Fuel filter maintenance

[drifter-paul]

I had the Hi-pressure Fuel line clip to the external (1999) filter dis-engage .
As there was brown filth all over the engine and the clip , I continued to remove the tank/pump and de-rust it (200,000K) also the filter as it was easily accessible .

I had to unblock the filter a few years ago , but thought it was from red-dust roads that I'd covered 10K on . Wasn't Just that !!

I'm now in the process of de-rust tank /pump & filter .
Age causes rust more than miles /Ks .

It is not a technical or special tools job . Just lots of connections , tabs , and doing things in the right order - Piss easy the 3rd time.

Given the age of our bikes, I would suggest it is a good idea .

If you want to do it , I am quite happy to write up the procedure step by step - it is a bit wordy for just a general inquiry .

Parts are getting very hard to come by, especially to Australia - we only had 50 Drifters 99 models) so used parts are also not available.

Paul~

[moto]

Maybe its best to leave it alone if it worked. I have 1999 Drifter and 45000km on it.

[Troll]

The switch to the 5 gallon tank made lots of difference.

[jmbo]

1999 EXTERNAL FILTER DIAGRAM

[David Baker]

Chief, Thanks... Was wondering if I needed to address an inner filter (whew!) not looking forward to tearing the pump off, Let alone removing the tank and fuel lines again. PC... Thanks for the link for the filter, That price is a savings compared to the dealer (every bit helps) course they always have a mark up! lol

[chief]

Ok, to clarify... on 1999 and 2000 models the filter is EXTERNAL (PN 49019-1089), on 2001 and later its INTERNAL and not designed for maintenance or repair.

Sorry for the confusion, it didn't register this was for a 99.

[pcarrell]

According to exploded parts diagrams and part numbers with descriptions there is only 1 fuel filter on a '99 from the factory that I can find (I checked the Fuel Injection Unit, the Fuel Pump (where I found it listed and shown), and the Tank itself with related parts).  The part # for a '99 1500 is 49019-1089, and it can be had for $44.89 at Ron Ayers.  http://www.ronayers.com/Fiche/TypeID/26/Type/Motorcycle/MakeID/3/Make/Kawasaki/YearID/40/Year/1999/ModelID/3481/Model/Vulcan_1500_Drifter/GroupID/98815/Group/Fuel_Pump(VN1500-J1)

[David Baker]

Chief, Do the '99 1500s have two fuel filters? One internal (fuel pump inside the tank) and one external. In my "Chasing Gremlins" post I described how the local dealer recommended I flush the fuel filter rather than spend the money for a new one (close to $60.00) It was located externally just behind the front tank mount above the cylinder heads.

[chief]

Fuel filters go between the tank and the pump. There is no line outside tank, since the pump and filter are inside the tank. Kaw doesn't expect the filter to a problem for a very long time, apparently.

[Troll]

this diagram should help you....

[John Hopkins]

I haven't had to look yet, but I will be doing about 650 miles in march so if I have any problems I will have to strip some of the bike down..I know some of you have had your bikes for a long time, so I wonder, is there room to fit an aftermarket in line fuel filter..And would it affect the pressure to the injectors..

John.

[smokey422]

I've looked through my '99 Drifter owner's manual and cannot find any reference as to when the fuel filter should be changed. I don't think I have a problem with mine, I'm just curious as to when other owners may have done this. If anyone has, how big of a job is it? Do you need any special tools? Thanks in advance for all answers. By the way, my bike has 23,000 miles on it.
Smokey