FE/FC Fuel filter/screen change called for at 1 hour on manual

Hello, new 2015 FE350s here. manual calls for a fuel filter change at 1 hour service. Is that really needed? can it simply be cleaned and placed back? Thanks.

I would imagine they want it changed in the event that some flashing or something from manufacturing was left in the system. Probably wouldn't hurt to pull it out and just take a look if you are concerned. My dealer didn't say anything about changing it at 1hr and I haven't touched mine. They recommended replacing it every spring just to do it.

hmm... thanks. both dealer told me as well Manual calls for it. makes sense what you say. cheers.

It's in the manual for a reason. Your bike should have come with a couple spares, so just change it. It takes all of 11 seconds to do, so why would you not?

Just look back to all the history with KTM and these filters. Poor running to dead pumps are a result of filters. As JonnyZip posted it's takes 11 seconds to change and the filter cost is minimal. I change my 2-3 times a year.

While you're at it, consider installing as many (additional for bullet proofing)fuel system filters as you can on these FI system bikes. (ZipTy external in-line and or ZipTy in the tank filter for example)

http://www.ziptyracing.com/quick-disconnect-fuel-filter/

for example, extra fuel system insurance, FYI many guys are packing/carrying an extra injector as well.
My crew has 5 FI Kato/Huskys

1 has zipty in the tank and and inline filters plus oem inline filter

3 have inline ZipTy filters plus oem inline filter

1 has only oem inline filter

all pack extra oem in line filters

example. viddy

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dqpX_ViD_4&list=PLF5853FB1B7B8AEE3&index=12

I had the filter clog on my 450ktm while I was still under the 90 day warranty. (back in 2014). Thing ran like crap and all it needed was a new filter.

So the issue when clogging is usually the in line filter? The ZTR is sweet but $70? Ouch

The manual probably dates back to when that model first came out. In the past KTM had issues with the fuel filter as the gauze was too small.
They replaced it with a new model that cured that. The new ones are different colour. One was grey the other white, forgot which one is the newer version.
At some stage the KTM and Huskis came with a 2 spares in the box as a replacement.
Anyway, It's all fixed and good and besides the odd occasion of people getting actually dirty fuel in the tank there are no problems anymore.
If yours is a '15, don't worry about it, ride and enjoy.

I run the ZipTy filter and it still has the stock filter insert in it. I blow it out on occasion. The ZipTy filter itself, I have never taken it apart. I haven't had to. I put the parts catalog fuel sock into the fuel inlet neck nearly day one and run a billet Aluminum "Tusk Racing" cap.

I've cleaned the fuel sock out a few times. You would be surprised what gets in the fuel jugs even though they are always capped and sealed. The sock itself is easy to clean by just turning it inside out and using a little light air pressure.

It has had everything from whole mosquitos to fibers of hair, blades of grass and dirt in it. Where the apparent hair came from I don't know? I shave my head. Maybe my beard when leaning over to fill the tank with my fuel jug. I most certainly have never pissed in the gas tank so it must be the beard.

I have a filter sock and a golan steel filter which is exactly the same as the Zipty except the convenient disconnect but l don't use the OE KTM inline filter.
I think if you want to do one thing, it is to get a filter sock.

Note to self, NERVER borrow Big Timmy's gas cans!

I "NERVER" loan them out anyway, "Weantright". !

I douche them out all the time. My race car fuel jugs have big 4" caps and screw in fittings with hoses attached and a fitting that is capped of on the end of that hose after use every time. I never leave even the jugs vents open !

Its the local gas stations here that are 1/4 mile from Mexico that have all the shit coming out of there pumps underground tanks. I've poured my gas in brand new jugs through a "Chemists Buchner filter funnel" before and looked to see what comes out of it. Nasty ! These type Funnels have a flat filter paper screen in them that catches everything. And are designed to be used with a vacuum pump.

This place is a dirty place at every turn, and every business.

You should see how some of my "Welfare Renters" live in my Rental houses. They have a full to the brim 35 or 50 gallon outdoor trashcan in the kitchen with bags stacked up by the door, to take outside to the alley someday for pickup by the City garbage collection.

Even when a scheduled appointment home inspection is scheduled by HUD and I'm standing right there. I've had garbage like this get so bad it rotted through the floor and subfloors before, seriously.

on one of the rally sites a guy dnf'd in n Africa in one of the big events. he posted fotos of the inside of his fuel tank....you could take a spoon and scoop out the sand/dust from the lower corners of that tank. He had pump and injector issues. I know those guys are at the extreme end of the spectrum, but its a good example of what not to allow, by bullet proofing as much as you can to prevent issues and maintain peace of mind.--and get to the finish!!!

That my Friend, Robert.

Is an understatement.

Being nearly 57 and "protecting and bullet proofing as much as I can" has got me to this point in my life with plenty of toys but with no Kids yet (that I know of).

So far have avoided and have never been married.

I don't gamble or drink and riding keeps me in good enough shape to not have any "pump or injector issues". LOL ! I never had to "scoop it out with a spoon".

I've never had a DNF yet. "I can still finish"!!!

They are all about 20 years younger than I am too. Some only speak Spanish at night and I don't. I still understand though. But I say "If it works out, I'll just work it back in again".

Even at my age on the "extreme end of the spectrum".

It helps me "maintain peace of mind".

Then I clear it by riding.

3 days in front of me. Where to go? I'll strain my gas through a sock, Thank you. It works almost as good as a rain coat