. However, if there is no reading or a very low voltage, you may have an electrical issue. Check for loose or corroded connections, broken wires, or blown fuses, as these can interrupt the flow of electricity to the pump.
Additionally, you can perform a voltage drop test to confirm the reading. Split the circuit into two, with the ground phase on one side and the positive on the other. Use a jumper wire to power the fuel circuit and energize the pump. Then, connect a digital multimeter to the negative terminals of both the battery and the pump. If the meter shows a reading of more than 0.1, it indicates a loss of voltage power, which could be due to damaged connectors or poor wiring.
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Clean or replace the in-tank filters
The fuel filter in your motorcycle sits inside the tank before the fuel pump, ensuring that clean petrol enters your engine. Over time, the fuel filter will get dirty and clogged, reducing the amount of fuel reaching your engine. This can lead to engine damage if not changed.
To clean or replace the in-tank filters, you will first need to locate the fuel filter. This can be difficult as the location varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual to be sure. Once you have located the fuel filter, you will need to relieve the pressure in your fuel system. Check your manual to find the fuse for the fuel pump and remove it. Then, start your engine and let it run for 1-2 minutes. Next, disconnect your battery and remove the filter from the fuel lines.
If your filter is made of nylon or paper, it is best to replace it with a new one. If it is made of metal and isn't too dirty, you can clean and reuse it. To clean it, spray it with a solvent or pressurized cleaner, recommended by your local automotive store. Let the filter dry for an hour, then tap out any loosened debris. Carefully knock the filter against the side of a container to remove any remaining debris. Finally, reinstall the filter, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.
It is important to note that some modern motorcycles do not require fuel filter cleaning or replacement as the fuel is already filtered several times before it comes out of the pump. Additionally, some fuel pumps need to be replaced entirely if the filter is clogged and cannot be purchased separately.
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Frequently asked questions
If your motorcycle is not getting fuel, you can try to diagnose the issue by checking the flow of fuel between the tank and the fuel pump. If the fuel is barely dripping out or not flowing at all, the in-tank filters may be blocked with sediment and need to be cleaned or replaced.
Regular maintenance is key. Clean your fuel filter periodically and change it as recommended by the manufacturer.
If your fuel filter is clogged, you may need to take it apart and clean it, as well as replace the filter. You can refer to your motorcycle's service manual for specific instructions.
You can use a motorcycle code reader, such as the Ancel MT700, to diagnose issues within your motorcycle's fuel system. The Ancel MT700 can provide specific error codes and their meanings to help identify problems, such as limited fuel system flow due to a clogged fuel filter.
Classic symptoms of a clogged fuel filter include the motorcycle sputtering, losing power, or refusing to start.
