How To Check Fuel Filter – Step By Step Guide

Bryan Greene June 11, 2022

When a fuel filter gets dirty and old as well, it won’t work properly. It may cause problems while fuel flowing. Basically, a fuel filter is s plastic can that looks like a small container that contains filtration elements.

When you press the accelerator, at that time, fuel from the gas tank passes through the fuel filter that removes the dirty element of fuel. And finally, this fuel passes to the engine. As a result, the engine gains power. So, now you are clear about the necessity of fuel filter as well as its cleaning process.

Symptoms of Bad Fuel Filter:

Engine power goes to down or lack of engine power gradually
Engine stalling under strain
Engine misfire randomly

There will be losses of power, hard start when you are about to start it. If the fuel is clogged up, it can create problems while pumping. That why checking fuel is that important.

There Are Many Ways To Check A Fuel Filter

There is an easier way to check it. If it is way too older than the manufacturer’s recommendation, then it has to be changed.

Though a fuel filter is affordable and not too expensive at all, you can easily get a new one and replace it. You just have to recognize the last time when you changed it.

Many ways to check any fuel filter

The best way to keep the fuel filter safe is to change it from time to time. There are other ways to check the fuel filter. Let’s take a look at what the processes are.

How To Check A Fuel Filter – Step By Step

Step 1: Fuel Filter Location

Put your fuel filter in a place. It is usually placed in between two fuel filter lines and near the fuel tank under the car. It looks like a small cylinder.

But other kinds of cars use this filter in the engine area. So, first, you have to figure out the place where the fuel filter is located. Once you recognize it then you can take the other steps to check it properly.

Step 2: Condition of Fuel Filter Paper

Check the condition of the paper of the fuel filter. Some fuel filters are made of see-through plastic fuel filters. If it is made of that kind of paper, you can easily see inside through it. You can also see the actual paper filter which is located inside the filter.

If you see the filter which turns into a dark brown shade, then you must replace it. It is because when the fuel filter is damaged, it turns into that dark brown shade.

But remember, if you see the golden brownish or tan shade, it won’t work out. Only if you see that dark brown shade in it, then you can consider it damaged and you should replace it.

Step 3: Hose Clamp

Make sure you loosen the hose clamp that can go into the fuel filter from the gas tank. You can use a flat-head screwdriver which can turn the clamp screw. You should use the screwdriver to a clockwise motion.

Make sure you hold up the fuel filter and so that, it can be slightly tilted up. After then, you should pull the fuel line off. In this way, the gas which contains in the filter will not spill out.

Step 4: Fuel Filter Over A Glass Jar

Take the end of the fuel filter and put it on the glass jar. You can take a person to help you to engage the emergency brake of the car. Then, place it well.

After then, take the key and put it into the ignition. Turn it to the first area if it. Don’t turn the engine on. You just need to connect it with the power to the fuel pump. Just watch the directions and rates from where the gas comes out. Then, turn off the ignition and reconnect to see the fuel line.

Step 5: Final Check of Hose Clamp & Ignition

Again you have to loosen the hose clamp just like you did in step 3. Hold the hose clamp in a slight mode in an upward angle and slowly pull the filter from the hose. In this way, it can prevent gas from spilling out from the line.

Now you have to hold the end of the filter and turn the ignition to the exact same position again. You have to watch the rates of what amount of gas comes out from the filter. Check this and if your filter is dirty, then you have to reinstall that.

Special Tips About Fuel Filter & Checking Process

When you get to know that the filter goes dirty and your car isn’t working well, then you have to change it as soon as possible.
If you have changed the filter but still you find out something problematic features in it, then you have to replace the fuel lines. That’s how it won’t get clogged so easily.
Make sure you won’t smoke when you are working with any vehicle. The gasoline and the vapors of gasoline are also flammable. So, you have to be concerned about this fact.
Don’t keep the filter for too much time under the sun. This can cause inflammation. So, try to avoid working under the sun. And if you have to do this, make sure you won’t do it for so long.

Final Thoughts

If you are not sure how to change the fuel filter, you don’t need to do it alone. You can take someone’s help or any helper. Then, you can do it in a safe way.

It is because safety is essential. If you can’t be saved, there’s no reason to do it. Besides, you have to change the fuel filter when it needs to be. If you do it from time to time, your car won’t get any harm and you can drive swiftly as well. Besides, it will be a more healthy way for your car to replace fuel filters regularly when it is needed.

This can assure the full safety of your car and you. So, be aware of this fact.
We are trying to give you the descriptions step by step for your real comfort. You can check this and try this out. By those explanations, you get to know the total knowledge of the fuel filter and how to check it.

Checking fuel filter is necessary and that’s why you should do it quite often. This will also help the car to work fluently. So, check the filter when it seems to be and be careful of these facts to protect your car in a proper way. Do this and be safe!

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