Hi Doc, a fuel injection system is a quiet complex item to explain and you did this very well and easy to understand. It's really necessary to maintain these filters regular. If they are getting closed they create problems that you don't dream of. Some customers had problems with their Ducatis, especially on the race track. Finally the reason was that simple fuel filter. Changed and problem solved. Best regards from Austria.
I decided to change the filter on my TC Road King while doing some other work. Only approx 20k miles. The fuel sitting inside the filter cup/housing was BROWN! I highly recommend an early filter change!
You didn’t mention it, but I believe Harley should be suggesting a fuel filter change way earlier than 100,000 miles. Replaced mine at 44,000. It needed replacing, but didn’t look like it was neglected way too long.
Hi Doc, first of all a happy new Year for you and your family. I'm looking for many new interesting videos in 2025. Greetings from good old Germany to Charleston ✌️😉
TC88 carb is 25k miles filter service. Vacuum fuel taps are another failure point. At higher rpm the manifold pressure drops, sometimes to the point the diaphragm in the tap doesn't override the spring that shuts it off. Fuel starvation under maximum load. Non vented fuel cap on a carb model is the one I got dealt last. Intermittent and random starvation but there is still a pattern of clues.
Decided to do the one in the 2008 FLSTC I bought last year. Watched a ton of RUclips vids on how to do it, seemed to be a wide variety of styles of fuel units. Sure enough, dug into mine and it was nothing like the ones on RUclips. On the bright side mine was even easier to do as the float for the fuel guage stays in the tank on my bike. Messy job with lots of fiddling around but got it done. Bike even ran afterward ! Gasp!
I cut a 2X4 at "The Angle" and cheack my surface with a level .... that way, it sits still while you're tweaking. I got rid of the vacuum bypass... just keep a clean fuel filter, and change into a nice new soft float needle IF . twist off the petcock if I am stopped for a while....it's better than a vacuum leak.
My 20 ultra started running rough/low demanding a clean filter at 30k!! Just bad fuel these days, bike would run fuel pump at idle or stop lights because of dirty filter!! Thx doc!
Your fuel pump is running continuously if the engine is running, whether or not you are idling or running down the road. The fuel pump should only shut off when the motor is not running.
@kenpuzio645 thanks! Since changing the filter the pump does not seem strain/noisy at stop lights! Thanks , just maintenance and being observant to bikes needs a little sooner then the shop manual suggested!! Ride safe!
Hello and thank you Dr. Can you make a video to learn the maintenance and control of the Panamerica Special fuel filter? Is it similar to the one you describe now? Or maybe he has already made a tutorial and I didn't see it? Greetings and happy new year!
Great video Doc, I’ll be doing my 25k service in the spring. I just ordered a near fuel filter and o ring will change it then. I have the service manual for my bike will follow the instructions in the manual. Thanks Doc
Know a guy who had a carbureted bike and ran it for years never switching the tank to reserve. One day he was running low and switched to reserve. Bike just ground to a halt, what ever was in the bottom of that tank plugged that filter up.
Cool vídeo. When ECM compensate fuel, dont know that is less fuel, its supposed to be more air. So, when you have less pressure/flow, mileage on dash will show lower numbers. Ethanol is not a problem on Harleys, we have thousands of HDs here in Brazil running over 20% over last 20 years and going to 30% soon (27% since 2014). My current bike is 50k miles and i will change fuel filter now. Last bike i did on 25k and filter are ok. Will change tank conector orings too, these dont last much more than 10 years here.
I changed my 2014 Ultra filter after 60k and could 100% tell a difference in the time the engine responded. Can't imagine how bad it would have been at the recommended 100k change.
Fuel injected xr1200x sportster 2011, how do we diy guys measure the fuel pressure to make sure that it is correct at the injectors? Seems a reasonable thing to check before just changing a filter or a pump, that’s what Is done on cars. All help appreciated, happy new year 👍🥃
A person makes a choice in life to work on his/her motorcycle. They gather information. Books and materials ( Service Manuals). Then jump in with bill fold/ credit card and buy tools. You are at that point…..Doc
@ cheers doc, I think you’re absolutely correct however , you forgot to mention talent I’ve definitely run out of that! Keep up the good videos 👍🚀🏴 happy new year 🥃🍻
Pump to filter to regulator vs filter to pump,to regulator. Do the limits of physical design and engineering render the more logically sensible latter option impossible?
