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Even
a small piece of dirt can damage a fuel injector,
resulting in erratic performance, poor gas mileage
and complete engine shutdown.
Replacing Your Fuel Filter
What you will need:
- Phillips and straight blade screwdrivers
- Open end or line wrenches.
- A jack and a pair of jack stands or... (if
required)
- Drive on ramps. (if required)
- Wheel chocks. (if required)
- Pliers
- Safety glasses.
- Fuel fitting tools (if required)
- Plugs for capping the fuel lines
Before You Start:
- Follow these instructions carefully. Read
and be sure you understand them before you begin.
- Gather together all of your tools and supplies
before you begin.
- Allow plenty of time to do the job so you
don't have to hurry.
- Remember that these are general instructions.
For more detailed instructions pertaining to
your specific vehicle, consult an appropriate
repair manual.
- Safety is important whenever you're working
around machinery. Beware of hot objects, sharp
instruments and hazardous materials.
- Don't substitute tools unless you're sure
you won't compromise either your safety or the
performance of your vehicle.
- Never work on a vehicle that is only supported
by a jack. Use jack stands to support the vehicle
while you work. Work on a solid, level surface.
Never jack a car up on dirt or grass.
- Let the engine cool.
I receive a lot of questions concerning power
loss, hesitation and hard starting in a vehicle.
Many of these complaints can be traced to a clogged
fuel filter. As the fuel filter gets older. More
and more dirt collects inside it, gradually restricting
the flow of fuel to the engine. A partially restricted
filter will usually pass enough fuel to keep the
engine running at idle or low speed, but may starve
the engine for fuel at higher speeds or loads.
So your engine may run fine putting around town,
but sputter and lack power when you try to drive
at highway speeds or pass someone.
I am often asked, "How often should I change
my fuel filter?" If you have a high mileage
vehicle you should replace the fuel filter once
a year. By the time your car is six or seven years
old, there can be a lot of dirt and rust inside
your fuel tank. Normal condensation and moisture
inside the fuel tank can form rust and every time
you put in fuel, dirt can enter the fuel tank.
All of this can cause a fuel filter to plug up
fairly quickly, so replacing the fuel filter annually
will prevent many problems
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