When is it time to replace the fuel filter?
06-08-2009, 03:51 AM
#16
Three Wheelin'
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Best time to change it is just before you experience sngs o fuel starvation under max load. This kind of change interval is impossible to justify since you never see symptoms. But that's kind of the point-- you really don't want to ever see symptoms.
Do it when the tank is almost completely empty. Do it outside, away from the house. Do it with a charged garden hose and a fire extinguisher handy. A BIG fire extinguisher... Make sure you have the copper seals for the banjo connections on the filter. Make sure you clamp the line between he pump and filter so the tank doesn't drain down your armpit as you get the fittings loose. Do counterhold the filter as you loosen the banjo bolts. This is a job where it' usually more prep and safety than work. Usually... Don't twist the line between the pump and the filter.
Do it when the tank is almost completely empty. Do it outside, away from the house. Do it with a charged garden hose and a fire extinguisher handy. A BIG fire extinguisher... Make sure you have the copper seals for the banjo connections on the filter. Make sure you clamp the line between he pump and filter so the tank doesn't drain down your armpit as you get the fittings loose. Do counterhold the filter as you loosen the banjo bolts. This is a job where it' usually more prep and safety than work. Usually... Don't twist the line between the pump and the filter.
I would like to add if you are going to follow such excellent safety tips to disconnect your battery ground cable
06-08-2009, 05:42 AM
#17
Team Owner
one of the tricks to keeping fuel from going down your arm is to get a few old rags and tie one around each wrist, it may sound silly but the rag will stop the fuel from going any further than itself
06-08-2009, 09:13 AM
#18
Drifting
A very important item not mentioned is to relieve the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump relay and cranking the engine a few times. The fuel pump has a check valve and if it’s working properly, the system stay at least partially pressurized.
I wish I knew this when I did mine… by the way, it made no difference, but I did feel better once I finished it without burning down the house.
I wish I knew this when I did mine… by the way, it made no difference, but I did feel better once I finished it without burning down the house.
06-08-2009, 11:57 AM
#19
Chronic Tool Dropper
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And actually a good idea. That stuff burns even if it isn't on fire.Can't tell you how many times I've had the armpits full of fuel while removing engines from the aircooled cars. Pretty amazing that I never managed to catch on fire a few times. Just never worried about it. Probably explains the brain damage I have later in life too. At this point I can look back and be amazed that I survived this long, all things considered. Never too late to take a few precautions though.
06-08-2009, 01:01 PM
#20
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fuel filter fixed my car
coils have no moving parts as such there is no wear . Porsche coils last a very long time ......20 years is a very long time .....many more ignition problems come from bad wires leaking out the electricity . The recommended interval for fuel filter is ......NEVER ; according to the 1986 maintenance booklet . I have asked on more than one occasion on various lists if ANYONE ever "fixed" a 928 by changing the fuel filter .......to date the answer has been NONE.........
Ten years ago my 86.5 stalled twice restarted and then stalled again leaving me along side of the road. I called you and you recomended changing the fuel filter. After doing so the car sterted right up and has been fine ever since. I was so thankfull and impressed with your arm chair diagnosis that I have purchased all my parts from you ever since.
Thank you
Horsehead Bay Ray.
06-08-2009, 01:09 PM
#21
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I changed the fuel filter on my truck last year, after disabling the fuel injection and cranking the engine to bleed off the fuel pressure. The tank was nearly empty but not empty.
I was surprised by how much fuel sprayed out when I cracked the line to the filter. The fuel line dripped and streamed gas for several minutes with me collecting it and wondering when it was going to finally stop... until I finally realized I'd forgotten to take the filler cap off and the fuel tank was pressurized with vapor, which was forcing out the fuel at a pretty good rate.
So, you might loosen the gas cap too when you do this.
Oh, and dispose of gas-soaked rags properly as they can burst into flames spontaneously, and the gas vapor can burn up your garage if you work indoors. Take the rags outside and let them dry out, do not put them straight into the trash.
One guy on another forum here left gas-soaked rags under his car and the air compressor on. The compressor cycled (and sparked) in the wee hours and the garage caught fire. Exciting!
-Joel.
I was surprised by how much fuel sprayed out when I cracked the line to the filter. The fuel line dripped and streamed gas for several minutes with me collecting it and wondering when it was going to finally stop... until I finally realized I'd forgotten to take the filler cap off and the fuel tank was pressurized with vapor, which was forcing out the fuel at a pretty good rate.
So, you might loosen the gas cap too when you do this.
Oh, and dispose of gas-soaked rags properly as they can burst into flames spontaneously, and the gas vapor can burn up your garage if you work indoors. Take the rags outside and let them dry out, do not put them straight into the trash.
One guy on another forum here left gas-soaked rags under his car and the air compressor on. The compressor cycled (and sparked) in the wee hours and the garage caught fire. Exciting!
-Joel.
06-08-2009, 02:07 PM
#23
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actually filters clean better as they get older. Its only when they restrict flow, do they cause issues. Ive pulled out some old filter and poured out some pretty black gas, but thats going out. dont think the car ran any better, but that was after 4-5 years.
I never change filters in my BMW and its running like a champ. Both oil and fuel filters are original and thats after 110,000miles. I think I change the tahoe oil filter every 5 oil changes.
I never change filters in my BMW and its running like a champ. Both oil and fuel filters are original and thats after 110,000miles. I think I change the tahoe oil filter every 5 oil changes.
06-08-2009, 04:45 PM
#24
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Compared to what ??? you only have about 200 HP at the rear wheels on a good day ! If the car is an automatic it simply is not quick might be loud but not quick. The fuel filter is almost never ever an issue but cheap and easy to change.
06-08-2009, 06:17 PM
#25
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good point. Thats right, we were discussing that in the last engine melt down thread. not ALL the oil always gets filtered and the dirtier the filter gets, the less it filters??
thanks
mk
thanks
mk
