Why change the fuel filter in the tank. We change the gasoline filter with our own hands

Healthy nutrition is the key to a long life and maximum performance of any car heart. Let's clarify right away: this article is not about gasoline and diesel fuel.

Its main "heroes" will be those who stand guard over the safety of the "iron horses" - fuel filters. About the role they play in the life of the car, what is the difficulty of their choice and how important is the timely replacement of the fuel filter, we will tell in this article.

Why are they needed at all?

Forced fuel cleaning- a necessity that guarantees the performance of any engine running on liquid fuel. Filling the filter cavity, gasoline passes through the layer ( there may be several) filter material, leaving particles of dust, dirt and other solid inclusions on its surface that adversely affect engine parts.

If the “food” ration of the car motor is diesel fuel, then an additional separator is required, which will help to clean the fuel, in addition to mechanical inclusions, also from the water content.

Its principle of operation is based on the fact that water is heavier than diesel fuel, and centrifugal force helps to separate them from each other. Due to the specifics of the separators, most of them are heated.

What are fuel filters?

There are three main groups:

The first group is not very popular for car engines. In them, the removal of large and small particles of impurities from the fuel is entrusted to one filter.

The second group is the most common. Filters of this type can be both housing with threaded fastening, and in the form of metal-free filter elements.

The difference between coarse and fine filters is mainly in the paper. If pre-cleaning involves the retention of particles with a size of 75-100 microns, then the final cleaning in the best samples of filters allows you to retain particles up to 3-5 microns in size.

Filter elements can be made with metal covers ( for secure attachment of the filter material) and can be performed both with a reinforcing mesh and without it. Both of them are always installed in housings made of heat-resistant material.

This design provides for the presence of repair kits, because re-installation of sealing rubber bands and copper washers is not recommended.

It should be noted that the most popular filter material for fuel filters is paper.

Having been born more than a hundred years ago due to a technological error, it is still firmly in the lead among all filter materials today.

To extend the life of the filter, increase the filtration area and thereby improve the quality of the process itself, the paper is installed in the form of corrugations. The density of the folds in it is such that a "curtain" with a length of more than one meter can fit in an "accordion" with a diameter of 100 mm.

By the way, in the cost of a fuel filter, the cost of filter paper is more than 60%, which means that the manufacturer can reduce its cost only due to a loss of quality!

Recently, they have been increasingly used and have already managed to earn the approval of motorists. propylene based filter media. An insignificant sector among the filter elements is occupied by those made of finely porous metal mesh.

The cylinder is recognized as the classic form of fuel filters. Replacement separator cartridges can be rectangular in metal or plastic housing.

Where is the fuel filter located?

Based on the task assigned to the fuel filters, its most logical location in the line is after the gas tank and in front of the engine.

The exact location of the fuel filter for different brands of cars can be very different.

A very popular design solution, for example, among Japanese manufacturers, is when gasoline pumps are made in a single housing with a filter. They are installed directly in the gas tank. This design has two significant drawbacks: the replacement of the fuel filter is available only to service stations and very often the failure of one entails the replacement of the entire assembly.

As for the domestic auto industry, the AvtoVAZ designers placed a filter under the hood on their “classic”, which is very accessible for control and convenient for replacement. On later models, the filter was already “hidden” in the rear beam, under the bumper.

Speaking generally about the most common fuel filter locations, then we note the most popular:

• rear bumper,
• bottom niches,
• gas tank,
• engine compartment or engine compartment.

apart ( on the frame) separators and pre-filters can be installed on the vehicle.

Signs of a Clogged Fuel Filter

As we have already noted, fuel quality- one of the main causes of failure in the operation of automobile engines. Simply put, one day the fuel filters can no longer cope with cleaning what comes from the tank to the engine. To find the root of evil, let us turn to the theory of operation of internal combustion engines ( ICE).

Textbooks state that the highest efficiency ( efficiency) is achieved at a certain ratio of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Ideally, it is 14.7 / 1.

One can imagine what will happen if this ratio is violated due to clogging of the filter. Even electronics designed to control the ideal air-gasoline ratio will be very problematic to equalize the situation.

What are the main manifestations of a clogged fuel filter:

1. Unstable operation of the engine at idle. The tachometer needle twitches and stubbornly holds on to high speeds. New and clearly false notes are added to the melody of the motor. There is an additional vibration. It is not uncommon for the motor to start to “troit”.
2. Loss of engine thrust. In simple terms, pressing the accelerator pedal ceases to lead to the desired result.
3. The car starts hard to start. There is a clear lack of fuel. All this ultimately leads to the fact that one day your "iron horse" will generally refuse to fulfill the will of the owner, as always, at the most inopportune moment.

Note that the problem of timely replacement of the fuel filter is not new. To help motorists today, some manufacturers offer fuel filters equipped with pollution control.