This is what happens when the regulator doesn’t regulate. It should be designed to regulate the output pressure correcting either way. But yes, fuel filters should be replaced by the manual.
Hey Doc, i have an 08 FLHR 30k miles and around town and on US highways bike runs like New, but when i get over 70MPH or up a hill it boggs down and the exhaust gets quite loud, thinking either the fuel filter or a leak in one of the full pump hoses, but wanted your Expert opinion
Changed mine when I changed out the fuel level sensor unit, due to fuel gage not working properly. Still didn’t fix the problem.. gage says the tank is full at 150 piles on the odometer..
Hi Doc, I have a deal for you! I have a 2014 Ultra Classic EFI with only 5024 miles on it. It has screaming eagle air breather, Dual Vance and Hines exhaust system, screaming eagle tuner and was dyna tuned by the 1st owner. I'm the second owner and am tired of working on it. I have done a 3 hole oil change, Have brand new tires on it. Also installed new brake pads just for the hell of It since I removed the wheels for tires and balance. It has 16" high handle bars. I have replaced the fuel disconnect hose inside the the tank and new fuel filter. It has a spty DTC code b1213 and will not start. Fob battery and bike battery fully charged. All electrical works ( horn and lights, display, stereo, Bluetooth, blinkers etc and is ready for the next mechanical inclined Rider to repair the b1213 error and ride into the sunset. All fuses are good. The p&a relay I think is good and have a starter relay that my Harley stealership sold me that was to replace my p&a relay but is a taller and pinned different comes with it. Not sure where the location to install it, but I am sure you would know. I am done with having the enjoyment of maintaining this awesome touring bike. For you $12k Iocated near Gallup NM and I will pay for shipping up to $500 😊
I try to discourage everyone I know from consulting Facebook groups for mechanical advice. Or ANY advice for anything. You get 100 smug comments, 500 dumb comments, 50 to 100 WRONG comments and possibly 2 or 3 helpful or correct comments. I'm going to paraphrase Nike's mantra - JUST DON'T DO IT.
35k or at least at 50k. And it all depends on fuel quality and how you ride. Someone who can’t ride often, where the fuel sits in the tank for a long time collecting moisture that bonds with ethanol may have to replace filter sooner….Doc
I have a off topic question, I recently tried to do a compression test on my wife 2015 HD Switchback, while threading the tool into the head just using my fingers It started cross threading, long story short I can’t even get the spark plug back in, I’m thinking it’s just the top few threads. Should I use a thread chaser or tap? What size and best tool to buy for doing this? I know to put grease on the tool to keep and metal falling into the cylinder. Thank you
The fuel pump has a mesh screen on the inlet side to prevent large tank debris from entering fuel pump, the pump needs to be non restricted on the inlet side. Fuel then passes through the filter to capture small micron debris preventing debris from rendering the fuel pressure regulator as inop. The fuel pressure regulator controls the pressure to the injectors. The injectors have a mesh screen on the fuel inlet side as a last check on fuel or component debris prior to fuel passing through the injectors. The pressure regulating valve also acts as a relief valve to dump the fuel back into the tank if the pressure exceeds the maximum inlet pressure that it is set at.
Doc.. my 08 SG has a bouncing fuel gauge. What and how do i test to see what needs to be replaced? I can bounce the bike with key on only and bounces. Please help
@ since I love working on my own bike Doc… are these gauges rebuildable because I am sure they’re probably discontinued and I would hate to have mixed matched gauges. I appreciate everything you do for us every little bit of knowledge helps
My opinion: Cost always precedes change at HD. Next they have had this set up on Air cooled Xl for years. And the “ Old tin can” set up wasn’t working for longevity as planned….Doc
Doc, this is Ana. During my trip to California my fuel pump was replaced. Just wondering, if the fuel pump was replaced, was the filter included as part of the fuel pump? I have a 2020 LRS.
