fuel filter on 04
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Mustang OK
For the redesigned FFS fuel system introduced in mid model year 2003, there is no service interval for fuel filter replacement according to the 2003 GM Service Manual. The fuel filter is part of the left fuel sender assembly inside the left fuel tank. The left fuel sender assembly also includes a fuel level sensor, the fuel pump and reservoir assembly, the fuel pump strainer and the primary fuel pressure regulator. If necessary, the left fuel sender assembly is changed out as a complete unit according to what I've read in the GM Service Manual.
Redesigned FFS Fuel System
Redesigned FFS Fuel System
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 110
From: El Paso TX.
i have read that and don't but it. serioulsy what is it doing different than any other fuel filter that makes it last forever? it is just like the OEM plugs that last 100,000 miles, doesn't happen.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 110
From: El Paso TX.
reason being is that i just put a TNT kit on top of my H/C and the last thing i need to worry about is a clogged fuel filter. granted my car only has 14K on it but i am in the habbit of changing out my fuel filter every 15K.
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
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Originally Posted by algZO6
when should you change it? i know it is in the tank but i just want to see if anyone has changed one and when. thanks.
Edit : After looking through service manuals, GrayC5 is correct. Some 2003 and later cars have in tank fuel filters...
Hmm...learn something new everyday!
Last edited by JR_VETTE; Oct 8, 2006 at 03:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
When the fuel filter stops up, the fuel pressure increases, and it usually takes the fuel pump with it.
Since you have to drop the fuel tanks to change it, you could just wait until the whole assembly needs replacing. Unfortunately, you could end up stranded somewhere if you wait until total failure.
Since you have to drop the fuel tanks to change it, you could just wait until the whole assembly needs replacing. Unfortunately, you could end up stranded somewhere if you wait until total failure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
yes, to change it you have to buy the whole bucket assembly and drop the tank.. Major $$$$. Probably cheaper in the long run to switch to the ECS fuel system with an external pump and filter....
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
No, the ECS fuel system still uses your stock pump and stock filter. So this could still be an issue. The ECS system does include another filter, however, I would still be concerned with the in-tank filter clogging up first (especially since it will see fuel first).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
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From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Originally Posted by chriswtx
yes, to change it you have to buy the whole bucket assembly and drop the tank.. Major $$$$. Probably cheaper in the long run to switch to the ECS fuel system with an external pump and filter....
You may run the risk of emissions inspectors finding the car out of compliance, depending on how hard they will be looking in the future.
The modification was made as a running change in mid-model-year 2003and all subsequent Corvettes. It was mandated by the EEEEE-PEEEE-YAAAY:a downgraded fuel injection system and the placing of the fuel filter INSIDE the fuel tanks. Earlier cars have the fuel filter outside, reasonably accessible for those of us who have had occasion to change the fuel filter in our cars from time-to-time.
This is a maintenance cost that should be considered when purchasing a mid-model year 2003 and later car. It will happen, especially if the owner isn't picky about the gasoline that goes in the car's tank.
It was enough to turn me off of purchasing a C5 manufactured after than the changeover.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by algZO6
so is there no way to bypass the existing system?
The first time I have to go into the driver side tank I am going to remove the filter assembly from inside and provision for an external fuel filter. But until that day comes I am just going to keep a keen eye on fuel pressure.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by diynoob
Never say never. The ECS fuel pump by default will run off your factory fuel pump relay. You could easily wire it in to your fuse panel in a way that it will run and your factory pump won't. Only problem is you're losing a lot of fuel supply that way. Also, just my personal opinion, but you lose an option available to you that makes the ECS kit streetable to even your grandmother... making the secondary pump run only at WOT or under bost.
The first time I have to go into the driver side tank I am going to remove the filter assembly from inside and provision for an external fuel filter. But until that day comes I am just going to keep a keen eye on fuel pressure.
The first time I have to go into the driver side tank I am going to remove the filter assembly from inside and provision for an external fuel filter. But until that day comes I am just going to keep a keen eye on fuel pressure.
And is there any way to tell if your filter is nearing the end of its usefullness.....
DH
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by Dirty Howie
I have a model year 2004 with 77K miles on it. I will not be happy when my fuel filter needs changing. What kind of job is it to do what you are talking about ?????
And is there any way to tell if your filter is nearing the end of its usefullness.....
DH
And is there any way to tell if your filter is nearing the end of its usefullness.....
DH
We are doubly hosed on this one... not only is the filter inside the tank but you have to drop the tank to get the filter out because the sender bolts in to the tank from the top
I am not sure if there's a better way, but I usually know it's time to change the filter just by keeping an eye on fuel pressure.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,353
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From: Bella Vista Ca
Originally Posted by diynoob
My service manual doesn't cover the 2003.5+ FFS systems (the one you and I have) but my understanding is that you need to drop the rear cradle/suspension in order to drop the gas tank.
We are doubly hosed on this one... not only is the filter inside the tank but you have to drop the tank to get the filter out because the sender bolts in to the tank from the top
I am not sure if there's a better way, but I usually know it's time to change the filter just by keeping an eye on fuel pressure.
We are doubly hosed on this one... not only is the filter inside the tank but you have to drop the tank to get the filter out because the sender bolts in to the tank from the top
I am not sure if there's a better way, but I usually know it's time to change the filter just by keeping an eye on fuel pressure.
I've looked at mine, looks like the tranny and all would have to be dropped....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 110
From: El Paso TX.
wouldn't your fuel pressure drop if your filter gets clogged (assuming you are using a FP gauge at the end of the rail)? after about another 10K hopefully we will have a solution if not i will find a way to remove the internal filter and put on an external. Howie, i would after 77K i would definatly look into changing your filter.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Originally Posted by algZO6
wouldn't your fuel pressure drop if your filter gets clogged (assuming you are using a FP gauge at the end of the rail)? after about another 10K hopefully we will have a solution if not i will find a way to remove the internal filter and put on an external. Howie, i would after 77K i would definatly look into changing your filter.
I would not recommend just changing the filter just because the car has 77K miles on it. I would check fuel pressure over a broad range of operating conditions before doing so.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 110
From: El Paso TX.
Originally Posted by diynoob
See above -- this was my suggestion as well (checking of the filter is failing by observing fuel pressure).
I would not recommend just changing the filter just because the car has 77K miles on it. I would check fuel pressure over a broad range of operating conditions before doing so.
I would not recommend just changing the filter just because the car has 77K miles on it. I would check fuel pressure over a broad range of operating conditions before doing so.