fuel filter, hoses, M900ie

dan miller · April 16, 2011, 06:33:13 PM

A couple of weeks ago, my M900ie quit during a ride. No warning whatsoever, it was just as if the ignition switch had been turned off.

It had spark, compression, and the fuel pump cycled when the switch was turned on. I (erroneously) figured it was "an electrical deal", and checked all connections, fuses, relays, etc.

Turns out that the hoses were literally rotted off inside the tank. All of 'em, including the vent and drain lines. The pump screen filter was also brittle and broken, although I might have broken it while removing it.

I purchased the bike from a friend (2000 model year, 4000 miles), and it had not been serviced, so I know the hoses and filter are original.

I'm suspecting that this issue is due to the fuel. Any advice on brand/type of replacement fuel lines?

Moving the fuel filter outside the tank is a very common modification among the BMW folks. They install a hose in lieu of the filter, and utilize an external filter. Is this worth considering, or should I leave it stock?

My fuel level light is inoperative, and I suspect that some of the trash from the hoses might have caused it. Will remove the tank, clean it thoroughly, and do the mess around with the fuel level sensor.

Thanks, Danny

Howie · April 16, 2011, 11:22:38 PM

The hose needs to meet SAE 30R10 spec to be immersed in E10 fuel. 5/16" is easy to find, the 1/4 not so easy. Mounting the fuel filter externally for easy service is common in BMW land. Never seen it on a Duc.

Nomad · April 17, 2011, 02:19:15 AM

I know that the earlier monsters had the external fuel filter, my 96 does. It is convenient for replacement, but finding a spot for it so the tank doesn't crush it always takes some jockeying around whenever I've had the tank up.

Ddan · April 17, 2011, 03:29:07 AM

Quote from: howie on April 16, 2011, 11:22:38 PM
The hose needs to meet SAE 30R10 spec to be immersed in E10 fuel. 5/16" is easy to find, the 1/4 not so easy. Mounting the fuel filter externally for easy service is common in BMW land. Never seen it on a Duc.

I haven't had a problem with using 5/16 hose and cranking on the clamps. Make sure to use clamps for fuel injection, not regular worm drive, so you don't cut into the hose

Howie · April 17, 2011, 05:12:59 AM

Quote from: Dan on April 17, 2011, 03:29:07 AM
I haven't had a problem with using 5/16 hose and cranking on the clamps. Make sure to use clamps for fuel injection, not regular worm drive, so you don't cut into the hose

I should have said fuel injected Duc. My guess is the filter is internal on the FI bikes for safety reasons. The filter is after the pump, therefore under high pressure. Some people do replace parts with the "if it fits it is right" mentality and some stores sell parts with the "if it fits it is right" mentality. Imagine if someone installs an external filter not designed to hold FI fuel pressure.

Quote from: Dan on April 17, 2011, 03:29:07 AM
I haven't had a problem with using 5/16 hose and cranking on the clamps. Make sure to use clamps for fuel injection, not regular worm drive, so you don't cut into the hose

I've done that too. Hose that fits would be nice.

Ddan · April 17, 2011, 06:09:40 AM

Quote from: howie on April 17, 2011, 05:12:59 AM
I should have said fuel injected Duc. My guess is the filter is internal on the FI bikes for safety reasons. The filter is after the pump, therefore under high pressure. Some people do replace parts with the "if it fits it is right" mentality and some stores sell parts with the "if it fits it is right" mentality. Imagine if someone installs an external filter not designed to hold FI fuel pressure.

I've done that too. Hose that fits would be nice.

I guess it would be easier to change out the filter if it were external, but I haven't found it to be that big a deal leaving it where it is. I suppose if there wasn't mod season ( N.E. winter) it might be a different story

dan miller · April 17, 2011, 07:22:40 AM

Thanks everyone.

The hose spec is the key thing I was looking for. Headed to NAPA this morning to see if they have any.

I need the pump inlet screen. Any ideas?

Thanks again, Danny

THIS SITE IS A GREAT RESOURCE.

Speeddog · April 17, 2011, 04:42:38 PM

Pretty sure I've got one of the pump inlet screens in stock, give me a shout on Monday.

If you find someplace that has that fuel line in stock locally, let me know.
The Gates SAE30R10 hose is only sold in one foot lengths, and you'll need two.
I've paid ~$30 each a couple times.
I'm pretty sure that a NAPA can order it, IIRC that's what I did last time I needed it.

The vent and drain lines seem to hold up better, I've not had to replace those on the bikes that have had rotten fuel lines.

I'd leave the filter inside the tank, they seem to do quite well in there.

brad black · April 17, 2011, 05:03:46 PM

you can get some from bmw in lengths of 1m or so, don't know the number but it's their in tank hose. or from ebay.

dan miller · April 19, 2011, 06:11:49 PM

The fuel filter my 2000 M900ie is suspended/flopping around between the fuel pump and the outlet tube. I don't like. Seems like very poor engineering practice.

An outside filter, properly secured, would seem to me to be an upgrade. The reason that fuel filter relocation is so popular with the BMW folks is due to the fact that the tank has to be removed to access the fuel filter. PITA

I ordered a 12" piece of immersion fuel hose today at NAPA. $22 Part#H209.

Danny

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fuel filter, hoses, M900ie