EMGO Fuel Filters Revisited

[N2PPN]

I had remembered about the problems the EMGO fuel filters were having in older posts.... I as you might remember purchased a full rebuild kit for my 1981 GL1100 from Randakk's when I did the "resurrection" of the bike almost two years ago...

I do remember sending Randall an E-mail (which he actually never replied to) about which filters he was using in his rebuild kits.. noting the problems others were experiencing with the EMGO filters....

Well... I finally got around to changing the fuel filter to the NAPA one and when I removed the one from the Randakk's kit, it WAS an EMGO and although it didn't "rattle" when I shook it, here is what I found after removing the stainless band that holds the sucker together:

EMGO filter opened up

Here is the side view:

EMGO side View

At least fuel filter related problems can be crossed off my "potential threats" list for now...

Also Advance Auto Parts is having a sale on Mobil 1 V-Twin Motorcycle oil for 8 bucks a quart.... I just loaded up on it and the Fram Spin-on filters (PH-3614) for my filter adapter (also from Randakk's)

Spring is here!!!!

Ride on!!


Rich

[WingAdmin]

The problem with the Emgo fuel filters was the adhesive that fastened the filter media to the plastic disc side. It crumbled and deteriorated, and finally would fail, sending bits of failed adhesive on to clog the carbs. It looks from your picture that this has happened - look at the condition of that adhesive.

[N2PPN]

Yeah, Just hoping none made it's way into the carbs...(fingers, toes, eyes and feet crossed) and I replaced it in time...

Got the 20W-50 Mobil One V-Twin oil by the way, and she seems to shift a bit smoother.... could just be my imagination..


Rich

[seabee_]

FYI. You might want to do a search on google about problems with fram oil filters. I recently saw a post on one of the goldwing forums of a guy that cut his fram oil filter open just for a look see. He found that the filter element was coming apart. That can deminish the capabilities of the filter, let alone put filter particles into the oil system. Apperently it's a common problem on some frams. Just wanted to let you know. I'm a mechanic and my personal preference is to not use them. Just my 2 cents.

[dingdong]

FYI. You might want to do a search on google about problems with fram oil filters. I recently saw a post on one of the goldwing forums of a guy that cut his fram oil filter open just for a look see. He found that the filter element was coming apart. That can deminish the capabilities of the filter, let alone put filter particles into the oil system. Apperently it's a common problem on some frams. Just wanted to let you know. I'm a mechanic and my personal preference is to not use them. Just my 2 cents.

I have heard and read that also about Frams. I don't know if they still have that problem though but it's not worth the risk for me!

[N2PPN]

I did a little searching around on Fram Filters...

What I found was that most often the complaints were that the anti-drainback valve had failed and was causing low start-up oil pressure... since the OEM filter on the GL's never had a anti-drainback valve I don't think that will be a problem if it fails.

As far as the filters coming apart goes, I would be very suspicious of judging a filter's defectiveness based on somebody else's having dismantling it... the mere process of cutting off the bottom of the filter (which by the way can destroy the filter you are trying to examine) isn't convincing enough to me to abandon a particular brand of filter.. I saw the collapsed filter videos, and others on youtube, but not knowing anything about the engine they were on or how it is run and maintained (one video showed sludge all over the inside of the filter element) you can't draw any opinions other than you are looking at an oil filter...

If you don't change your oil often enough, and you don't change your filter often enough, you get failures. If you want to look at your own filters to see if they have failed, screw it onto an appropriate shaft affixed to a vise or tabletop, use a dremel tool with a cut off wheel, and cut the TOP of the filter off first (the opposite end that attaches to the engine) without damaging the filter element, then slice down the sides in several places and peel it open like a banana without dislodging the element from the base... then you will have a better idea of how your filter performed or if it failed due to some "defect in manufacturing... Cutting it open in any other fashion will "skew" the results... Also keep in mind that the "spring" in the top of the filter serves a purpose, it keeps the element pressed against the base of the filter body....


Rich

[cbx4evr]

I'm more interested in the overall construction quality of a filter and Fram doesn't rate high in that category IMO.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

[Randakk]

I had remembered about the problems the EMGO fuel filters were having in older posts.... I as you might remember purchased a full rebuild kit for my 1981 GL1100 from Randakk's when I did the "resurrection" of the bike almost two years ago...

I do remember sending Randall an E-mail (which he actually never replied to) about which filters he was using in his rebuild kits.. noting the problems others were experiencing with the EMGO filters....

snip
Rich

Rich:

I receive 250+ emails per day. I answer nearly all of them unless I am closed for vacation, etc. That is a serious challenge.

The auto-response message sent when we are closed gives specific instructions regarding emails received when closed. In any case, I don't recall seeing your email.

Here's the full answer to your question:

http://www.randakks.com/TechTip94.htm

Regards

[N2PPN]

Randall,

I never meant to "dis" you my brother... I only wanted to say I had sent the E-mail but never received a reply... I had seen your Advisory Dated February 26, 2012, but had sent the original E-mails asking about the filter supplied in my total carb rebuild kit I had ordered almost 1 1/2 years earlier. It was only after I removed/replaced the fuel filter that I got the answer to my question, and posted this topic thread.

I know it wasn't your fault that the EMGO filters failed, and as a matter of fact you go to great lengths and pains to find replacement parts that exceed OEM specs for your kits... I for one appreciate that and will continue to be a loyal customer of yours... the only thing I was concerned about was the lack of communication to all who might have bought your kits with the suspect filters, and the fact that I had tried to send you more than on E-mail asking if the EMGO filter was the one included in the kit I had purchased from you...

You are a caring professional and I hope you didn't take offense to my posting.... It was just aimed at "spreading the knowledge" around a little bit for any who might have missed it previously..


Rich

[Richy]

I recently bought an EMGO fuel filter for my GL1200i. I would call it a Russel Type with 1/4" barbs. It is red anodized aluminum and it has a threaded top and screws together. Inside it a porous brass filter.
Also the cap has an o-ring for sealing.
Any issue with this style?
Richy

[Randakk]

I recently bought an EMGO fuel filter for my GL1200i. I would call it a Russel Type with 1/4" barbs. It is red anodized aluminum and it has a threaded top and screws together. Inside it a porous brass filter.
Also the cap has an o-ring for sealing.
Any issue with this style?
Richy

I understand that the seal on that version of the EMGO fuel filter is not VITON.