Got stranded by my trusty steed, help is required (long)

So I'm riding around some back roads on Monday afternoon, all is well, bike is running smooth etc. I pull up next to a guy at a traffic light riding a 1973(?) Mach 3 Ducati, first year for the desmo he tells me, what a machine. We were at the light idling for probably 5 minutes in 75º heat talkin it up. Anyway, so I pull away from the light, get up to around 60, and the bike starts sputtering, and backfiring, then goes completely dead, then springs back to life. Rode for another 10 minutes with intermittent problems. I then parked it for 15 minutes, get back on, 5 minutes into the ride, the bike starts acting up again, until it goes totally dead. I think it's a fuel issue, but I wanted to run this by you guys.

I checked for a kinked fuel line, no dice. The fuel pump seems to make a strange noise at the end of it's cycle when you first turn the key. I unhooked the return fuel line and let the pump push a some gas though the line. I noticed that the gas, at the very end of the fuel pump cycle began to look a little foamy. I got the bike to start again, rode it 500 feet, and died again. At this point I was not far from my house, so I began walking the bike home. Every once in a while starting the bke, only to have it dien in 15 seconds. Walking a motorcycle is a terrible feeling, I must say.

This is last years gas in the tank, so I'm quite sure this is the source of this problem. I filled up before storing the bike, but the gas is probably 8 months old.

Where is the fuel filter in this bike?

Any other thoughts on what else to check, or where to clean?

By the way it's a 2002 900SS with 3000 miles on it.

Thanks all in advance,

Matt

dont feel bad my duc broke down at the mt wilson observatory. on angeles crest. has to caost all the way down the mountain. was really embarassing. about 40 minutes down hill. what usually takes 15 or so minutes if that.

Im pretty sure the fuel filter is inside the tank. Sorry about the problem man, hope you fix it.

The fuel filter is inside of the tank. Check all of the lines inside to see if one of the hoses came off. Do a search on this topic because there has been a few posts regarding it before.
Filter & pump are easy to get out once you get the filler assembly off. Remove the allen bolts on the top of the filler cap. Then make sure you remove the tiny allen screws around the inside edges of the filler cap. Once that is done, it is ready to pop off and gives you access to undo the hoses inside and remove the filter & pump assembly. This is an easy task that should be done in 45 minutes start to finish.
Even if it isn't the problem you could use a new filter if you have never replaced it before.

okay, this is no help to you now, and you have figured it out by now but, always empty your tank for long term storage (more than 6 months). Gas will turn into a sticky, gooey shelac with age. If you are just gonna store for winter, put some fuel stabilizer in it to preclude the breakdown.

If long term storage, I drain the tank and then run the bike until it stops to ensure all of the fuel is out. For winter or short storage (3 months), I put Stabil in with the gas. I always fill the tank and then add the appropriate amount. You can run the bike with the stabil so it doesn't hurt anything. Put in the recommended amount! Don't over/under add so it can do it's job properly.

Again, not trying to be a smart ass, but this type of maintenance will preclude the issue you are dealing with now. Bad/old fuel can really gum up the injectors if not treated properly. Sounds like your issue is just bad fuel and not contamination to the system.

Thanks everyone for all your help. Il be taking the tank off and doing the maintenence which is needed. Is the filter a paper filter or metal screen? D I just need to clean it or is replacement in order?

Thanks again,

Matt

The fuel filter is a sealed cannister. You will have to replace it. (Around $18 from dealer) There is a mesh filter also on the end of the pump inside. Do a visual check on that, it should be okay.

When you are done, make sure all of the hoses are back on properly inside. The clamps are known to come off occassionally if not clamped properly. You will know what I mean once you see them.

Also, get a fuel pressure guage to check the output of the pump...It's quite easy to replace the filter, just be CAREFUL and don't scratch the top of the tank when you take out the assembly(LIFE LESSON HERE)

Try and get some better clamps for the hoses while ur in there, those stock clamps are a pain in the arse to clip back together with a needlenose while ur hands in the tank. The screw in style hose clamps were easier for me to reinstall.

did the gas tank make a suction sound when you open the gas cap? Could be a plugged vent
Tim