BMW Service - R11xxRT Fuel Filter - YouTube version

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CHRIS HARRIS
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[@goober650NX]

Excellent tutorial Chris, as usual. Had to remove the fuel tank today on my R1100RT due to a blockage in the drain hose from the filler cap flange. Water couldn't drain away from the flange and every time i opened the fuel cap it would allow water to enter the tank, exactly as you 😮Tried everything so as not to remove the tank but that's how it finished up. Managed to clear the blockage by removing the vent hose at the fuel pump flange. Usual crud and a little bit of rust inside the metal pipe bore. Wouldn't shift with an air line connected but a bit of wire and a fine drill bit did the job. Finished by purging the line with WD40 and high pressure air and all seems good. Your video was a great help in assisting. Thanks for making the video and for taking the time to upload.

[@Steve.D]

"Knowledge, experience & attention to detail." Can't ask for anything better! Thanks.

[@anthonybremner3135]

I wish you could have seen the crap workmanship on a R1100RS fuel pump plate on a bike I bought sight unseen. Got it cheap cos the guy said it hadnt run for 4 years but could ride aroung the country anytime. BS. The jerking and missing rpm in 1st and 2nd made it impossible to go tound the block. That U shaped hose in the tank had a blowhole you could see with one eye shut from a galloping horse. Love your work Chris. Thanks buddy.

[@rodrigoruffa7460]

Three years ago, me and other 4 high school friends (30 years after those old school days) traveled through all Scandinavia up to Nordkapp, the Nothernmost point in Europe. Our only spare part was a generic electric gas pump. Guess what went wrong in the middle of nowhere @ Finland? The gas pump inside the tank of a R1150GS. We had to do all that but with basic hand tools by the roadside. Unforgettable

[@kevinraabe457]

Oh man that would really suck

[@ChrisR.Harris]

That's a ride to remember!

[@frankbutaric3565]

At least the gs fuel tank removal is easy. The rt is a mission

[@unknownriderinbound]

Gotta love a Mechanic who respects the machine enough to use hand tools! Beats the heck out of a "technician"who goes at your bike with with power tools just to get to the next job faster.

[@therwfer]

There is nothing wrong with using the right power tool for the right job. If anything, it respects the customers' wallets.

[@unknownriderinbound]

@@therwfer I won't argue with that, but (Right tool × Skilled Mechanic)/ Appropriate Use= Successful Outcome. Change one variable and costs usually go up for the customer and/or the shop. I'd rather someone like Chris an extra hour or two of labor now than pay someone like Chris to fix damage AND do the job all over again later!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@unknownriderinbound No air tools allowed in my shop unless operated by me. How often do you see me with a pneumatic or cordless tool in hand?! ;)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@therwfer You are correct but, I have always told my newly hired techs to leave their power tools at home. I've only seen hardware strip during disassembly of a BMW a couple of times and that was after someone went after said hardware with a pneumatic instead of by hand. Steel bolts, aluminium parts, some corrosion and 'zing', the steel bolt is out and comes with a coating of aluminium threads. I learned from others mistakes early on in the BMW shop... these bikes are very old now and I feel that hand tools are safer to use on these old bikes.

[@therwfer]

Great video again that will save a lot of people a lot of their hard earned cash. Some additional tipps: If you can't get the outer fuel hoses off, pushing them further into the rail will produce a fuel layer between the inner and outer line. You can pull them off easily afterwards. You can make your life easier reassembling the tank, if you tie the 2 thin hoses (breather and drain) with long wire straps. You can grab those from the outside while setting the pump assembly back into place. Sometimes they're a bit too short to use your hands comfortably. If you find your pickup screen to be torn at the very end, you can buy a new one at BMW at a very reasonable price (kappa). Or you could staple the end back together. If you cant / dont want to, this is a part you should get for 3 bucks from a third party supplier. Let me reemphasize how important it is to replace that stupid o-ring, even if it looks 100% mint. I seriously had to fight for that against my old boss. A fucking 5 € part. Don't be like my former boss and send me to the gas station only to embarrass myself. Char coal canister: *laughs in european* What Chris showed here, can be applied to ANY R850 / R11XX / R1200C in principle. There are minor differences, like additional molded hoses in the R1150R and R1100S; also RTs are the only ones with an electric connector inside the tank you'll have to disconnect. Apart from that, it's mostly the same. ESPECIALLY THE O-RING!!!

[@daftnord4957]

this guy is all business up front, but you can tell he likes to party

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Where's this party? I'm up for a PARTY! There's no party in the USA since the music died here long, long ago.

[@testicularoxide5055]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! All your videos have been EXTREMELY helpful in keeping my 2001 R1100RT security patrol bike daily riding our nightly patrols. Your straight forward advice and tips are priceless! Thank you for sharing!!👍👍👍

[@JohnDoe-bf1fw]

highly detailed, thoroughly explained every step...great video. I also went ahead and replaced the fuel pump with an after market one that was part a kit that contained the "U" shaped hose and filter. My R1100R runs great.

