How often to change fuel filter?
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
Without checking the manual, I would say a good ballpark figure is 25,000 max. Cheap reliability insurance. If in doubt, change.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Dallas TX
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (Corvette Kid NC)
Haha, if you've never done it before, you would know why "if in doubt" is something that doesn't matter that much, lol. I did mine recently when i put my headers on and had my cats out completely .. made it MUUUCCHHH easier. Normally it's very hard to do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: WilkesBarre PA
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (GlockLT4)
I change mine every winter as well as all the fluids. A bit extreem yes, but it's cheap insurance for me. :cheers: (other say a bit **** :D )
Race Director
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
I change mine whenever I remove the X-frame and exhaust. I've done it once in the 4 years I've owned the car. When I do my clutch this winter/spring it will be changed again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
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From: Camden SC
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (Strick)
BELIEVE 30K is the book answer.
As a matter of practice, would recommend replacing the fuel filter when:
Buying a car and not knowing the service history.
Anytime the fuel pump is replaced.
When the darn thing is really accessible.
Actually, between 20 and 30K should be OK for most applications.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
As a matter of practice, would recommend replacing the fuel filter when:
Buying a car and not knowing the service history.
Anytime the fuel pump is replaced.
When the darn thing is really accessible.
Actually, between 20 and 30K should be OK for most applications.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
The owner's manual for my 92 does not even show any recommendation for fuel filter changes, even though it lists a part description and AC Delco part number. The manual for my 87 doesn't mention a fuel filter at all. I've done mine once but it is not an easy job to do especially because the 92 is a vert and the X-brace has to come off to gt to it, much less get wrenches on it.
If you don't run the fuel tank dry or let the car sit all winter without adding a fuel stabilizer or buy really cheap gas, you may even get away with not changing it. The filter is not terribly expensive but the labor charge could be a bunch if you don't do it yourself.
With the right type of line wrenches and a way to get the car off the ground, it really isn't a nasty job; it's just in a bad location. Just make sure you relieve pressure in the fuel line before loosening the connections. Also try to get the fuel level in the tank as low as possible and the nose of the car up high so gas won't run out of the open line.
If you don't run the fuel tank dry or let the car sit all winter without adding a fuel stabilizer or buy really cheap gas, you may even get away with not changing it. The filter is not terribly expensive but the labor charge could be a bunch if you don't do it yourself.
With the right type of line wrenches and a way to get the car off the ground, it really isn't a nasty job; it's just in a bad location. Just make sure you relieve pressure in the fuel line before loosening the connections. Also try to get the fuel level in the tank as low as possible and the nose of the car up high so gas won't run out of the open line.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (c4cruiser)
When you guys say, 25 30 k, do you mean miles or Kilometers?
I've only put like 12000 kilometers (7500 Miles) in 3 years "lost my drivers licence for a long time, don't ask"
I'm just wondering if its a good idea for me to change it since its been 3 years.
I know I should get service manual, but were is it situtated exactly?
[Modified by TheStef, 1:29 PM 1/17/2004]
I've only put like 12000 kilometers (7500 Miles) in 3 years "lost my drivers licence for a long time, don't ask"
I'm just wondering if its a good idea for me to change it since its been 3 years.
I know I should get service manual, but were is it situtated exactly?
[Modified by TheStef, 1:29 PM 1/17/2004]
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: royal palm beach florida
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (dlmeyers)
BELIEVE 30K is the book answer.
As a matter of practice, would recommend replacing the fuel filter when:
Buying a car and not knowing the service history.
Anytime the fuel pump is replaced.
When the darn thing is really accessible.
Actually, between 20 and 30K should be OK for most applications.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
As a matter of practice, would recommend replacing the fuel filter when:
Buying a car and not knowing the service history.
Anytime the fuel pump is replaced.
When the darn thing is really accessible.
Actually, between 20 and 30K should be OK for most applications.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
The fuel filter is located along the inside of the right frame rail just behind the starter. If you open the hood and on the passenger side, looking down between the right side exhaust manifold and frame rail, follow the fuel hard lines and you shoud be able to see the front portion of the filter. The filter is about 5-7cm in diameter and the fuel line fitting is in the middle of it. The filter is held to the frame rail with a strap.
Mileage figures on the Fourm are normally in miles not kilometers, so 25K is 25,000 miles or about 40,000km. If the car sat for the time you were using "alternate" transportation, it probably wouldn't hurt to change the filter.
Mileage figures on the Fourm are normally in miles not kilometers, so 25K is 25,000 miles or about 40,000km. If the car sat for the time you were using "alternate" transportation, it probably wouldn't hurt to change the filter.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (c4cruiser)
Yeah the alternate transportation is a 93 Mazda Precidia... beater car :lol:
I've just been doing oil changes on it and for the past 5 years its been holding up pretty good.
I really want to do the proper maintenance on the Vette though.
I found an article on the Tech tips section... holy crap! it looks like a hard job just to change the gas filter.
[Modified by TheStef, 2:22 PM 1/17/2004]
I've just been doing oil changes on it and for the past 5 years its been holding up pretty good.
I really want to do the proper maintenance on the Vette though.
I found an article on the Tech tips section... holy crap! it looks like a hard job just to change the gas filter.
[Modified by TheStef, 2:22 PM 1/17/2004]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
Hello again Stef,
Two points, the job is not really that bad. Just make sure you keep the front higher than the back and be sure to remove the gas cap.
Secondly, a partially clogged filter is likely the prime reason fuel pumps fail. When clogged, the differential pressure across the filter increases, and the pump must work harder pushing fuel through a clogged filter. Those little pumps do not appreciate extra work and will quit, bringing more grief. Again, fuel filters on fuel injected cars merit attention.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Two points, the job is not really that bad. Just make sure you keep the front higher than the back and be sure to remove the gas cap.
Secondly, a partially clogged filter is likely the prime reason fuel pumps fail. When clogged, the differential pressure across the filter increases, and the pump must work harder pushing fuel through a clogged filter. Those little pumps do not appreciate extra work and will quit, bringing more grief. Again, fuel filters on fuel injected cars merit attention.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,126
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From: Cleveland OH
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (c4cruiser)
If you don't run the fuel tank dry or let the car sit all winter without adding a fuel stabilizer or buy really cheap gas, you may even get away with not changing it.
I change mine every 10K mi.
Ron
Team Owner
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From: The light that never warms.
St. Jude Donor '12
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (bully-3)
I do mine about every 15K. Probst, in his excellent F.I. book, says you really can't change it too often, and it is an often overlooked service item that is very important. Your injectors are so finicky, that some even recommend every 3K!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Re: How often to change fuel filter? (TheStef)
If you get the car up high enough or have it on a lift, it's not really that bad to change. Not a breeze, mind you, but did mine in 20-30 minutes the first time. Buy quality like AC Delco, NAPA premium, etc.
