Fuel Filter Replacement??

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Jun 18, 2013 | 12:38 PM

#21

jayvee01

4th Gear

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 4

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From: Dickinson California

Thanks much for the info.
Very clear

Jun 18, 2013 | 02:42 PM

#22

gun5l1ng3r

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 90

Likes: 1

From: Mission Viejo CA

I am very surprised that the 04 cars dont have a servicable fuel filter...

How high do you need to lift the car in order to drop a fuel tank?

Jun 18, 2013 | 06:49 PM

#23

leadfoot4

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 87,356

Likes: 1,592

From: Western NY

Since this thread is really old, and recently revived, I'll just throw in an "FYI"....

My car is an '01, with low mileage (22K). I changed the OE filter when the car was about 4 years old, "just because". In other words, preventive maintenance.

Last summer (2012), I started smelling gas after the car was shut down. Then one day, while driving, I smelled it again. Although I didn't originally see any drips, as soon as I got home from my drive, I ran the car up on the ramps and started looking. I noticed the filter outlet side was dripping. Apparently, the ethanol content of the gas had attacked the o-ring on the filter, as simply replacing the filter cured the problem. Good thing, as the fuel line runs right over the LH side exhaust pipe....

Jun 18, 2013 | 06:55 PM

#24

Caveboy

Drifting

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 1,668

Likes: 54

From: Brisbane CA

Is it really that bad to replace to ne on a 99 auto?

Jun 18, 2013 | 07:07 PM

#25

leadfoot4

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 87,356

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From: Western NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caveboy

Is it really that bad to replace to ne on a 99 auto?

Shouldn't be. It IS awkward, especially if you're on ramps, and not on a lift, but not impossible...

Jun 19, 2013 | 02:16 AM

#26

YellowFlash

Pro

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 566

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From: Miami FL

CI 7 & 9 Veteran

Replace as needed

My previous '01 C5 had over 200,000 miles on it and I never had to replace the fuel filter. Granted I always did use Chevron gas religiously which probably helped. I would recommend to replace it only if needed.

Jun 19, 2013 | 06:57 AM

#27

leadfoot4

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 87,356

Likes: 1,592

From: Western NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowFlash

But did you ever consider, given the mileage, that the filter may have been partially plugged, due to minute debris, or even that the filter material itself had "broken down" over that length of time?

Just asking.....

Jun 19, 2013 | 12:19 PM

#28

YellowFlash

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Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 566

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From: Miami FL

CI 7 & 9 Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by leadfoot4

For sure, that's what filters are for; like oil filters. I was always wondering how long can it go without replacement, but I never had any service center tell me I had fuel pressure issues. The Vette never gave any codes indicating any fuel issues. The original fuel injectors were all still working. The only indication I had was a slight reduction in gas mileage from 23+ to 22 average mpg; but that could have been from aging engine parts too. So if the fuel filter is partially plugged but still working, why change it?

Could the Techron bottle treatments and Chevron gas be breaking down the minute debris and allowing it to get past the injectors and be burned in the combustion chambers?