How to Change Your Fuel Filter Guide

What you’ll need:

To change the fuel filter of your vehicle you will probably require the following things:

• new fuel filter
• new fuel line washers
• open end wrenches
• rags
• eye safety

The engine of your vehicle may work well if you keep changing its fuel filter regularly which usually cost you about $10 or $20. Proper functioning of fuel filter is very important as it protects some very flimsy components of your car’s engine. And of course, carburetors and fuel injection systems can be choked by the miniature particles, so fuel filter must work accurately to keep away these problems.

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It is quite simple and easy process of replacing your car’s fuel filter and takes few minutes as well. It is recommended to replace the fuel filter once a year and its replacement should be considered in your car’s maintenance plan.

Important:

You are advised to keep in mind the fuel system pressure release step. Otherwise it may cause injury.

Safety Step: Relieving Fuel System Pressure

For this purpose,

• let engine to cool
• reduce fuel system pressure
• put on your eye protection

It is required to relieve the pressure in your car’s fuel system ahead of replacing its fuel filter. As fuel injection system usually works under extremely high pressure so if you don’t release this pressure earlier than you begin taking off the fuel lines you may probably face danger. So always perform this step before replacing fuel filter of your car.

To release pressure in fuel filter and fuel lines, you first have to come across the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box. In case if you don’t have this pump fuse then find the relay that runs the fuel pump. When you find the fuel pump fuse or else relay, now start your car. While the engine is running, pull the fuse otherwise relay out. If you pulled the correct one, the engine will promptly pass on.

Now it is utilizing the pressurized fuel in the system, so when you will crack the fittings on fuel filter, fuel lines would not be pressurized.

Disconnect the Fuel Lines from the Fuel Filter:

Once you have released the fuel pressure, you may now continue to replace your old fuel filter with new one. If your car has fuel injection in it (mostly cars have these days) then come across two open end wrenches that are quite the right size for the fuel filter fittings.

In most cases, they are of different sizes. Now you have to put a rag over the fitting with the wrenches in proper place, to take apart your head from the fuel lines. This step will protect your eyes too in case if there is some pressure in the lines. After that hold the wrench that fits on the real filter and then turn other wrench counter clockwise until the special bolt (“banjo fitting” step) comes out. Now slide the fuel line off the bolt and set the bolt to the side. After that, perform the same procedure for other side of the fuel filter. A number of vehicles need a special fuel line wrench to cut off the lines

Remove the Old Fuel Filter:

You can do away with the old fuel filter once the fuel lines are disconnected.

Most will be keeping by a clamp that can be released by means of a flat head screwdriver.

Important:

Take out the old fuel filter vigilantly; as it will possibly still be filled with gas

Change the Fuel Filter Washers:

Now you have to carefully change the fuel filter washers. They are more often than not of either copper or aluminum. Take out the old washers and swap them with the new washers that go with them. The washers are generally different from one side of the fuel filter to its other side. Now you will put one washer on the bolt earlier than you slide the fuel line on, and one later

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Install the New Fuel Filter:

Installation of the new filter is the reverse process of removal. Remember to put the fuel pump fuse or relay back earlier than you start your car. At this time you have done with replacing your car’s fuel filter and can take pleasure in serenity and enhanced gas mileage as well.