Ana the fuel pump does not come with a new filter. Depending on mileage the Tech would have suggested. Now 2024 HD says the filter will last 100K that in my opinion is BS with the fuel quality we have now…..Doc
@ thank you Doc! I should have asked them to replace it as well but it’s too late now. I’ll probably hit the 100K miles in 4 or 5 years and will have to replace a bunch of stuff…..or trade it in for a new bike lol
Ton of different styles out there, some need a special wrench and some don't . Talk to your dealer and make sure you get the right parts for your specific year and model bike. Even my service manual had the wrong parts/diagram. Barrie HD here in Ontario parts guy was really helpful and made sure I was getting the right stuff.
@ you said the fuel is going from the tank to the filter and then to the regulator and then to the engine , and if the filter if dirty it won’t let the regulator give the right pressure . What I was asking is could you flip the lines around to go to the regulator first and then the filter then to the engine ?????
The Factory is calling for a fuel filter at 100K. In my opinion that is so wrong with the fuel quality of today. We used to change them at 35K. A post on this video suggested testing the fuel pressure at 10-20K services. Any drop would tell you it’s time…..Doc
Harley tells you to change the fillter at 50k, thats just stupid. I change mine at least evey other year but mostly at the start of every season. Same with fork oil, break fluid,ect....the cleaner you keep interal parts the longer they last period.
Hi Doc, a fuel injection system is a quiet complex item to explain and you did this very well and easy to understand. It's really necessary to maintain these filters regular. If they are getting closed they create problems that you don't dream of. Some customers had problems with their Ducatis, especially on the race track. Finally the reason was that simple fuel filter. Changed and problem solved. Best regards from Austria.
Thanks Doc that's something that is easily overlooked.
Appreciate your time watching…Doc
A+ Doc, always stick to the basics first!
Appreciate you watching Doc…
I have several injected bikes, never touched the filter. But now I'm on a guilt trip so here we gooo. Thanks a lot DOC!!!!!!!
You’re welcome. I hope it’s a fun learning experience…Doc
hahaha
Thanks Doc! after I solve my tranny issue on my 08 RG I’ll change the filter :)
Hi Doc,
a fuel injection system is a quiet complex item to explain and you did this very well and easy to understand.
It's really necessary to maintain these filters regular. If they are getting closed they create problems that you don't dream of.
Some customers had problems with their Ducatis, especially on the race track.
Finally the reason was that simple fuel filter. Changed and problem solved.
Best regards from Austria.
I decided to change the filter on my TC Road King while doing some other work. Only approx 20k miles. The fuel sitting inside the filter cup/housing was BROWN! I highly recommend an early filter change!
Thanks Mark….Doc
You didn’t mention it, but I believe Harley should be suggesting a fuel filter change way earlier than 100,000 miles. Replaced mine at 44,000. It needed replacing, but didn’t look like it was neglected way too long.
Good catch. It’s hard to argue with a real world experience…..Doc
Great video Doc. Especially on fuel injection you don't see the filter like on a carburetor. Out of sight out on mind.
That is a very good point, thanks for sharing….Doc
Excellent video, great info Doc. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers
Hi Doc, first of all a happy new Year for you and your family. I'm looking for many new interesting videos in 2025.
Greetings from good old Germany to Charleston ✌️😉
Thank you. Praying you have plenty of riding time in 2025….Doc
Great info Doc. We appreciate ya.
I appreciate your time watching…Doc
Great info Doc, a good first step when tuning a bike should be installing a new fuel filter, especially if the bike has some miles on it.
Have a 2012 FatBoy.Always used good fuel ,etc. .Decide to change filter, wow it was almost black .Good advice Doc .
😎👍
Awesome video as always Doc...
Thumbs up for the channel...
Much appreciated….Doc
Always great info! Thanks, Doc!
Much appreciated…Doc
Great tip. I am glad to have bikes with carbs, makes it much easier. Thanks Doc. Happy New year.
You are very welcome. Happy New Year…Doc
TC88 carb is 25k miles filter service.
Vacuum fuel taps are another failure point.
At higher rpm the manifold pressure drops, sometimes to the point the diaphragm in the tap doesn't override the spring that shuts it off.
Fuel starvation under maximum load.
Non vented fuel cap on a carb model is the one I got dealt last.
Intermittent and random starvation but there is still a pattern of clues.
We appreciate you sharing these Tech Tips….Doc
Thank you for another excellent video and excellent advice on the fuel filter
Appreciate the feedback….Doc
Thanks for the great tip doc. The next time my bike's in the have a 45,000 maintenance check done I'm going to ask about checking the fuel filter.