The operation of the sensors is based on the difference between the theoretical pressure and the actual ( either in/out) flow.

In modern cars, the critical filter clogging lamp is displayed on the instrument panel, which is convenient for receiving a signal that it is time to change the “cleanliness guard”.

When and why to change the fuel filter on a car? Video:

How to replace the fuel filter?

It is advisable to replace the fuel filter in conditions that ensure the comfort and safety of the process. The optimal conditions for this procedure are a car service with a lift. A garage with a pit or a special overpass are also good options.

If all this is not there, and replacing the filter requires promptness, then a regular jack can serve as a solution to the problem. How to use it is a topic far from our article, but it is worth recalling safety precautions.

Important!

Firstly, work should be carried out on a horizontal area and with the engine turned off. In addition, the motor must be allowed to cool.

Secondly, motor fuel is a flammable liquid, therefore the presence of open flames, high temperature sources and smoking during operation must be excluded!

Third, before changing the fuel filter, it is necessary to foresee the possible leakage of fuel, which will inevitably harm the environment. Please take care to minimize possible damage to nature.

If the procedure for removing the old and installing a new filter requires the use of special keys and fixtures, then use them and do not resort to the help of improvised means. In the process of installing the filter, it is advisable to pre-lubricate the sealing rings.

Motor fuel may well be suitable as a lubricant. Threaded connections are tightened tightly, but without overtightening, bordering on jamming and even thread stripping.

If the filter design provides for a sump, then you should not forget to remove sediment from it. On many vehicles especially with respectable service life) fuel filters are used, the replacement of which can be done without special tools.

Since you are so “lucky”, then you should not save on metal clamps that fix the fuel pipes on the filter fittings.

The cost of the clamps is low, but the violation of tightness in the fuel line is fraught with serious troubles.

Fuel filter replacement, video:

Fuel filter replacement interval

Do not believe those who say that fuel filters should last forever. Laboratory tests on top quality gasoline under ideal conditions and under gentle conditions confirm that fuel cleaning agents have a very, very definite resource.

Now we are making adjustments for the quality of domestic fuel, admitting that our driving style is far from ideal, we apologize to the engine for cases of extreme loads and listen to the opinion of professionals on how often it is necessary to change fuel purity guards.

The fuel filter replacement interval is considered optimal after 20-25 thousand km.

In order not to get confused and not to miss the moment when to change the fuel filter, you can set a rule for yourself: for every even oil change, also change gasoline cleaning agents.

The opinions of motorists about can differ both up and down, but we admit that here is the very case when it is not worth risking the health of your car's engine.

Major filter brands, or who to trust?

Today in the world it is officially registered several hundred manufacturers of autofilters. If we discard those who specialize only in air or hydraulic filters, then there will be 5-6 dozen of them.

Geographically, they are all almost evenly distributed across countries and continents. Approximately the same situation in Russia. The nine largest enterprises are located from St. Petersburg to Novokuznetsk.

At the same time, there are only a few manufacturers of high-quality filter paper around the world. Most of them are in Europe. So it turns out that quality advocates are forced to bring raw materials thousands of kilometers away, and those who seek to conquer the market with low prices use what is closer, cheaper, and of low quality.

By far, the best choice is to install filters recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Each car part has its own part number ( You can find it in the user manual).

Through it you can go to the manufacturer's recommended filter number. There is an even simpler option: contact specialists who, using the VIN code of the car, will offer the number of the original filter or put you in front of a choice of alternatives from several manufacturers.

The eminent and deserving of the highest respect include the following filter manufacturers:

• Donaldson
• Fleet Guard
• Parker
• separ

Worthy competitors include:

• boldvin
• Knecht/Mahle
• Kolbenschmidt
• Hengst Filter

• Bosch
• Sakura
• Filtron
• MFilter

Note that some auto giants have their own production of filters. These can be attributed HYUNDAI, FORD, IVECO, TOYOTA and others. They, of course, recommend their products and give recommendations on the frequency of their replacement.

Filters may differ in the presence, for example, of reverse or bypass ( bypass) valves, the magnitude of the valve actuation pressure, throughput and, finally, the paper in them can have a different degree of filtration.

We also note this fact: not always the filter on which there is an inscription, for example, MANN, will actually be a “Mann” filter.

Remember: only a professional will quickly find signs of counterfeit products, but an ordinary buyer can detect a fake only upon the fact of a car breakdown.

Summing up the above, we note that although car filters in general and fuel filters in particular are consumables, they are a very, very important component of comfort, safety and, if you like, the profitability of a car. This means that every motorist should:

• know at least minimum about the filter device;
• know enough, where is the fuel filter in the car;
• know at least theoretically, and how to install it in place;
• don't forget about filter change intervals;
• always remember about consequences of careless attitude to filters.