[@jerrychase4177]

Quantum?

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

where did you get the kit?

[@jeanjacques9980]

I love watching these videos, I have zero technical knowledge but I’m able to appreciate a master craftsmen at work much like a fine artist. Sadly after 25 years of good service, I have been relieved of my RT in the middle of the night.

[@sweatyhandshake1811]

Chris, you are an absolute legend for making all of these videos. Believe it or not, I got my 95 R1100RSL on a trade with a guy for an 81 Honda Twinstar - the catch was he inherited it from his dad and it needed a lot of work. I don't make BMW dealership money and your videos have let me turn the bike back into a safe, reliable machine. This weekend is the clutch replacement, with the Clymer manual you recommended & your video I actually feel confident that my friend and I can accomplish the task. Thanks a million!

[@jaimemartin5297]

Doing that right now, with your help. Thank you!

[@cjstrasser]

Those are Oetiker clamps Chris.

[@HMarche]

Love your are back on your craft Chris!!! keep doing it!!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you; please see more on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/user?u=25101320

[@keitha.9788]

Yep, replace the little U hose every 8 years. Also a pair of quick-disconnect connectors outside the tank for the fuel lines are also very helpful.... Great Video Chris...

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks, there will be more.

[@johndrew6730]

Thanks Chris. I appreciate your thoroughness and level of detail.

[@tiowilt]

Chris: I sure wish you were in SW Florida, because although I have rode for 60 years, what you showed me on the video is more than I look forward too doing. Great video thank you very much.

[@clarkantcliff8446]

The guy that sells the nushings sells a stainless steel u bend to replace the hose if needed along with a a kit to service the filter

[@KLR-650]

Man, just found your video. You are an excellent teacher. I'm not ready to do this yet, but I will come back to this when I am.

[@frednouvertne4216]

Hi Chris. Glad to see you here.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hi Fred.

[@bradysolaem2467]

you bend a hose in half and bake it to achieve the u bend! cheers mate

[@amarkpierce]

This is another great instructional video. I appreciate your attention to detail. I will often be watching and starting to think "but what if...?" and a minute later you provide the answer I needed. Will be changing the filter on my R1150RT this winter, thanks fir all the tips!

[@volvogt21]

Seriously great video. Hope you are well Chris. Looking forward to your next video.

[@bobbishop9339]

ALL fuel hoses should be replaced if you go this far into it. And those hose clamps should be used on all fuel hoses. You won't find them at your auto parts store. Bemmer Boneyard is a good place for them. Good video Chris. Did mine a couple years ago on my 1150rt. Changed the fuel pump, filter, hoses, clamps.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks, bob bishop

[@aaron___6014]

What brand of fuel line, I find that auto store fuel line lasts only a few years before it becomes junk. This old line has survived 20+ years.

[@bobbishop9339]

@@aaron___6014 It is not a brand thing, it is a make up thing. Don't use the oem hoses as they are made of rubber and you know rubber goes bad over time. New old stock may be real old sitting on a shelf someplace. Go to stainless hoses, and change them all. A chain is no stronger than the weakest link. In my time with my 1150rt, I have had 2 hoses fail. The first after 8 years the second 7 years. No warning just pop and no brakes.

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Really great video thanks for sharing Chris :) just getting up to speed on my 1150GSA an your vids are invaluable.

[@stevensapyak7971]

6.19.20. Last fall when I took a trip out through Wyoming and Montana to spread some of my brothers ashes in the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming, I was up on the bear tooth highway heading to red Lodge Montana with my 85 Goldwing interstate when it just quit, the battery was not charging. After about a 3 1/2 hour wait I finally got someone to pick me up and take me into a bike shop in red Lodge. They didn’t have a mechanic there but I do electrical work so I did the diagnosing and found that my Stator was fine and my rectifier/regulator was also fine it was a connection through a starter solenoid that gave me issues.While I was there, there was a fellow from Calgary Alberta with an RT 1150 that had a fuel pump issue. I guess they quoted him $1400 to have one shipped from somewhere so he flew back to Calgary. I Noticed that the bike was leaking fuel, so I googled BMW forums for the lady shop owner and found that that the bike had a transportation service bulletin issued on it for a leaking connection to a hose from the fuel tank. So I ended up putting the bike on it’s center stand and putting a metal tub underneath it so it would catch any gas that was leaking on her floor. The name of the shop was Bone Daddy’s..... very good people out there in Montana!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks for the nice story.

[@bradysolaem2467]

05 r1200rt here so thanksfull for the quick connects and no nonsense tank removal its a must to bled abs servo brakes

[@g41thomas]

Good to see the master at his best again...

