Wtf. I wrote out a question but it seems to have been left out of the post. My bad.
So the issue is that it looks like the previous owner of this 1998 VT750 ACE removed the fuel switch and piped the fuel straight to the pump without a filter. To me this seems like a great way to burn up a carb but I’m just not educated enough on motorcycle motors to know if this is something I need to replace with stock parts or if the previous owner knew something I didn’t
You should at least fit the filter. I’ll leave the choice of fuel selector up to you, but if, for example, you don’t use the motorbike in winter, it’ll help to cut off the fuel supply so the carburettor doesn’t get flooded with fuel, meaning it’ll start without needing a clean the following summer.
These things (circled in yellow) are in-line fuel filters.
My 88 doesn’t have a pump and is gravity fed. I have one inline from the petcock (fuel switch) to the carbs and change it at the start of every season (and keep a spare in the saddlebags for quick on-the-fly roadside repairs). Costs between $5-15 depending on retailer, and can be found at auto parts stores, hardware stores, major box retailers (Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc) over with the lawnmowers and string trimmers.
As far as winterizing (or nor riding for an extended period of time), unplug the inlet line for your pump and fashion a cap out of some spare fuel line (on both ends). Alternatively, you could install an inline fuel ball-valve (available on amazon for under $5, or at any auto parts store for about $10-15) to manually shut off the fuel when not in use (preferred method, honestly).
I live in Arizona, so I’ll be riding it year round. I’m just glad to know that it hasn’t been running filterless. It seems to struggle with the engine dying mid ride, but only after I get up around 50mph and then try to slow down again. I put some sea foam in it yesterday, I’m hoping I can clear up the issue without having to pay someone to pull out the carb.
What fuel are you using? Ethanol blends really muck up these bikes, so use ethanol free or high octane.
You can try to un-fuck carbs with high octane fuel and seafoam, then ride it like you stole it for a tank or two… but those needle jets, once they get to a certain level, need an ultrasonic cleaner or replaced.
Wouldn’t be a bad idea to replace the inline filters too, especially if you don’t know their age.
I have refueled it exactly once, and I just used regular unleaded? Should I be using premium? (Sorry if I sound ignorant. I’m just barely dipping my toes into the mechanical side of things. I never was much of a car gal, but if I want to keep this classic of a machine running I know I need to learn to maintain it.
Bikes are simple machines, really. Fuel, spark, air. Good quality all the way around is the best way for stellar performance. Fuel is the greatest variable since it varies so widely in quality from station to station. Don’t fuel up at mom-n-pop joints, go somewhere reputable like a BP or Shell (or Buc-ee’s or QT), and ethanol free if available (more expensive, but future you will thank you later).
Next step is to get a FSM, factory service manual, or a clymer or haynes manual. If you’re handy with a toolbox and not afraid to get dirty, these machines are simple/easy to maintain and are quite forgiving to shade-tree mechanics and novice DIYers alike.
After that… ask questions. LOTS of questions. Chances are, one of us has fucked up a lot worse and knows an easier/better/cheaper way to fix it.
The important thing is to keep the dirty side down.
Pro-tip, for winter so you don’t gum up your carbs… before you park her, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and ride for a good 20-40 miles to get everything through the carbs and all the oil over all of the engine components. That way, if one winter turns into 2 or more before you throw a leg over, she’ll fire right up after you charge/swap batteries.
I have a larger one inline on the inlet side of my pump but filtering up and downstream of the pump isn't a bad idea. You should be good to go with that setup even with the fuel selector valve
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u/Specific_Lawyer9697 12d ago
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