1986 XJ700 Fuel Filter

I'm ordering some parts online that I need for my 1986 Yamaha Maxim XJ700 and I decided to go ahead and replace the fuel filter because there was some kind of sand-like stuff in the gas tank and carbs. I looked online and there are different types of fuel filters like 1 micron, 5 micron, 100 micron, etc. and I don't know what is the correct type for my bike. The service manual doesn't even mention it, and when I try to find it in those OEM parts maps, it doesn't seen to exist. So the question is; was that fuel filter on there from the factory, and does everyone's XJ bike have it? Is it supposed to be there or did someone just put it there to help keep the carbs clean? But most importantly, I'm putting in new fuel line too because the old one is starting to crack; should I replace the filter with a new one or leave it out completely? If I should get a new one, what type; the one with the paper filter that looks like a little baby air filter, or the one with the conical sparkly/sandy thingy in it? Mine right now has the cone in it. And one more question; the fuel line on it right now looks like it was bent from the factory to be the shape it is now, can I get a pre-bent/pre-shaped one like when you buy a coolant hose for a car, or are they all just the same straight generic kind? I apologize for all the questions, but I'm very curious and I want to do whats best for my bike. Thanks for the help!

 

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"Start a Conversation" with XJ4Ever, he will advise you on what you need.

I have no idea if fuel filters were stock, but I do know that having the right one on now is extra insurance to keep your carbs zestfully clean - amen.

 

Apparently the paper filters are bad news. The paper material does not allow enough fuel to feed all those carbs or something. The metal ones are recommended. I don't think there were fuel filters on these bikes from the factory, at least not on the 750s. I could be wrong, but I don't think my bike has one YET.

 

I have one of these and have had no problems. I think I got it on Ebay or Amazon. Chacal will also have them.

 

The fuel filter is an owner add-on, and highly reccomended. The one Tabaka pictured is just about the best one you can get for an XJ, most filters are too large to fit under the tank, and the majority of paper filters do not flow enough fuel. Replace the fuel line and filter, along with the petcock vacuum line.