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Fuel System
FAQ's
ANSWER:
Replacing the fuel filter every two or three years will
probably keep your vehicle from having any filter related
problems with today's fuel filter designs. Some vehicle
manufacturers have longer service intervals than this though.
But one tank of contaminated fuel can be enough to plug even a
brand new fuel filter.
To test a fuel filter about the only
way is to remove it from the vehicle and blowing through it with
your mouth, using a piece of rubber hose attached to the filter
to keep from swallowing any gasoline. If you can blow right
through it then it's still good. The only problem with this is
that it probably took awhile to remove the filter and you'll
want to put a new one on anyways. On some vehicles removing the
filter can be very difficult due to rust & corrosion or because
of its location. ( To replace some filters requires removal of
the fuel tank.)
When a fuel filter becomes partially
restricted it will allow enough fuel to the engine to keep it
running at idle or low speeds but the engine may be starving for
fuel at higher speeds. This will result in sputtering or lack of
power at freeway speeds, while trying to pass someone or any
other high RPM engine demands.
You may also hear an audible change
in the fuel pump. Usually the fuel pump is very quiet, be as the
filter becomes restricted the pump has to work harder to
maintain pressure at the fuel rail. Most vehicles require 30-45 PSI at the fuel injectors ( Some are higher or lower. ), but the
pump can develop 90 PSI in the tank to try to get enough fuel to
the injectors. This results in the pump making more noise and
will prematurely burn up the pump.
