Fuel Filters And 250 Rebels

[Ronin35777]

Been messing around with filters for a couple of weeks on my rebel
and wondered if there is all ready a screen in the tank or valve?

No pump so had to be careful, paper no good starved for fuel, brass ok but not sure. . .

any comments on the question?

Thanks,
Ronin

[Big_J]

You are saying you bike is starving for fuel? How old is it, any chance the tank has rust inside? I woul put an inline fuel filter between the petcock valve and the carb as I have done on most all the rebels I have bought, Also you might pull the petcock to make sure the sceen on the tube is not gummed up, and if it is clean it wil a can of carb cleaner spray. Those are the steps I have taken to resolve some past problems I have had, and they seemed to work for me, just in case you plan to pull the p/c valve, remove the tank and make sure the fuel level is low enough that it will not drain gas everywhere when you remove the valve.

[GearJammer]

Agreed with Big J.....Today's fuel isn't the cleanest to begin with & tiny particles can accumulate & block the screens. You can remove the gas tank, prop it up over a receptacle like a galvanized tub, open the petcock & let the fuel drain out. Once you've got most of the fuel out, remove the petcock. You'll see that there's a stem on the petcock that runs up inside of the gas tank. That stem has a screen on it to help filter unwanted particles. Spray the screen with carb cleaner if it needs it.

On the petcock itself, remove the bowl. Inside of there is another screen for filtering & it's not uncommon for that one to get clogged as well, which will block fuel flow thru the petcock. You can also take apart the petcock valve assembly that faces sideways. Clean everything as best you can, put it back together in the reverse order & that should do it.

As Big J mentioned, an in-line fuel filter can be placed in the fuel line that runs from petcock to carb & after cleaning the stock screens/petcock is an excellent time to install the in-line fuel filter to keep things running smooth for a good long time.

[jsonder]

When I pulled the petcock on my 250, I didn't find any filter.

Part of the joy of a used bike?

Anyway, get an inline filter. Most of us are using lawnmower filters [PrimeLine 7-02357] from parts stores. Also, NAPA has a motorcycle version that costs more but looks almost identical to the Prime Line filter.

[GearJammer]

You're probably right on the no screen inside the gas tank, John. I hadn't removed the petock on the 250, but when I did it on the 450, the stem running up inside didn't have a screen on it.

Different designs by different manufacturers......I've known some people who purposely removed the inside screens & tossed 'em. Not something I'd do.....if it's provided, why not use it ? First line of defense against particles comin' thru.

[b4v4]

You're probably right on the no screen inside the gas tank, John. I hadn't removed the petock on the 250, but when I did it on the 450, the stem running up inside didn't have a screen on it.

Different designs by different manufacturers......I've known some people who purposely removed the inside screens & tossed 'em. Not something I'd do.....if it's provided, why not use it ? First line of defense against particles comin' thru.


I know I'm getting in on this way late, But one problem I see is the @%$#& screen usually stays in the tank when you pull the petcock. Then, when you try gently to pull it out with a needle-nose, you pull little bits of plastic off the screen, making you all the happier. So after partially disassembling the screen one tiny chunk of plastic at a time, you get pissed and grab ahold of what's left of it with a man-size pliers or vise-grip, brace your feet against the tank, and carefully twist, pull, and swear at the same time. Suddenly, the lower half of the screen flies out, and the tank goes skittering across the floor. Now that your ecstasy has about peaked, you have a new dilemma, getting the upper half of the screen out the fill-hole of the now scraped-up tank.
Yes, I run without the screen, just an inline fuel filter.

[GearJammer]

Rotflmao!!!!!!!! ;) ;) ;)

[txsizzler]

I know I'm getting in on this way late, But one problem I see is the @%$#& screen usually stays in the tank when you pull the petcock. Then, when you try gently to pull it out with a needle-nose, you pull little bits of plastic off the screen, making you all the happier. So after partially disassembling the screen one tiny chunk of plastic at a time, you get pissed and grab ahold of what's left of it with a man-size pliers or vise-grip, brace your feet against the tank, and carefully twist, pull, and swear at the same time. Suddenly, the lower half of the screen flies out, and the tank goes skittering across the floor. Now that your ecstasy has about peaked, you have a new dilemma, getting the upper half of the screen out the fill-hole of the now scraped-up tank.
Yes, I run without the screen, just an inline fuel filter.

LOL.. been there, done that, got the hat AND t-shirt! However, I have never messed with the screen before.. I am relating this to other events of life. Fortuantely, My '06 Rebel has been very babied from the get-go, and I will continue to do so, in hopes of avoiding situations like this one! ;)

[Whizbang]

Well, I see what i'm getting into. Time to pull the tank.

[FreedomRider77]

while we're talking filters. My rebel had a paper filter installed when I bought it (used from someone). They pretty much cut the hose and half and pluged it in between. Works fine... except I'm always bumping the darn thing with my thigh. Is there a better way to install this... or a different design? I think he said it was just a typical car fuel filter. beats me though, I haven't tried to change it yet.

[GearJammer]

Welcome, FreedomRider77 ;)

There's various types of in-line fuel filters. Any local indie shop with a good inventory should be able to show you the different options as well as make suggestions for your application.

I use the tapered glass see-thru type, which come in 2 different sizes & the smaller one works just fine. Had one on the 250, located about where you described your's is & it wasn't in the way at all. Also have a small one on the 450 which works fine as well.

There's also the small cylindrical type, some with changeable filter elements, there's small disc-shaped ones (pancake filters) and even filters that offer a 90 degree bend for some needed applications. If you find one that would work better for yourself, you could always either swap it out for the one you've got if it allows you the clearance you'd prefer or you could even install a new piece of fuel line & start fresh.....

[b4v4]

Welcome, FreedomRider77 ;)


I use the tapered glass see-thru type, which come in 2 different sizes & the smaller one works just fine.
There's also the small cylindrical type, some with changeable filter elements,...

I used this one on my 250, as well, and it tucked neatly up under the tank. I had some problems with the cylindrical replaceable element type on a car one time, and I won't get another one.

[Duke Bushido]

Consider replacing it with a smaller "button" type filter-- the lawnmower type.

They work well, hide well, and don't get in the way.