OEReplacement News


Fuel filter replacement isn’t the first thing most people think of, but with car tune up prices so high, it make sense to avoid fuel filter problems before they start. Changing a car fuel filter isn’t always easy, but as auto parts go, it doesn’t take much skill. If the car or truck is a diesel, then replacing the fuel filter is usually much easier. Diesel fuel filters are always large, and generally located upright in a canister below the hood. While the fuel filter location for a Diesel is obvious, a fuel system diagram may sometimes be needed. The only part is usually the filter itself, but it may also be a good idea to replace a gasket on some diesels, where the whole fuel system and all the fuel lines are highly pressurized. While gas fuel filters are usually inline with the fuel lines, a diesel filter sits in a fuel bath. There’s no way to clean or repair a fuel filter, so replacing it is the only option.

Many problems in gas and diesel cars and trucks can be traced to a fuel filter problem, since all the gas or diesel fuel going to the engine has to go through it. One tip to avoid needing both a new fuel filter and a replacement fuel pump is to pay attention when you pump fuel. When a gas station gets a delivery, it stirs up all the contaminants in their underground gas tanks, and the dirt makes its way into the fuel tank of any car or truck fueling up. Then–you guessed it–it shortens the life of fuel pumps and fuel filters (and fuel injectors), leading to problems and the need to install new fuel filters. Using 89 octane fuel, 91 octane, 92, 94 or even 96 octane fuel won’t make any difference at all if there’s dirt in the fuel lines.

A car fuel filter is often much harder to replace than in a diesel truck. An owner’s manual may have instructions on fuel filter removal and solving fuel problems; it will certainly indicate the interval to change fuel filters. But because the fuel system may need bleeding or other repair, it’s a good idea to know what you’re doing when it’s time for fuel filter replacement.



Filed under: Product News by Josh Razgunas On: January 13th, 2010