When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through?
Early this morning, I was cruising at about 60 mph, and accelerated to pass another car. The car hesitated, and died. I pulled over, set the emergency lights, and tried to restart it. It turned over fine, and would cough a couple times, but not start. After being put on a flat-bed, and getting it home, I ran the diagnostics thinking that I'd find a code of some sort, but no codes - not even a 32. I was sure I'd see a 54 or 55, indicating fuel pump failure, but nothing. Which leads me to hope it may be a badly clogged fuel filter - I've never replaced it. Is it possible that it's something so simple? By the way, where is the fuel filter on a '91?
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-‘17, '22
Re: Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through? (StephensblackL98)
The fuel filter is mounted on the inside of the chassis rail on the right hand side of the car just in front of the firewall. It is behind a small metal heat shield.
You could have a fuel or ignition problem. If you have a fuel pressure guage test your pressure. I would also check for spark.
Last time my car died while driving along it was a faulty ignition module.
Re: Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through? (StephensblackL98)
Several years ago a local gasoline supplier messed up and put out some badly contaminated gas that clogged up many people's fuel filters. I was one of the victims with my Chev van. It nearly wouldn't run, could barely keep it going. They paid for everybody's repairs with no problems. Anyway, yes, I think you could clog it up completely. What about the possiblilty of an attack? May somebody be soo mad at you they would sabatoge it? An ex per chance? Should be easy for you to check fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Check around the fuel filler neck for any sugar.
Re: Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through? (StephensblackL98)
I've never replaced it. Is it possible that it's something so simple? By the way, where is the fuel filter on a '91?
Yikes!!! You shoule replace it every 30,000 miles, some people say even less. But I doubt a clogged fuel filter would cause your symptoms. Sounds like bad gas, possible water in the car. Try some dry gas. I had the exact same problem with my truck last year. The dealer couldn't find anything wrong. After 2 complete tankfulls of gas the problem disappear and has been fine ever since.
Re: Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through? (StephensblackL98)
I would definitely change it no matter if it turns out to be the problem or not. As already stated, try to check for fuel pressure and for spark.Good luck hope you find the problem. :cheers:
Re: Can fuel filter get so clogged that nothing gets through? (CaneinBatonRouge)
Thanks, again, guys.......it turned out it was the ignigtion module. I replaced the fuel filter, and still didn't start. I was sure it was the fuel pump. But, I pulled a plug, turned the motor, and saw no spark. AH HAH!!! No spark...so I took your advice, and replaced the ignition module. That was it!! Started right up!
As an aside, if you're cranking and it's still notrunning when it was before, first thing to try is the ignition test. Pull a plug, look for the spark. If it isn't there, try the ignition module next.
It's a beautiful day in Dallas......too pretty to waste. Again, my thanks to the Forum members. Frankly, I wouldn't have looked at the ignition module if not prompted by others.