Gas Fuel Filter Replacement Tips

Routine maintenance on your car, truck, or SUV is an easy do it yourself affair. The series of articles that I have written cover basic routine maintenance for most vehicles. This specific article will focus on replacing an inline gas filter on your vehicle.

A clogged or dirty gas filter can lower your overall gas mileage by reducing fuel pressure and reduces power output. Your engine will have to work harder to perform its job with a clogged or dirty gas filter. If your vehicle is equipped with an inline gas filter, replacing it at regular intervals is an easy job. Your gas filter or fuel filter should be replace every other year.

If your vehicle has a gas filter that is located in the gas tank, then replacing it is more complex and should generally be done by a professional.

To begin, you will need to determine which type of gas filter your vehicle has. The easiest method for doing this is by going to the auto parts store and having them look up the correct gas filter for your vehicle. They will then be able to tell you if you have an in tank filter, or an inline filter. If your car has an inline filter, purchase the new filter.

Once you are back at home, you will need to locate you gas filter. Most are located along the firewall in the engine bay. They will usually have two rubber lines attached to them. One line feeds fuel in, the other line feeds fuel out. If you cannot locate your gas filter in the engine bay, then it is likely located underneath the car. Simply follow the rubber fuel lines from the gas tank to the front of the vehicle and you should located a filter that looks similar or identical to the new one that you purchased.

Replacing the gas filter couldn't be any easier. The hardest part of the job is usually located the old filter on the vehicle. Once you have located the filter, you will notice two small rubber line attached to it. These will need to be removed. Prior to removing these lines, you will want to relieve the fuel pressure from the system. To do this, located the fuse box and removed the fuse that is labeled for the fuel pump. Now try to start the car a few times. It will not start, but will relieve any pressure from the line. Some gasoline will drip when you remove the lines, but not much.

Begin removing the lines. They are usually held on with hose clamps that can be removed with a screwdriver or a small socket. Pull the rubber lines off of the old gas filter. Place the new gas filter in place and secure the rubber lines to it. Tighten the hose connectors. Replace the fuel pump fuse and start the car. It may take a few attempts to start the vehicle as the fuel pressure returns to the system. Check for leaks, and the jobs is complete.

By doing your own routine maintenance you can save a significant amount of money. Maintenance should not be overlooked. Please read my other articles that walk you step by step through basic routine maintenance procedures for your car, truck, or SUV.