Good plan, keep the flow going…Doc
Decided to do the one in the 2008 FLSTC I bought last year. Watched a ton of RUclips vids on how to do it, seemed to be a wide variety of styles of fuel units. Sure enough, dug into mine and it was nothing like the ones on RUclips. On the bright side mine was even easier to do as the float for the fuel guage stays in the tank on my bike. Messy job with lots of fiddling around but got it done. Bike even ran afterward ! Gasp!
Well Done Sir 👍….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson LOL ty Doc, if ya ever need help changing a fuel filter, you know who to call !
Hi Doc, very helpful as always. Thanks a lot. Wish you and the whole Company a happy new year.
Thank you Michael….Doc
Great Idea , Makes Ya Think !!!
We appreciate you watching….Doc
Well done!
Thanks for sharing Doc!
I cut a 2X4 at "The Angle" and cheack my surface with a level .... that way, it sits still while you're tweaking.
I got rid of the vacuum bypass... just keep a clean fuel filter, and change into a nice new soft float needle IF . twist off the petcock if I am stopped for a while....it's better than a vacuum leak.
My 20 ultra started running rough/low demanding a clean filter at 30k!! Just bad fuel these days, bike would run fuel pump at idle or stop lights because of dirty filter!! Thx doc!
Thanks for sharing your experience…Doc
Your fuel pump is running continuously if the engine is running, whether or not you are idling or running down the road. The fuel pump should only shut off when the motor is not running.
@kenpuzio645 thanks! Since changing the filter the pump does not seem strain/noisy at stop lights! Thanks , just maintenance and being observant to bikes needs a little sooner then the shop manual suggested!! Ride safe!
Hello and thank you Dr. Can you make a video to learn the maintenance and control of the Panamerica Special fuel filter? Is it similar to the one you describe now? Or maybe he has already made a tutorial and I didn't see it? Greetings and happy new year!
We will try….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks i wait, and a lot users
Thanks Doc for this useful information, you gave me job and i am gonna do it, regards&happy new year
Same to you….Doc
Well doc, just how often would you recommend we change our fuel filter
Every 35K or at least at 50K service…Doc
Great video Doc, I’ll be doing my 25k service in the spring. I just ordered a near fuel filter and o ring will change it then. I have the service manual for my bike will follow the instructions in the manual. Thanks Doc
Sounds like you're prepared, good luck with the service….Doc
Excellent information.
Thanks Bruce….Doc
Know a guy who had a carbureted bike and ran it for years never switching the tank to reserve. One day he was running low and switched to reserve. Bike just ground to a halt, what ever was in the bottom of that tank plugged that filter up.
Cool vídeo.
When ECM compensate fuel, dont know that is less fuel, its supposed to be more air. So, when you have less pressure/flow, mileage on dash will show lower numbers.
Ethanol is not a problem on Harleys, we have thousands of HDs here in Brazil running over 20% over last 20 years and going to 30% soon (27% since 2014).
My current bike is 50k miles and i will change fuel filter now. Last bike i did on 25k and filter are ok.
Will change tank conector orings too, these dont last much more than 10 years here.
Wow that’s a lot of Ethanol!….Doc
Are you going to do some videos on how to change the fuel filter on various models of motorcycles?
Nope. Too many and my endorsement of you owning a Service Manual…Doc
I replaced mine on my ‘19 Road king at about 35,000 miles because it started making a noise. A high pitched whine.
I changed my 2014 Ultra filter after 60k and could 100% tell a difference in the time the engine responded. Can't imagine how bad it would have been at the recommended 100k change.
Thanks for sharing….Doc
Fuel injected xr1200x sportster 2011, how do we diy guys measure the fuel pressure to make sure that it is correct at the injectors? Seems a reasonable thing to check before just changing a filter or a pump, that’s what Is done on cars.
All help appreciated, happy new year 👍🥃
A person makes a choice in life to work on his/her motorcycle. They gather information. Books and materials ( Service Manuals). Then jump in with bill fold/ credit card and buy tools. You are at that point…..Doc
@ cheers doc, I think you’re absolutely correct however , you forgot to mention talent I’ve definitely run out of that! Keep up the good videos 👍🚀🏴 happy new year 🥃🍻
Pump to filter to regulator vs filter to pump,to regulator.
