How to change air filter...

[ohblackwater]

How does one go about changing the air filter on their Valk?  Do you have to take the gas tank completely off, or is it a matter of having someone lift it out of the way while someone else swaps out the filter?

[NITRO]

You'll have to remove the tank completely. You will have to remove the air box cover and there is no way to get the bolts out (or the filter out) without the tank out of the way. It's really not a hard job removing the tank, especially if you have someone to hold the tank up just slightly while you unhook and hook-up the hoses.

[clintsdivco]

I just changed my air filter a couple of weeks ago and followed the link below for instructions.  I have an Interstate and was able to set the tank back over the seat area far enough that I did not have to disconnect the wires to the fuel guage.  It was a pretty simple process.  The tank definitely has to be moved out of the way as the air filter lid has about 8 bolts around the edges that need to be removed to get at the filter.  It took me less than an hour to change and it was my first time.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/carlairfilter.htm

The above link should make it pretty easy for you.

Clint

[NITRO]

You also might want to consider replacing your vacumm hoses while you have the tank off. I had a badly split line that needed replacing last summer and, while I was replacing the air filter, I pulled the air box as well. It is slightly more work, particularly getting the air box back in, but it's not too bad.

[Dragon2000]

Getting a quick gas disconnect for $20.00 saves a lot of heartache when you are taking the tank off. Once it is out of the way the rest takes no time at all.

Steve

[cookiedough]

Haven't done it myself, will this spring though the first time as well and installing a K&N air filter.  From what I've read, making sure to shut the fuel valve to 'off' position and leaving less than 1 gallon of gas or so in the gas tank sure helps also.  Doesn't seem too hard and probably the hardest thing from what it looks like is either finding someone to hold the tank up and disconnecting/reconnecting the 3 fuel lines. 

[MrBones]

Cookie;
Not really a problem. I did it by myself and I be not too good at mechinical stuff. But did put in the K&N so not to difficult at all.

Good luck.

[cookiedough]

thanks Mr. Bones for the vote of confidence.  Happy riding!

[NITRO]

Haven't done it myself, will this spring though the first time as well and installing a K&N air filter.  From what I've read, making sure to shut the fuel valve to 'off' position and leaving less than 1 gallon of gas or so in the gas tank sure helps also.  Doesn't seem too hard and probably the hardest thing from what it looks like is either finding someone to hold the tank up and disconnecting/reconnecting the 3 fuel lines. 

When are you planning to do it? If not until well into spring, I might be down that way. Otherwise, good luck!

[Cholla]

All good suggestions.

FYI, this is what you'll see after getting the tank off.  I have a K&N on mine now also (pic is of the OEM filter).



Assuming you are still using the stock tank/petcock/..., if you take the tank completely off, there will be 3 hoses to disconnect:
    2 to the petcock (1 fuel & 1 vacuum)
    1 to the vent nipple

If you have and Interstate tank with a fuel level sensor, you'd have to disconnect a small wiring harness that Clint mentions.



When reinstalling the tank, double check the vent hose so it is not "kinked" as it routes back down through the frame.  This has been known to happen and can prevent fuel flow.

To me, as mentioned - the most frustrating (though that's too strong a word) part is disconnecting & reconnecting the hoses to the petcock. 

I don't know the miles on your bike, but other preventive maintenance things you could consider while the tank is off:
-replacing vacuum lines as Nitro mentions
-snugging up the carb insulator clamps, and airbox to carb clamps.
-replacing the fuel screen (have to remove the petcock)





Nothing too bad at all...  Have fun, take your time...

[cookiedough]

Haven't done it myself, will this spring though the first time as well and installing a K&N air filter.  From what I've read, making sure to shut the fuel valve to 'off' position and leaving less than 1 gallon of gas or so in the gas tank sure helps also.  Doesn't seem too hard and probably the hardest thing from what it looks like is either finding someone to hold the tank up and disconnecting/reconnecting the 3 fuel lines. 

When are you planning to do it? If not until well into spring, I might be down that way. Otherwise, good luck!

Probably not until April sometime.  Not a big deal, if you are in the area, say Madison to down south a little, and have a few hours to kill, feel free to let me know where you are at and I can pick you up somewhere and take you back to wherever you need to be within an hour or so of driving.  Thanks a lot.

[NITRO]

I'll let you know!

[caphillips]

As noted, if you have an Interstate with the fuel level sensor, make sure the wire gets clipped back on all the way.  If not, your fuel tank will show as empty on the gauge.  Then if you don't think about it and fill up the tank because you think it might be empty, you end up with a much heavier tank to lift up slightly so you can secure the wire clip.   

[loudvalkyrie]

theres supposed to be a hose on the vent nipple??......OMG,mine doesnt have one and I just had the tank off like 3 weeks ago and I know for sure there was never one there since day 1.......

[Dragon2000]

theres supposed to be a hose on the vent nipple??......OMG,mine doesnt have one and I just had the tank off like 3 weeks ago and I know for sure there was never one there since day 1.......

Don't feel bad. I had the tank back on, everything connected (Gas switch & two hoses to Petcock), looked under to confirm and saw the Vent tub hanging. Its not hard to miss if you aren't looking for it.

Steve