Sylvie Willis
Fuel filters are essential for preventing debris from entering your vehicle's engine. They can become blocked or choked with grime, causing increased fuel consumption and engine wear, and even causing the engine to cut out. To clean an in-tank fuel filter, first locate it—it will be somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and gas tank. Jack up your car if necessary, and place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any spilled fuel. Next, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then pour out any residual gas. You can then clean the filter with warm water and dish soap, denatured alcohol, carburetor cleaner, or compressed air. Once clean, dry the filter for an hour, then reinstall it, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning an In-Tank Fuel Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Small engine |
| Fuel tank material | Non-corrosive or coated with a corrosion-resistant layer |
| Fuel filter location | Inside the tank at the fuel outlet or outside midway along the fuel line |
| Fuel filter type | Metal, nylon, or paper |
| Tools/Materials | Jack, jack stands, bucket/jar, screwdriver, solvent cleaner, carburetor cleaner, dish soap, water, denatured alcohol, spare filter screen, fuel line clamp or smooth-faced clamp |
| Steps | 1. Locate the fuel filter. 2. Jack up the car and place it on jack stands. 3. Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch fuel. 4. Disconnect the battery and remove the filter from the fuel lines. 5. Pour out any remaining gas in the filter. 6. Spray the filter with a solvent or carburetor cleaner. 7. Tap out loosened debris and dry the filter. 8. Reinstall the filter, reconnect the battery, and run the engine. |
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What You'll Learn
Locating the fuel filter
There are two common locations where fuel filters are mounted in vehicles. The most common location for modern vehicles is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail. Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so refer to your service manual to find out for sure. If your car was built within the last 10 to 20 years, the filter is likely part of the fuel pump module located in the fuel tank.
If you're having a difficult time locating the fuel filter, it's best to check your vehicle's repair manual. You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it before working underneath.
Before accessing the fuel filter, it's important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. You can usually do this by allowing your engine to run for a minute or so without the fuel pump functioning. Find and remove the relay, then start the vehicle with the relay removed and let it exhaust the fuel pressure.
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Disconnecting the battery
Locate the battery in your vehicle. The battery is typically located in the engine bay, but the exact location can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Refer to your owner's manual if you are unsure.
Gather the necessary tools. You will need a pair of gloves and eye protection for safety. A basic tool kit, including a wrench and/or screwdriver, will also be required to loosen and remove the battery terminals.
Prepare the workspace. Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and engage the parking brake. Ensure the engine is turned off, and you have all the necessary tools within reach.
Loosen and remove the negative cable first. Identify the negative terminal, typically marked with a "-" sign or black colour. Loosen the nut or bolt securing the cable with a wrench or screwdriver. Carefully lift the cable away from the terminal and place it to the side, ensuring it does not touch any metal parts.
Disconnect the positive cable. Locate the positive terminal, marked with a "+" sign or red colour. Loosen and remove the cable in the same manner as the negative cable, ensuring it does not touch any metal surfaces or the negative terminal.
Secure the battery cables. Once both cables are disconnected, secure them away from the battery and any metal parts to prevent accidental contact or short circuits.
With the battery disconnected, you can now proceed with cleaning your in-tank fuel filter, following the appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Remember to reconnect the battery correctly once the cleaning process is complete.
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Removing the filter
To remove the filter, start by locating it. The location of the fuel filter varies depending on the vehicle's make and model. Check your owner's manual for the exact location. Typically, it is found somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and the gas tank. A common spot is under the car, just past the fuel pump. In some models, it is housed in the engine bay. Jack up your car if necessary to access the filter. Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any spilled fuel.
Once you have located the filter, the next step is to relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. If your vehicle has a sealing ring, check it. Many electric pumps are SU or copies built under licence, and they often need to be removed to clean the filter. If there are flexible fuel pipes connected to the top of the pump, leave them there.
The most common type of pump has a cylindrical filter holder and a disc filter. To remove the filter, simply unscrew the top, with the filter attached. Most mechanical pumps have a removable top covering the filter. Older units may have a glass dome top. In this case, you need to unscrew the central screw or nut to remove the top and then take out the filter.
If your vehicle has an SU mechanical pump, the process is slightly different. The SU pump has two main types: the AUF 800 and the AUF 700. The AUF 800 has inlet and outlet pipes side by side on top, leading in opposite directions. To remove the filter, you must first remove the right-angled 'elbow' connectors by unscrewing the two screws that hold them in place. Be careful, as these screws are often very tight and made of soft metal. Use a correctly fitting screwdriver in good condition to remove them. Once the connectors are removed, lift off the inlet elbow and lift out the filter.
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Cleaning the filter
To clean an in-tank fuel filter, you must first locate the filter. The location of the filter varies depending on the vehicle's make and model, so be sure to check your owner's manual. A common spot is under the car, just past the fuel pump, or housed in the engine bay. Jack up your car if necessary and place jack stands beneath it for support. Place a bucket or jar under the filter to catch any spilled fuel.
Next, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines. If there is any residual gas in the filter, gently tap both the fuel-in and fuel-out nozzles into the container to pour it out.
Now, you can clean the filter. If the filter is nylon or paper, it should be replaced with a new one. If it is made of metal and is not too grimy, you can clean and reuse it. Spray the filter with a pressurised carburetor cleaner or soak it in warm water with dish soap and denatured alcohol. Tap out any loosened debris, then leave the filter to dry for an hour.
Finally, reinstall the filter, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.
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Reinstalling the filter
Before reinstalling the filter, it is essential to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. This step cannot be overemphasized, as any remaining dirt or moisture can contaminate the fuel system and cause engine problems. Allow the filter to air-dry or use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it down.
When the filter is completely dry, carefully reconnect the fuel lines, ensuring that they are securely attached. Refer to your vehicle's manual to identify the correct fuel lines and their respective connections. Be cautious, as fuel may still be present in the lines.
If your vehicle has an electrical pump, reconnect the electrical connections. Pay attention to the number of connections, as there may be one or two, depending on the pump type. Ensure that the connections are secure to prevent any issues during operation.
If you had to remove the battery during the cleaning process, now is the time to reconnect it. Start by reconnecting the positive terminal, followed by the negative terminal. Ensure that the battery is securely connected and that there are no loose connections.
Finally, once everything is reconnected, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Observe any unusual noises or issues. If the engine runs smoothly, you have successfully cleaned and reinstalled your in-tank fuel filter. If any problems persist, consult a professional mechanic for further assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel filter is somewhere along the fuel line between the engine and gas tank. Check your owner's manual for the exact location.
If your filter is made of nylon or paper, replace it with a new one. If it's made of metal and isn't too grimy, you can clean and reuse it. Before you start, relieve your fuel system's pressure and disconnect your battery. Remove the filter from the fuel lines, then spray it with a solvent cleaner. Let it dry for an hour, then reinstall it, reconnect your battery, and run your engine.
If your fuel filter is clogged, you should replace it. If you are unable to do so, you can try cleaning it with a solvent cleaner or warm water with dish soap.
When the tank is empty, check for debris and beads of light that indicate holes or cracks. Use a baster to remove loose debris. If you find damage, replace the tank with the original manufacturer's equipment.