Do the limits of physical design and engineering render the more logically sensible latter option impossible?
In my opinion the latter opens the possibility of fuel pump starvation then failure….Doc
Well done Doc, you think like a Harley
Only running on 2 cells?😆…..Doc
This is what happens when the regulator doesn’t regulate. It should be designed to regulate the output pressure correcting either way. But yes, fuel filters should be replaced by the manual.
Hey Doc, i have an 08 FLHR 30k miles and around town and on US highways bike runs like New, but when i get over 70MPH or up a hill it boggs down and the exhaust gets quite loud, thinking either the fuel filter or a leak in one of the full pump hoses, but wanted your Expert opinion
I would follow your gut. Even if it doesn’t improve you have eliminated two possibilities….Doc
Changed mine when I changed out the fuel level sensor unit, due to fuel gage not working properly. Still didn’t fix the problem.. gage says the tank is full at 150 piles on the odometer..
Fuel Gauge issues are tricky, sometimes the floats stick against the side of the fuel tank. If it always reads full you have a wiring issue….Doc
Doc you should also mention that it is far cheaper just to buy an Ultra Classic than to piece meal one together like that bike your working on.😎
Now what fun would that be? Owner had over 160k. So must be having fun…Doc
Thank you Doc! What is your recommendation when to change the fuel filter? I heard after 30 k miles? Happy New Year to you! Cheers
I agree….Doc
I changed my fuel line too due to a pin hole leak caused by lines rubbing against each other. Bike stalled out during deceleration.
Not uncommon….Doc
Hi Doc, I have a deal for you! I have a 2014 Ultra Classic EFI with only 5024 miles on it. It has screaming eagle air breather, Dual Vance and Hines exhaust system, screaming eagle tuner and was dyna tuned by the 1st owner. I'm the second owner and am tired of working on it. I have done a 3 hole oil change, Have brand new tires on it. Also installed new brake pads just for the hell of It since I removed the wheels for tires and balance. It has 16" high handle bars. I have replaced the fuel disconnect hose inside the the tank and new fuel filter. It has a spty DTC code b1213 and will not start. Fob battery and bike battery fully charged. All electrical works ( horn and lights, display, stereo, Bluetooth, blinkers etc and is ready for the next mechanical inclined Rider to repair the b1213 error and ride into the sunset. All fuses are good. The p&a relay I think is good and have a starter relay that my Harley stealership sold me that was to replace my p&a relay but is a taller and pinned different comes with it. Not sure where the location to install it, but I am sure you would know. I am done with having the enjoyment of maintaining this awesome touring bike. For you $12k Iocated near Gallup NM and I will pay for shipping up to $500 😊
Those are some pretty big speakers 🔊
Yes they are….Doc
I try to discourage everyone I know from consulting Facebook groups for mechanical advice. Or ANY advice for anything. You get 100 smug comments, 500 dumb comments, 50 to 100 WRONG comments and possibly 2 or 3 helpful or correct comments. I'm going to paraphrase Nike's mantra - JUST DON'T DO IT.
Wise words of advice Bill….Doc
What does the Doc recommend for a fuel filter change interval on a late model FI bike?
35k or at least at 50k. And it all depends on fuel quality and how you ride. Someone who can’t ride often, where the fuel sits in the tank for a long time collecting moisture that bonds with ethanol may have to replace filter sooner….Doc
I have a off topic question, I recently tried to do a compression test on my wife 2015 HD Switchback, while threading the tool into the head just using my fingers It started cross threading, long story short I can’t even get the spark plug back in, I’m thinking it’s just the top few threads. Should I use a thread chaser or tap? What size and best tool to buy for doing this? I know to put grease on the tool to keep and metal falling into the cylinder. Thank you
Blue-point sells a 12mm spark plug Back-tap. …..Doc
Thank you.
Great video Doc ... but how come the filter is not first???then the pump then the regulator??? Just sayin!!! Thanks for your great insite!!!
Great point
A real connundrum.
Going to watch the Doc again.
I’m going to venture a guess they do it in case the pump or regulator sheds debris. ???
I always say, Gotta be a reason.
Good video.
