How to replace the fuel filter?

We know that the fuel filter is an important component of the fuel supply system, so do not neglect the procedure for replacing it. This procedure is part of the basic maintenance of any vehicle. It is important for extending the life of the engine and fuel pump.

One of the main reasons for premature clogging of the fuel filter is the use of low quality fuel. For this reason, it is recommended to change the fuel filter every time you change the oil.

Requirements for the type and efficiency of filters installed in fuel systems depend on the quality of the fuel used and the design of the engine. Check the manufacturer’s fuel filter requirements for your vehicle.

Replacing the fuel filter in most cars is not at all a difficult task. This is due to the fact that in most cars this element is located next to the fuel pump and injectors, which are designed in such a way that they can be cleaned and replaced if heavily soiled.

Removing the fuel filter from the engine is very easy. Before replacing it, it is important to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer. The replacement frequency depends on the filter element model. For most of them, the recommended regulation is on average every 10-15 thousand km. run.

Can I replace the filter myself?

Of course, it depends on our experience in car repair and what tools we have. Replacing the fuel filter is not an expensive repair. Since this part is a relatively inexpensive part of the system, the procedure will not greatly affect the family budget.

Repair includes three main stages:

• dismantle of the old filter;
• installation of a new one;
• deaeration of the fuel system.

Replacement procedure

In cars of different brands, fuel filters are installed in different places. In some, it is located in the engine compartment, in others - near the gas tank. There are machines in which the filter element is located near the motor at the bottom of the section. In this regard, the procedure for performing car maintenance will be different.

Here is the sequence to be followed when the filter is located at the bottom of the engine compartment:

1. Lift the car with a jack and lock it with the support.
2. Disconnect the negative pole of the fuel filter battery.
3. Remove the charcoal filter and slide it slightly to the side. We move it to have better access to the gas filter and free space for working with keys.
4. We put rags around the top of the fuel filter, because when we unscrew it, a small amount of fuel can come out and spill onto the engine.
5. Using a wrench No. 18 and a wrench No. 14, unscrew the nut on the top of the fuel filter.
6. Move the fabric under the filter and unscrew the bottom hole of the filter. More gas may appear and, as a rule, all the liquid in the filter may leak out.
7. Loosen the clamping screw on the filter support bracket with a key of 8. You may not completely unscrew it, but if we want to remove the filter quickly without spilling fuel, it is good to loosen the screw stronger.
8. We use a No. 18 and No. 14 wrench to quickly unscrew the nut at the bottom of the filter where the gas pipeline is located. Since more gasoline can leak out of the fuel line than from the fuel filter itself, after unscrewing the nut, close the top hole of the filter with your finger until you remove it and bring it to the tank opening.
9. When installing a new filter, pay attention to the direction of the fuel supply. It is indicated on one side of the filter with the word “out” or arrows.
10. Tighten the bottom filter nut and clamping screw.
11. Replace the charcoal filter.
12. We check whether we installed everything and whether we forgot to clear the spilled gasoline and if the hoses are mixed up.
13. Insert the negative pole of the battery.

In most vehicles, the fuel filter is located at the top of the engine compartment. In this case, the procedure will be much simpler. It is enough to loosen the clamps along the edges of the filter, disconnect the fuel hoses and insert a new element.

Reasons to regularly change the fuel filter

A heavily soiled filter can result in loss of engine power and accelerated wear of its parts. If we feel a sign of power loss in the engine and ignore it, this can lead to costly repairs.

There may also be a break in the fuel supply, a decrease in the power of the fuel pump, which can cause it to break. A clogged filter can also cause internal corrosion of engine components.

The dynamics of the engine directly depends on the cleanliness of the fuel filter. One of the best things we can do for a motor is to monitor the condition of the fuel filter. The loss of acceleration may be a sure sign that the filter element needs to be replaced.

Reasons for clogged fuel filter

One of the reasons for replacing the fuel filter may be the winter months. Due to the low temperature in low-quality gasoline, crystals form that clog the fuel filter.

In winter it is recommended to refuel with high-quality fuel. Although more expensive, it contains additives that help keep the fuel system clean.

Don't forget to keep your tank full in winter. Thanks to this, condensate will not form in the gas tank, and, as a result, ice crystals that will spoil the filter element.

What is better to replace or clean the fuel filter?

Of course, changing the fuel filter is a smart option anyway if we want to protect our engine. Cleaning the fuel filter is only a temporary fix.

It is recommended to replace a clogged fuel filter with a new one. This is not so expensive compared to engine repairs due to the fact that the filter will cease to cope with its function (often an element breaks in a dirty filter and gasoline goes to the engine uncleaned).

Questions and answers:

How to remove the retainer from the fuel filter? It depends on the type of clips. In some cases, the manufacturer uses conventional clamps or clamping analogs that are unclasped with pliers. For more complex clamps, you need to use a special puller.

How to install a gasoline filter correctly? The filter element has an effective throughput in one direction only. In order not to confuse where to connect the inlet and outlet hoses, an arrow on the body indicates the direction of movement of gasoline.