old new fuel filter

[blackie1]

i have found a brand new bmw fuel filter in the box of tricks that came with my bike when i bought it.
this OEM filter is stamped 1996.

even tho its brand new, being 23 years old now,
 do you think it would still be ok to install or after sitting for such a prolonged period do you think internal element may have deteriorated and i should discard it?

[daveson]

I would say it's OK if the ends are tightly capped.  Sealed ends prevent the paper element from absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, which eventually swells and blocks the filter.

If the engine feels as if it is starving after the filter change,  that is your sign that the filter is not good enough. Whenever I buy a new oil or fuel filter,  I always check first to see that the seal has not broken.

[Laitch]

If you intend to use it, be aware of a possible defect described in the service bulletin attached to this post.

[Chaos]

Impressive catch, Laitch!  Never saw that one but I rarely use OEM filters.

[Laitch]

[blackie1]

thanks all
and Laitch that is an impressive recall of a recall.

[blackie1]

so i decided not to use the old oem filter i have and purchased a napa gold 3032 filter.

there is a ridiculously small arrow printed on the outside of the filter. i guess it must be very expensive ink.

this would be the direction that fuel should flow ???

[blackie1]

now that i have had a further look with my glasses on i see that one end has "in" stamped onto the metal body.