Which air & fuel filter

[jaster]

Two things I haven't replaced on the bike are the air filter and fuel filter. The bike runs great so I don't think either one is particularly dirty (the air filter looks clean) but I'm gong to change them soon anyway.

The previous owner found a site talking about using a standard air filter and creating an adapter for it. He installed a Fram filter with the same diameter then used a piece of 3/8 (?) hose to fill the gap between the filter & the housing (used heat shrink to create the connection).

Yes, there will be less filter material and it could restrict air flow. I like the idea of using a Wix filter instead of a $40 Honda filter. Any thoughts on this? Any one else heard of or try this idea?

Also, is there a standard fuel filter I can use on the bike? Or is this another Honda only part?

 

[Fred D]

From my archives, use a Fram G3 fuel filter.

I also used the Fram air filter mod, using a Fram CA351 air filter and 1/4 inch id fuel line for the gasket. I used electrical tape to hold the ends of the fuel line together.

 

[EJ's 97ST]

Morning all. Before ya get to excited about spending a bunch on air filters or doing mod's go to Dennis Kirk and get a replacement that rivals OEM. $ 17.99
Fuel filter, go to AutoZone or Checkers and get the insert type for, I think 6.99 and that comes with 3 screen replacements.
Just my .02
Ride safe EJ

 

[jaster]

Morning all. Before ya get to excited about spending a bunch on air filters or doing mod's go to Dennis Kirk and get a replacement that rivals OEM. $ 17.99
Fuel filter, go to AutoZone or Checkers and get the insert type for, I think 6.99 and that comes with 3 screen replacements.
Just my .02
Ride safe EJ

Somethign like this:
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_90318_-1

I had one similar to this my truck and the nut holding the screen in place kept backing off. The clear glass was really nice so I could watch fuel flow if I was having trouble. In the end it was too much trouble. Of course a different brand may have been better.

 

[EJ's 97ST]

Somethign like this:
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_90318_-1

I had one similar to this my truck and the nut holding the screen in place kept backing off. The clear glass was really nice so I could watch fuel flow if I was having trouble. In the end it was too much trouble. Of course a different brand may have been better.

Hmmmm, jus' like that one but haven't had that problem yet, might have somethin' to do with me wrappi'n the threaded ends w/plumbers tape. I really like looking for possiable contaminates(if any) in the fuel tank. It'll give me the opportunity to take a quick glance when doing other maintenance thingie's. And like Fred D mentions there are advantages to the "quick change" type too, jus change it every 2nd or 3rd air element change and not worry about it.
Ride safe
EJ

 

[jaster]

My filter of choice is Wix. So, before lunch I cross referenced the Fram part # to figure out which Wix I needed to buy. Printed it out and went to the local parts store and slapped down my $6. While I was there, I took the Fram off the bike and installed the Wix... Well, I tried to install the Wix. The ID of the filters are the same but the Wix has more filter material which gives it a slightly larger OD. I took it back in the store, exchanged it for the $0.95 cheaper Fram, and installed it without any issues. I tossed the old filter because it looked old (not dirty, just old).

 

[jaster]

I'll try not to rant about "Made in China" but there's some serious junk floating around out there...

At lunch today I went to O'Reilly Auto to get one of those fuel filters. They're $10.99 and are branded Mr. Gasket (Cleveland, OH) but are made in China. Don't waste your money. The metal piece which holds it all together is some cheap cast metal and the threads are very lose until you tighten everything. The ridge left from the casting won't let the filter element seat all the way and you can see a gap. Seriously folks, this part is junk.

To reinforce my opinion, I spend 30 minutes looking for the one which I removed from my truck. It's labeled ProFuel and I bought it several years ago for less money. Sure enough, my memory is functioning and the old one is much better made. It looks like it's made the same as the Spectre branded filter on Jeg's site.

I've attached a photo of the two (minus the glass part) and I think it's obvious which is the one I'll be returning tomorrow. So much more I could say but that would just go into a rant...

Just checked JC Whitney and their picture is the same as the one I'm returning. It's unbranded on their site but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Norm]

An AutoSense GF-69M fuel filter is larger in size and has a metal shell which is (IMO) to be prefered to plastic. The filter is larger in diameter but fits in the space just head of the shroud. I didn't like the tension applied by the original clamps so replaced them with gear type.

I wrapped the filter body with drawer liner and two zip ties to prevent rattling.

When time allows I will check my boxes of spares for a set of constant tension clamps like the stock ones. The advantage of that type of clamp is that it continues to squeeze even if the hose becomes smaller in diameter.

As for replacement air filters.......IMO adapting air filters by the use of spacers is a poor risk. If that hose is not properly located or the ends disconnect, there is a real risk of inhaling dirt. That could go on for a long time, until the next time the filter is checked. By that time, you may be in for some very major expenses in terms of reboring, pistons, rings......

For me. and not necessarily anyone else's view, it's a poor risk.

Just my $0.02,

Norm

I'll try not to rant about "Made in China" but there's some serious junk floating around out there...

At lunch today I went to O'Reilly Auto to get one of those fuel filters. They're $10.99 and are branded Mr. Gasket (Cleveland, OH) but are made in China. Don't waste your money. The metal piece which holds it all together is some cheap cast metal and the threads are very lose until you tighten everything. The ridge left from the casting won't let the filter element seat all the way and you can see a gap. Seriously folks, this part is junk.

To reinforce my opinion, I spend 30 minutes looking for the one which I removed from my truck. It's labeled ProFuel and I bought it several years ago for less money. Sure enough, my memory is functioning and the old one is much better made. It looks like it's made the same as the Spectre branded filter on Jeg's site.

I've attached a photo of the two (minus the glass part) and I think it's obvious which is the one I'll be returning tomorrow. So much more I could say but that would just go into a rant...

Just checked JC Whitney and their picture is the same as the one I'm returning. It's unbranded on their site but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[J. Fitzgerald]

I agree with Norm on the air filter. I wouldn't want to risk using the adapter when you can get an OEM spec filter from California Sport Touring for less than $20 & you can save $$$ on OEM parts thru Honda Direct Line Parts (hdlparts.com)

 

[Tgorman]

If you don't like the idea of using a hose as an adapter on the Fram air filter mod do what I did. Go to Home Depot and buy Marine & Automotive weatherstrip tape. You can get it in 3/8" thick, 3/4" wide bag 10 feet long. It's a perfect fit on the air cleaner cover. It has an adhesive on one side which I attached to the top of the air filter cover. The Fram filter has been tested and found to have high quailty filtering properties and can be purchased locally for about $5.

 

[dbhughes1981]

Thanks for the info guys. I just went to autozone and picked up the fram filter ($5.75 after tax). Then I went to Lowes and picked up some 3/4" X 1/2" automotive weather stripping ($3.35 after tax). Filter fits in there like a champ and it is definitely getting sealed all the way around. $10.10 out the door for an air filter that I was able to get and install today. Can't beat that.

 

[DeanR]

Daniel, did you get the CA351 Fram filter?

 

[Tgorman]

DeanR,

You are correct, CA351.

 

[kanem]

K&N Filter. $64 from STealer and probably find it cheaper elsewhere and never have to buy another air filter.

 

[electrajoe]

The Fram is too short, needs a spacer to seal. The K & N is too tall, note how snugging down the screws distorts the lid.

Best solution is to buy a genuine Honda filter. Second best option is to wash the Honda filter with a good degreaser (detergent or K & N cleaner). Let dry for a day, install dry or spray with light mist or K & N oil or AFT, optional. You should be good for another 30K + miles.