How to Install Fuel Filters

Gasoline is generally thought of as being clean when it is pumped into the gas tank, and for the most part, it is. However, gasoline typically contains small particles left over from the refinement process. It can also leave deposits inside the gas tank. If these particles continuously enter the engine over a long period, the internal components will become dirty and the engine will not perform as it should. The purpose of a fuel filter is to filter these particles out of the gasoline before they can enter the engine. Fuel filters do become dirty over time, so they must be periodically replaced.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench
• Rag
• Screwdriver

1. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery to avoid the risk of fire. Because fuel is highly combustible, and because the battery can produce an electrical spark, the negative battery cable should be disconnected. To disconnect the negative cable, loosen the nut that secures the cable in place with a wrench, then pull the cable off the battery.

2. Place a rag underneath the fuel filter to capture the gasoline that escapes the fuel lines when they are disconnected.

3. Locate the two fuel line hose clamps. Two fuel lines attach to the fuel filter. One line connects the fuel pump to the filter, and the second line connects the opposite side of the filter to the fuel delivery system. Each line slides onto the fuel filter and is secured in place with a single hose clamp. Turn the single screw on each hose clamp counterclockwise with a screwdriver until the clamp is loose, then pull the lines away from the filter.

4. Note the arrow that appears on the side of the replacement fuel filter. The arrow indicates which direction the filter must face. The filter must be installed with the arrow pointing toward the front of the vehicle.

5. Slide each of the two fuel lines onto the fittings on the ends of the filter.

6. Slide each of the two hose clamps to the end of its fuel line, where the line enters the filter.

7. Turn the single screw on each hose clamp clockwise with a screwdriver until the screw is tight.

8. Position the battery cable onto its battery terminal, then tighten the nut that holds the cable in place with a wrench to complete the replacement.

References

• Motor's Auto Repair Manual; Ralph Ritchen; 1968
• Clueless About Cars: An Easy Guide to Car Maintenance and Repair, Lisa Christensen, 2007