@@dougfresh1341 Good guess! generally filters go after the pump in case the pump fails and sheds parts.
The fuel pump has a mesh screen on the inlet side to prevent large tank debris from entering fuel pump, the pump needs to be non restricted on the inlet side. Fuel then passes through the filter to capture small micron debris preventing debris from rendering the fuel pressure regulator as inop. The fuel pressure regulator controls the pressure to the injectors. The injectors have a mesh screen on the fuel inlet side as a last check on fuel or component debris prior to fuel passing through the injectors. The pressure regulating valve also acts as a relief valve to dump the fuel back into the tank if the pressure exceeds the maximum inlet pressure that it is set at.
Thanks Doc, Happy 2025 :)
Doc.. my 08 SG has a bouncing fuel gauge. What and how do i test to see what needs to be replaced? I can bounce the bike with key on only and bounces. Please help
Usually when they “bounce” the gauge resistor in the gauge is bad….Doc
@ since I love working on my own bike Doc… are these gauges rebuildable because I am sure they’re probably discontinued and I would hate to have mixed matched gauges. I appreciate everything you do for us every little bit of knowledge helps
Probably overkill but I change the filter on my FI 03 every 20,000 miles.
Doc, why don’t the new softails have a fuel filter?? It’s just basically a sock, strainer, no actual quality fuel filter? Don’t understand this?
My opinion: Cost always precedes change at HD. Next they have had this set up on Air cooled Xl for years. And the “ Old tin can” set up wasn’t working for longevity as planned….Doc
Doc, this is Ana. During my trip to California my fuel pump was replaced. Just wondering, if the fuel pump was replaced, was the filter included as part of the fuel pump? I have a 2020 LRS.
Ana the fuel pump does not come with a new filter. Depending on mileage the Tech would have suggested. Now 2024 HD says the filter will last 100K that in my opinion is BS with the fuel quality we have now…..Doc
@ thank you Doc! I should have asked them to replace it as well but it’s too late now. I’ll probably hit the 100K miles in 4 or 5 years and will have to replace a bunch of stuff…..or trade it in for a new bike lol
Been meaning to change that filter for awhile now. Ugh. lol.
Can you post the part numbers for filter and wrench to remove housing? Thank you.
No sir. That is parts and Techs food on their table. I am sure a Forum has this information…..Doc
Ton of different styles out there, some need a special wrench and some don't . Talk to your dealer and make sure you get the right parts for your specific year and model bike. Even my service manual had the wrong parts/diagram. Barrie HD here in Ontario parts guy was really helpful and made sure I was getting the right stuff.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson alright.
Doc. Is it possible to flip flop the lines to go to the regular first ……..?
I don’t understand the question…Doc
@ you said the fuel is going from the tank to the filter and then to the regulator and then to the engine , and if the filter if dirty it won’t let the regulator give the right pressure . What I was asking is could you flip the lines around to go to the regulator first and then the filter then to the engine ?????
What is the recommended mileage on a fuel filter for an 08 Ultra?
The Factory is calling for a fuel filter at 100K. In my opinion that is so wrong with the fuel quality of today. We used to change them at 35K. A post on this video suggested testing the fuel pressure at 10-20K services. Any drop would tell you it’s time…..Doc
Not sure for your ‘08 but it has been standard 100K on a variety of Harley Davidsons fuel injected models I have owned.
Calls for a change at 25k on a 2013 Road Glide.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Actually I checked the service manual for my 2011 Tri-Glide, it says replace after 25000miles or 40000kms
❤
Thanks…Doc
The factory change out of the fuel filter is wrong…change it out every 15-20K miles….not 100K
Harley tells you to change the fillter at 50k, thats just stupid. I change mine at least evey other year but mostly at the start of every season. Same with fork oil, break fluid,ect....the cleaner you keep interal parts the longer they last period.
Well done David….Doc
Hi Doc,
a fuel injection system is a quiet complex item to explain and you did this very well and easy to understand.
It's really necessary to maintain these filters regular. If they are getting closed they create problems that you don't dream of.
Some customers had problems with their Ducatis, especially on the race track.
Finally the reason was that simple fuel filter. Changed and problem solved.
Best regards from Austria.
Thanks for sharing Wolfgang. Happy New Year to you and family…..Doc