Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

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dream-machine
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Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#1

Post by dream-machine »

Having problem with gas flow from tank to glass fuel filter and bike stalling. If I disconnect the gas line from the other end of the gas filter that goes to the carburetor the gas flows into the filter. The line to the carburetor has all kinds of gas in it But once the bike is running the flow to the filter stops again.
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#2

Post by RUBONE »

Is your gas cap vented?
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#3

Post by dream-machine »

Yes, & I did unscrew the gas caps.
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#4

Post by panz4ever »

Those glass in-line filters have a direction arrow on them. Arrow should be pointing to the carb. Have you checked to ensure it is mounted correctly?
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#5

Post by dream-machine »

Top of glass fuel filter says out where fuel line from tank is connected. I have had it connected this way for a long time with no problems until now. Fuel does not flow freely into filter.It fills about half way so when I start the bike it uses up what gas is in the filter.Filter goes dry bike stalls. Is the filter installed correctly or is it something else? When I disconnect the line from filter to carburetor the gas just dribbles into the filter halfway where as before this problem the gas would rush into the filter and fill it immediately.
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#6

Post by john HD »

out should go to the carb.

if you remove the filter does it run freely into a pail or catch can?

john
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#7

Post by jibhead »

dont know what sort of filter you have there.

out on a filter allways refers to where the fuel should leave the filter.... not enter it. so sounds like its the wrong way round.

this doesnt explain why its sudddenly stopped working thougth if its always been connected this way.

regards jib
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#8

Post by Bigincher »

Perhaps the filter element is plugged...
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#9

Post by Panacea »

If the glass filter has a screw off cap, try removing the filter media and replace it with a few cotton balls...Mike
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#10

Post by Panshovevo »

Pull the filter off, and using appropriate precautions, blow through the filter. There should be very little resistance.
Now, open the petcock and check the flow from the tank. If it seems restricted, pull the petcock, if you have one. Check the strainer screen. Check the passages in the body of the petcock. I have seen them block up with powdered rust.
If you have the old style tank shutoff, someone else will have to help, as I have no experience with them yet.

Regards,
John

PS The glass filters I am familiar with will flow in either direction, but if installed backward, have less filter area to flow throughand will block faster
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#11

Post by 108 »

Dream, Does you glass filter have the white plastic screen element? Remove the screen and see if the fuel flows again. The plastic screen was not intended for a gravity flow system and has a lot of "surface tension" resistance and that may be your problem. The brown fiber elements made for those glass filters will work ok. Dont expect the glass to be totaly full of gas as air gets trapped in the top if its mounted verticaly.
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Re: Gas not flowing from tank to filter in my 51' Panhead

#12

Post by Re-Cycle,Inc »

Is the small vent hole in the carb body carb plugged up? Not sure if that would make a difference but it might create a vacuum.

Just a guess
Scott
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