lee
Debbie's Servant
I have not heard of a new filter being plugged.
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2003 K1200GT - any tips on fuel filter change?
- Thread starter jrmull
- Start date
I have not heard of a new filter being plugged.
Plug has spark. I pulled #2 plug, laid to the frame and cranked it. Several sparks on the plug came off. A big surprise to me. So much for the code reset ideas.
When I pulled the plug, it was wet with fuel. I dried it off. I was expecting no spark. But it did, kind of weird. If wet, why no sputter. Weird.
I put some ether starter fluid in Cyl2 and gave it another try, it has a mild sputter on that one cylinder. So the spark was real. Conclusion, the fuel is the problem. Back to Lee's comment, last thing I worked on is the likely problem. I did not pull all the plugs and test individually. One was enough for me. No misfires before and the wires look good.
I drained the tank down to near empty, same no start, no sputter, no sound other than pump pressurizing and stopping after 3 seconds. I was expecting bubbling or spraying from a loose connection.
I am pulling the tank and starting over. I still have the old filter and will put it back. Dated 09.09.02, so this is 17 years old. I blow into the old one but doesn't pass through very easy, so I guess, that is normal. Hard to see if the new is blocked. New one is BMW filter.
Earlier picture, I showed the completed replacement with screw clamps. Is the filter going the correct direction? I have the arrow pointing to the top bend.
When I pulled the plug, it was wet with fuel. I dried it off. I was expecting no spark. But it did, kind of weird. If wet, why no sputter. Weird.
I put some ether starter fluid in Cyl2 and gave it another try, it has a mild sputter on that one cylinder. So the spark was real. Conclusion, the fuel is the problem. Back to Lee's comment, last thing I worked on is the likely problem. I did not pull all the plugs and test individually. One was enough for me. No misfires before and the wires look good.
I drained the tank down to near empty, same no start, no sputter, no sound other than pump pressurizing and stopping after 3 seconds. I was expecting bubbling or spraying from a loose connection.
I am pulling the tank and starting over. I still have the old filter and will put it back. Dated 09.09.02, so this is 17 years old. I blow into the old one but doesn't pass through very easy, so I guess, that is normal. Hard to see if the new is blocked. New one is BMW filter.
Earlier picture, I showed the completed replacement with screw clamps. Is the filter going the correct direction? I have the arrow pointing to the top bend.
lee
Debbie's Servant
Earlier I looked at that and it appear correct.
My picture was not perfectly clear so I Googled some pictures and they match yours.
Can you see into the tank with a flashlight while you try to start the bike?
If you remove the new filter I would blow through it to see if it's clear and put it back in if it's clear.
Fixed. Bike running now.
As I pulled the pump out of the tank, one of the connections was off. I really couldn't tell if it was from me pulling it out disconnected it while messing with the smaller tubes or blew off days ago. But it was a big sign. When I pushed it back on, I was on the very edge of the metal tube, so it looked like my error not getting enough hose down the metal tube. Probably too timid tightening it down also.
Of note, that J shape of rubber tube had to be bent down further, beyond it's natural shape. Design error, the tube should have another half inch longer that side to prevent grabbing just the edge. This time I got the clamp on back side of the metal hump instead of on top of the hump. See picture on what I saw disconnected out of the tank and then picture of it reattached. The reattachment reversed the clamp to slide it lower down the tube and not interfere with the filter itself.
Picture of original 2002 filter. This bikes has been serviced by four different Chicago BMW dealers and several prior owners. I guess changing the filter is not high on the list for maintenance. I think the air filter got better service, though. The air filter was 18 months ago.
Bike started right away once tank reinstalled. No panels yet. I let it warm up 5-10 mins. See temp picture. Idled fine. RPM at 4k fine. No misfires. etc.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Your guys kept me focus on the problem.
As I pulled the pump out of the tank, one of the connections was off. I really couldn't tell if it was from me pulling it out disconnected it while messing with the smaller tubes or blew off days ago. But it was a big sign. When I pushed it back on, I was on the very edge of the metal tube, so it looked like my error not getting enough hose down the metal tube. Probably too timid tightening it down also.
