A fuel pump filter is a little, yet one of the important factors of your car. The reason for having a fuel pump filter in a vehicle is to stop dirt & other impurities from reaching the car’s engine. If the fuel pump filter is dirty and obstruct, the engine will have starting problems and the engine stops periodically while running. So, it is very important to keep the fuel pump clean while maintaining your car.
Gasoline or Electric Fuel Pump Filter
Gasoline fuel filters are designed to prevent dirt or pollutant in the gas from reaching the vehicle’s engine. A gasoline fuel filter is not persuasive at removing pollutants and dirt from the diesel or gasoline supplied to the engine.
A blockade fuel pump filter will cause the engine to pull out repeatedly, especially at high speeds and it may halt altogether. Over time, this outcome in includes wears that cuts down the life of the vehicle. The smallest pollutant can block a carburetor or fuel injection line, and learning how to clean the gasoline fuel filter can keep your vehicle running at its best.
Time needed: 30 minutes.
Steps involved in cleaning the fuel pump filters
- Locate fuel pump
Traceback the fuel injection line from the carburetor or fuel injector to find the fuel pump filter. It is usually a small metal canister placed into the line.
- Identify fuel pump type
In case, if the fuel pipe placed away from the vehicle engine to the fuel tank, you may have a gasoline fuel pump. Mostly it is placed at the backside of the car or immersed into the tank. Disconnect the battery before overhauling a gasoline fuel pump because an unexpected spark can ignite spilled-out petrol.
- Shut the fuel line
In the case of gasoline fuel pumps, by using a flat-head screwdriver and hose clamps, shut the fuel line off from both sides of the fuel filter. The fuel in the fuel line must be under high pressure. So, it is better to wear safety glasses for protection against spraying vapors.
- Placing Containter
Always place a vessel, jar, or container under the fuel filter and dis-join the hose clamps that join the hose to the fuel filter.
- Empty gas from filter
As the hose clamps are loosened, pull the hose off the fuel pump filter and dump off any excess into the container. When the fuel filter is free of hoses, empty any gas in the filter into the container as well.
- Cleaning the side of filter
Spray the fuel filter on both sides with an injector or carburetor cleaner and tap it against any hard surface to knock down the debris.
- Cross check and repeat
Repeat all the processes until the fuel pump filter is in decent condition.
- Check for broken parts
Make sure that the sealing gaskets are working fine. Replace them if required.
- Fix it back
Set the pump filter aside, wait some time and allow it to dry, and then reinstall it. If the pump filter shows any fissure or cracks you may have to replace it.
Safety tips
- Fuel pump filters are one of the most important yet most low-cost parts of a vehicle to replace. If you don’t feel that you have satisfactorily cleaned your fuel filter, buy a replacement.
- In process of removing the filter from the fuel lines, always wear safety glasses and gloves to save yourself from gasoline spray. If gasoline comes in contact with your skin, hand, or eyes, wash the area immediately and seek medical attention.
- Make sure do not over-tighten the screws(bolts) of the fuel pump cover while reinstalling else it will crack and damage the pump. If the knob engaging the glass dome is overtightened, the dome may ultimately break.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Pump Filter
First, you need to locate out where exactly is the fuel pump filter is located in your vehicle. Usually, electric filters are either located inside or close to the tank or at the back of the car – it depends on the manufacturer and model of the car.
This is very important, first, you need to disconnect the battery before you start the cleaning procedure because as it is an electric pump, any small spark can ignite the fuel.
While disconnected the battery, you need to stop fuel from gushing out of the disconnected fuel pipes. For blocking the fuel pipes you can either insert an old pencil, thin cocks or rubber bungs, or something that is handy and can fit your fuel pipes.
Yes, Make sure all filters are cleaned by washing them with fresh petrol. Always use fresh petrol when cleaning the filters. Properly clean the filters; make sure there is no dirt or other contaminants.
After washing the filters with petrol, don’t leave the filters drenched in petrol. Get a clean lint-free rag and wipe off the inside of the pump.
When cleaning the filters, check for the sealing gaskets and make sure they are in a good condition. If they are not in a good condition, replace them. Damaged gaskets would result in fuel leakage during their functioning.
Once you are done with the cleaning of filters, fix them back to their original position with the screws provided. Make sure you don’t over-tighten the screws of the cover.
You can plan the cleaning of the filters according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule provided in the owner’s manual.
The fuel filter should be cleaned at regular intervals according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule provided in the vehicle’s manual. Though it is a very simple task to do, you must be extremely cautious because of the gas that is in the lines of the filter. Follow these tips to keep the job safe, clean, and simple.
Thanks for sharing this article, very helpful.
I liked very much your article and tips , mainly this one about fuel pump filter.
I am a regular reader of your articles, and realy needs tips for fuel pump cleaning, thanks for this article.
I would like to thank you to this great information,.
Hey admin i really like these tips for cleaning my car fuel pump, can you please share some good online store names where i find best quality fuel filters.