[@pauld5818]

Thank you for a quality explanatory detailed excellent video

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You are welcome. There is a longer version of this video on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=25101320

[@Foxbat1155]

Please do a video on the F650 from before 2000 models, the classic funduro ones.

[@flyingjeff1956]

I never cease to be amazed how many really good mechanics don't own nut drivers. ;)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Right; I don't.

[@richardknott2021]

Excellent tutorial..

[@christianfekete]

Beautiful thank you

[@RichardT2112]

Another option is a stainless U bolt for the elbow.

[@brucegreen6754]

Chris, so happy to have found your channel. Gratefully watched your video recently about how to remove the rear wheel and brake pads. Very helpful. Before i go braking things, do you have a video about removing the rear disc?

[@nathandodge665]

HOLY shit!!!!!! No wonder that job cost $400

[@bradysolaem2467]

use a copper sleeve or such to acheive instant bend

[@billyray3761]

You should have been a surgeon Chris.

[@dillonbussard9576]

I have an r1200c I recently lined the tank and replaced the fuel filter in, but now the "idiot light" for fuel is stuck on. Do you have any tips for this? Thank you for the videos, they helped get this bike together in the first place!

[@Snurre86]

18:30 or just glue a round improvised spacer there to prevent the kink in the hose.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Or a stainless hose clip

[@michaeldavis1659]

Chris Is there a valve on the fuel vent line that stops reverse venting? I'm trying to blow it out, can't. It isn't venting. Help Mike

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

Thanks so much for this video. So is the pressure the same for all BMW's that have fuel injection?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You are welcome. There is an hour long version on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/user?u=25101320 'All' is a broad spectrum. R850, R1100, R1150 and R1200C have the same pressure.

[@alexsystems2001]

At 4:01, would you know what the part number for that tool is that you are using to separate the fuel lines?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Indeed: www.amazon.com/Car-Hose-Removal-Plier-Tool/dp/B07DMBZR59

[@robertlee8042]

Why lube gasoline lines with mineral spirits? Why not gasoline?

[@mitzy162]

New r1150rt owner here! All your videos are great. Seriously. Already updated a noisy cct and doing right side when it shows up. Any tips on right side tensioner? Do I need to pull the valve cover to make sure chain doesn't move with right side being upside down? Thanks!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The right side is inverted therefore always full of oil and not needing to be replaced. But, you can change it without removing the valve cover. Good luck. See Patreon for more: www.patreon.com/user?u=25101320

[@AlexanderChepurko0]

Hi Chris, does it matter if you switch around the vent tube connections to the fuel plate? Doesn’t look like there’s any way to remember which one connects where unless you mark them.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

If the canister has been removed, no.

[@claudiosoares2244]

o que pode ser ou como consertar , a luz painel amarela do tanque esta sempre ligada.

[@verticalgyno]

Hi Chris, why you say the floating arm sensor system is not the fuel level transmitter but just the low level transmitter? On my GS 1150 is the only sensor systemr for level and low level indication, has the RT a separate sensor for level indication? Ciao ;))

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Yes, the RT has a tube float for the gauge and uses the arm for the light.

[@carlospenu5791]

👍👍

[@redversmarlow5473]

Hi Chris,Could you please help me with this choice of fuel pump for R1150R . The manufacturer is Enduralast ,are they any good? Your input would be greatly appreciated.kind regards Red Marlow.

[@PorkHunt100]

You ever strip those studs on th gs tank? M5 studs...

[@peterdewaele5698]

how many nm for the screw

[@redbeak1453]

Awesome video especially since I just had a $800.00 fuel pump replacement on my 2009 BMW HP2 Sport. I was going down the highway and fuel started going all over my leg and cylinders. Luckily I got stuck in front of a BMW bike dealer. They told me that the ethanol cracked the fuel pump and it is common. In New Jersey I think they use up to 10% ethanol. I asked them to save the pump so I can take a look at it, but they threw it out, so I could never see what actually failed. I only have 9000 miles on it and usually use it on track. I also have a 2007 R 1200RT. What failure points should we look for that can be caused by ethanol? You mention O ring and hose. But why would they replace the entire pump unit for $800.00? Also, why doesn't Bmw make components that can tolerate the effects of ethanol? Like they do in cars. If it really is an issue.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Plastic fuel tanks, lines, pumps and anything else in the system comprising rubber or plastic will fail from E10 or higher fuel. The cars are not any better but corporate cares about the cars, not about the bikes. A longer version of this is on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/user?u=25101320

[@DonanKlooz]

The pump is inside the tank so any pump leak would be in the tank. 800 $ to replace the external fuel line that burst is robbery. Surprise!

[@ssdwired3163]

my 2004 r1150rs has a full tank but the fule reads half tank. Please help.