Of note, that J shape of rubber tube had to be bent down further, beyond it's natural shape. Design error, the tube should have another half inch longer that side to prevent grabbing just the edge. This time I got the clamp on back side of the metal hump instead of on top of the hump. See picture on what I saw disconnected out of the tank and then picture of it reattached. The reattachment reversed the clamp to slide it lower down the tube and not interfere with the filter itself.
Picture of original 2002 filter. This bikes has been serviced by four different Chicago BMW dealers and several prior owners. I guess changing the filter is not high on the list for maintenance. I think the air filter got better service, though. The air filter was 18 months ago.
Bike started right away once tank reinstalled. No panels yet. I let it warm up 5-10 mins. See temp picture. Idled fine. RPM at 4k fine. No misfires. etc.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Your guys kept me focus on the problem.
Attachments
2003 K1200GT fuel filter changed
First picture is a sample of my original connection with all the clams on the same side, notice the right side is above the filter.
The second picture, I had to reverse the clamp and slide it down further on the metal tube. The filter got in the way of the screw clamp.
I also had to bend the rubber tube down another quarter inch to grab more tube. The bend doesn't match the preformed shape, which is not a good idea, but I had to do it. I don't think it pinched excessively but an uncomfortable feeling putting stress on something that doesn't need to.
It would have been nicer for BMW to supply another half inch of tube for this $49 little J hose. Just warning the next guy. I can see why folks use a Napa rubber hose instead.
First picture is a sample of my original connection with all the clams on the same side, notice the right side is above the filter.
The second picture, I had to reverse the clamp and slide it down further on the metal tube. The filter got in the way of the screw clamp.
I also had to bend the rubber tube down another quarter inch to grab more tube. The bend doesn't match the preformed shape, which is not a good idea, but I had to do it. I don't think it pinched excessively but an uncomfortable feeling putting stress on something that doesn't need to.
It would have been nicer for BMW to supply another half inch of tube for this $49 little J hose. Just warning the next guy. I can see why folks use a Napa rubber hose instead.
Attachments
gtrider
52184
Glad to hear you got the issue resolved! And you shouldn’t feel bad about having to go back in there—how do you think Lee, myself, and others became aware of the issue? 
And don’t sweat the hose. You have it firmly connected now, and the real preventative measure is making sure those darn QDs go together with a nice audible click anytime they are disconnected.
Enjoy the ride,
DG
And don’t sweat the hose. You have it firmly connected now, and the real preventative measure is making sure those darn QDs go together with a nice audible click anytime they are disconnected.
Enjoy the ride,
DG
lee
Debbie's Servant
And you shouldn’t feel bad about having to go back in there—how do you think Lee, myself, and others became aware of the issue?
Dissected Fuel filter can. Lots of carbon on this 09-2002 original filter.
My 2003 K1200GT, with 26k miles had it's first fuel filter change since Nov 2002. I guess that is the problem of low mileage, multiple owners, 16 year old bike. Things get neglected when they are hard / costly to change. Fixed now.
I suspect the original filter fiber is normally tan in color. This one is black as black.
Let me know if an original is Tan or black. I didn't cut open a new one to see. My fingers smug charcoal grit easily on the filter paper. I am guessing it comes from the charcoal can for emissions control. Maybe the prior guys have filled the tank too much to flush the charcoal into the tank?
Some articles recommend removing the charcoal can. I don't mind leaving it. Is it true you just don't top off the tank? Is that how you prevent filling the charcoal canister?
Anyway, I was cleaning up parts after a winter of repairs. The filter can was begging to be sawed open. Thought I would show you the results. Enjoy your ride !
My 2003 K1200GT, with 26k miles had it's first fuel filter change since Nov 2002. I guess that is the problem of low mileage, multiple owners, 16 year old bike. Things get neglected when they are hard / costly to change. Fixed now.
I suspect the original filter fiber is normally tan in color. This one is black as black.
Let me know if an original is Tan or black. I didn't cut open a new one to see. My fingers smug charcoal grit easily on the filter paper. I am guessing it comes from the charcoal can for emissions control. Maybe the prior guys have filled the tank too much to flush the charcoal into the tank?
Some articles recommend removing the charcoal can. I don't mind leaving it. Is it true you just don't top off the tank? Is that how you prevent filling the charcoal canister?
Anyway, I was cleaning up parts after a winter of repairs. The filter can was begging to be sawed open. Thought I would show you the results. Enjoy your ride !
