fuel filter plate o-ring

[phoenixtexas]

Hello: I'm ready to change the fuel filter for the first time on my 1996 R1100R, and was wondering if the o-ring on the bottom plate needed changing at the same time. If so, do you soak a new o-ring in gas first, or just put it on? Any tips appreciated.

[BMWRich58]

Sometimes they need replacing and sometimes they don't. :dunno
I believe the "gas" is what causes them to EXPAND!!!! Believe me you'll know once it's apart... :uhoh

If you buy the "o-ring" and don't use it,just return it. :brow

Goodluck!! :wave

[alien_hitchhiker]

Phoenix, if I wuz changing a '96 filter for the first time I would most definitely replace the O ring, even if it looked okay.

They're not that expensive and the few bucks are good insurance against having to pull the tank off again for a piddly little fuel leak. No need to soak it first, just stick it on.

Steve-O

[MechanicSavant]

Don't soak it in gas first as the previous gent mentioned they fuel makes them swell...I'd opt for a new one myself ,if ya can afford 2 take the 2nd one put it in a small zip-loc n duct tape it under the tank somewere out of harms way,or let the old one air dry a few days and pack it in as a spare..sometimes I've beem known to put a little vasaline on the new one to help hold it in place during reassembly... :thumb

[bikerfish1100]

changed my filter at about 24K. i just let the old o-ring dry for a few hours to let it shrink back to size. no problems since. of course, as with most everything, YMMV.

[Montana]

You can put it in a ziplock and stick it in the 'fridge while you work. That helps shrink it, too. If it's not nicked or broken it's probably okay to reuse but it's cheap enough to buy a new one.

[phoenixtexas]

Thanks for all the responses. As a result, I went ahead and ordered a new o-ring and will wait the 4-5 days it will take before replacing filter. I'll remember the vaseline trick to keep it in place.