A fuel filter is a fuel line located in the engine compartment or the beneath the car next to the fuel tank. The responsibility of the fuel filter is to trap large particles present in the fuel to prevent them from entering the engine. Due to the large force applied behind the up-down motion of the engine’s piston, it compresses the air-fuel mixture will burn more efficiently and large particles on the fuel may cause serious damage to the engine. The large particles present in the fuel can sometimes cause clogging in the fuel injector, depriving the engine of fuel. This requires the injector to be cleaned and replaced. Therefore, having a clean fuel filter is imperative for the performance of the car’s engine.
There are numerous things that cause car problems, but usually the culprit is clogged filter. In fact, most of the times a clogged car filter can prevent your car from running at all. Most of the car manufacturers suggest that the fuel filter will last the entire life of the car, but the mechanics say that it should be changed after every 12,000 miles.
Therefore, it is essential to replace fuel filter from time to time.
Here are some simple steps on how to replace fuel filters.
Things Required:
- Wrenches
- Sockets
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- New fuel filter
- Connectors
- Rags (to clean the work place)
Steps to replace fuel filter:
- Preparing the car for fuel filter change: Always keep in mind that you have to be very careful while changing the fuel filters since it will release some flammable fumes and some fuel as well. Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area and clean up the fuel spills as soon as possible.
- While you are working on the replacing fuel filter, make sure that you wear nitrile gloves and safety goggles to avoid the gasoline from getting into your eyes or from getting absorbed in your skin.
- The fuel filter is always situated at the base of the car so you will need a car jack stand for elevating your vehicle, which enables to access the filter. Once you have placed your car on the jack stand it is safe enough to replace fuel filters.
- Removing the old fuel filter: Fuel filters are connected to the fuel line through two places, the outtake side and the intake side and this entire assembly is held in one place with a mounting bracket.
- Once you have located the fuel tank, then you need to relieve the pressure from the fuel line otherwise the fuel will start spraying everywhere, which will result into a huge mess.
- You can relieve the fuel pressure in various ways, but the most common method for doing this is by removing the fuse from the fuel pump and running the engine until its dead.
- The next step in replacing fuel filter will be to remove the negative terminal from your car battery to reduce the risk of spark igniting from the fumes. Examine the fuel filter to check if the line is properly attached, most of the times the fuel line is held by a clip on the filter. Other times, it will be attached with ‘banjo bolts’ of some other fasteners on the filter.
- Make sure that you remember where all the O-rings and washers go, because you will need to attach them on the new filter. Before you disconnect the fuel line, wrap the filter in a clean towel to remove all the fuel spills.
- Replacing fuel filter: Now your vehicle is ready for the new fuel filter. Most of the fuel filters will have a direction arrow on them, telling you the flow of the fuel in them. Therefore, make sure that you attach the fuel filters in the correct order. Otherwise, you will have to trace the lines of fuel that lead to the engine to determine whether the fuel tank installation is correct or not. The best option is to check the arrows on your old filter and then replace the new filter in the same way.
- Secure the fuel filter on the mounting bracket carefully and start reattaching the new fuel lines with the new hardware that is included in the filter. Always remember that you must never use the old clips on the new fuel filter. Since those clips are weak, they will create poor seal between the tank and the fuel lines.
- Remember to check the fuel lines as well; if they are old and cracked then you will have to replace them also. Once you have replaced the fuel pump, then simply reattach the negative battery terminals and start your car. You car will not start immediately, but don’t get panicked. The pressure in the fuel line was released while the process of new fuel pump installation was going on. You will have to restart your car several times until there is enough pressure in the engine.
- Once the car starts, check if there are any leaks and clean the fuel that has been spilled on the floor. Give yourself a pat on the back for maintaining the car’s fuel system and replacing fuel filter without spending a lot.
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