[@stevegiannotti6700]

Hi, where you been, haven't seen you for awhile. Hope all is well

[@jaynesink9972]

My 2004 RT1150 wont start Cranks like crazy. When I squirt a shot of fluid in the airbox it fires right up. It will stay running and idle for a minute. It will stay running if I throttle up when I hear it start to stall. If it does stall no start again without fluid. even warmed up. Hate to have to change filter but I am capable. Any suggestions? Thank you much! Your videos are awesome!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Changing the fuel filter would be the first thing to do. I don't think that's your problem, though but it is where you should start. Good luck.

[@chrispreston362]

Thanks for the videos mate, saving my ass with my newly acquired disaster of an 1150gs. What size are those hose clamps? My local shop motorworks (uk) list two sizes: 10-12mm / 12-14mm. Or do I need both?

[@chrispreston362]

I think I’ve figured it out. 13mm clips for the high pressure hose and 8-9.5mm for the vent pipes. Anyone know for sure?

[@magicoddeffect]

@@chrispreston362 On my own R850R I was able to use 9-11mm clamps on the vent lines and 11-13mm clamps on the fuel lines.

[@chrispreston362]

@@magicoddeffect thanks mate

[@Snurre86]

I decided to delete the internal and install a external see through fuel filter.

[@brianhowald2995]

What is the tool for hose/tube?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

www.amazon.com/Car-Hose-Removal-Plier-Tool/dp/B07DMBZR59

[@frankbutaric3565]

One of the best upgrades for your bmw is to relocate the filter outside the fuel tank. Bypass the filter in the tank with hose. Use long hose outside the fuel tank to a convenient filter connection. Run another hose to from filter to inlet of fuel system. You will not have to remove the fuel tank to replace the filter. This saves time and money as replacing fuel filter in tank requires removal of all the plastic panels. You may want to use a quick disconnect before the filter to shut of fuel from tank when removing filter.

[@Redmenace96]

I serviced mine last year, and wish I had kept going and relocated filter out of tank. I'm always wondering what the heck is going on in there! It is a pretty silly design to put it inside the tank.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Absolutely, positively NOT! Have you ever seen a fuel filter rupture under 50 psi? Would you want that to happen between your legs over a hot engine?! You've got bigger balls to burn than I! The filter is inside the fuel tank to allow for this to happen and not douse the rider in fuel. Put it back where it belongs says the guy who's seen a couple filters burst.

[@Redmenace96]

@@ChrisR.Harris You know what you are talking about, but.... Any clamp can rupture, disconnects are in same location. Many other brands put the filter in-line and outside. They are all wrong? Plastic filter housing splits/rupture? whoa. not seen by me.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@Redmenace96 I had a GS in the shop with a plastic filter that was quite brittle and cracked when I removed it. It would have failed within a few more months. WAY back when these oilheads were new (1993 - 1996'ish) someone in Florida wrote an article about moving the filter to the outside of the tank... about a year before their external fuel filter ruptured on a Florida interstate and POOF; crispy shorts! BMW uses shitty plastic quick connects since 2002 that are equally dangerous. The solution is to use metal quicks (Beemer Boneyard) or none at all as the pre 2002 models came. As for aluminium fuel filter; I've seen one split the end open (old age neglect) and the filter in my 1990 K1 deteriorated internally in 1992. 50 PSI of fuel pressure is more than I like to keep pressurized between my legs, you know?!

[@AnalogDude_]

Weird the pump sits in front of the filter.

[@Goodoni1960]

Chris, can Seafoam be used on an 96 RT1100?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Yes Don, that is a good thing to have in case a bad load of fuel is purchased. It might mean getting to a shop under its own power v. trailered. Good luck with your R1100RT and stay tuned.

[@davidd837]

You could make it in steel

[@LOTPOR0402]

The trouble is , is that little piece of U shaped pipe is expensive , and is not compatible with modern fuels which will eat into it .J30 R10 is the pipe you need that is submersible. Why BMW did not put the filter outside the tank is beyound me .Must be method to the madness

[@arawhyfalcon93]

Is that fucking Beatle juice

[@frankbutaric3565]

Relocate filter to outside of tank. Changing a filter is over one hour of labor. Hoses and clamps are only $25. Then you can use any fi filter which are cheap.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Be sure to buy a nomex fire suit for when that external fuel filter ruptures and douses you in fuel. It's a cool feeling until ignition. There is a reason it is located inside the fuel tank. These filter do fail.

[@frankbutaric3565]

@@ChrisR.Harris so, how many fuel injection filters have you ever seen ruptured?

[@magicoddeffect]

@@frankbutaric3565 He mentioned in another comment train that he's seen it happen at least twice and read a firsthand account of it happening to another rider online.

[@frankbutaric3565]

@@magicoddeffect those were the BMW filters. Use a car filter.