Can I use an aftermarket fuel filter in place of the stock strainer/separator?

[kilabez0]

I took mine apart to clean it out yesterday and there was a bunch of crud in it. Was ordering a new one anyway but don't want to wait a week from the dealer. Went to screw the bottom half back on and once it nears the top a thread pops loose on one side. Not sure how it happened but I can't get it screwed on flush and I know it's going to leak. Can I just run a regular fuel filter or is there something special about this design? I know that both input and output are on the top. Is that to separate water? I would think it would stop pull the water through anyway?

 

[mikidymac]

I would order a complete new one as it is only a couple dollars more than just the filter element.
You are correct in that it is a water seperator too unlike a standard inline filter. In a pinch you could replace it with a Fram G2 filter to get you through the weekend.

I don't like adding an additional filter as I feel it adds unnecessary restriction and I only run a new clean stock filter. Others swear by the Fram G2 so it is your call.

 

[kilabez0]

I'll order the correct factory part then. I might just put a hose connector and eliminate it for its BRIEF maiden voyage after the carb rebuild, fuel line replacement and oil tank replacement. Just to make sure everything runs as it should.

 

[mikidymac]

I wouldn't run it without anything. For a temporary filter while you are waiting on the OEM one just go buy a cheap Fram G2.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Any fuel filter is better than no fuel filter. If your tank has more than normal amount of trash in it, the G2 will plug quickly and may pass some of the small particles.

 

[Luv2Camp]

I would not run without a filter especially after you just replaced the fuel lines. With all of those cuts you made to the lines, you could have some shavings from the cuts in the lines that will come out once the fuel flushes it out.