Replacing the fuel filter is a problem that every driver must have faced. This element of the car filters out all debris, particles of rust, dust and prevents them from entering the fuel system line. And since the components in it have a very small cross section, the ingress of dirt would quickly render them unusable.

When is it obvious that a fuel filter needs to be replaced?

The filtration system performs two degrees of purification: coarse, removing all large particles, and fine. installed between the engine and the fuel tank. Experts advise replacing filters every 60 thousand kilometers. After all, their clogging leads to very serious consequences, for example, there is an additional load on the fuel pump, and it can fail much faster. Also, clogging causes improper engine operation, because the fuel supply to the system does not work as it should.

Thus, the car starts to troit, stalls, and sometimes it may not start at all, and an incorrect gear shift also occurs (in the case of automatic transmission, i.e., the automation stops correctly interpreting the engine commands for switching and carries them out at the wrong time or does not react at all). But, in order not to bring the situation to such a critical moment, you can check if the fuel filter needs to be replaced. At low speed, sharply press the gas pedal, if the car does not accelerate or there are jerks, then filter replacement is necessary.

How to change the fuel filter - buying a new element

When choosing this element, be sure to pay attention to the following parameters:

• filtering level. If it is insufficient, and large particles nevertheless penetrate into the system along with fuel, this will very quickly lead to engine failure;
• the area of ​​the filter element, as well as the presence of a rubber seal that covers the entrance to the filter itself. If there is none, this part will be very problematic to replace.

Depending on the fuel system, fine filters are divided into:

• carburetor, permissible degree of purification is 15-20 microns (smaller particles will pass into this system, but will not harm the fuel delivery system to the engine);
• injector, finer degree of purification, 5-10 microns (in such systems, the requirements for the maximum size of permissible pollution are higher, i.e. the injector can become clogged from larger particles, so the holes in the filter are smaller);
• diesel engines are capable of retaining not only very small solid particles (less than 5 microns), but also removing moisture, and this is very important for.

When buying, it is important to indicate the make and year of your car to the seller in order to choose the right filter. For the most part, if there was no product specifically for your case, then you can pick up something interchangeable. But there are cases where this is not possible, so check your vehicle manual for this information.

How to replace the fuel filter - instructions for independent

Of course, you can turn to specialists who will replace this part in ten minutes. However, if you want to save a little, then doing such a procedure yourself is quite realistic, and now we will tell you how to change the fuel filter. To do this, you need to determine its location, most often it is under the hood, in the upper part of the engine (typical for diesel cars), but there are some models in which you can find it in the tank next to the fuel pump (this is a feature of gasoline cars).

Then you should pull the fuse from the fuel pump and wait until the engine stalls, this way you release pressure and save yourself from spilling fuel. Now disconnect the negative terminal of the battery so that there is no fire, and carefully study the method of attaching the old filter to the fuel line (inlet mount and outlet), it can be wing bolts and latches, the main thing to remember is the sequence in which everything was in order to also install and new element. Mark visually and the location of the sealing washers and rubber gaskets.

Now wrap the old filter with a rag to prevent fuel from leaking out, and remove it after removing it from the bracket that supports it in conjunction with the fuel line. Install the new part on the bracket in exactly the same position as the old one was located (sometimes you can find an arrow on the filter on how to insert it into the socket). Using new fasteners (they are included in the kit), connect the fuel line, after checking the integrity of all its lines, if a defect (cracks, kinks) is found, it should be replaced.

It remains to insert the fuel pump fuse back, connect the terminal and start the engine, this does not always work the first time, since the pressure has been released. In the question of how to replace the fuel filter, a lot of attention should be paid to safety. If you smoke, then give up this bad habit at the time of work. Make sure that the area is well ventilated, and do not forget to thoroughly wash the fuel off the skin of your hands. Also, it would not hurt to stock up on a fire extinguisher just in case.

Not a single car can do without fuel, which, unfortunately, is not always of good quality. Replacing the fuel filter is a kind of prevention for any car. Very often, both gasoline and diesel fuel contain a variety of impurities. Their settling can affect the wear resistance of individual elements of the machine, and the fuel system suffers the most. That is why, in order to extend the operational life of the car, you have to use a variety of filters. Their main duty is to trap impurities and sediments and prevent them from contacting car parts, as a result of this, to clean the fuel before burning it. How often to change the fuel filter depends on very different factors. How to change the fuel filter and why it is necessary, what is the frequency of replacing the fuel filter will be discussed further.

How often should the fuel filter be changed

First of all, let's figure out what the fuel filter consists of. Like an ordinary filter element, it involves several degrees of cleaning. The first degree is called coarse cleaning, usually represented by a special mesh, it allows you to filter large particles (from 0.1 mm in diameter). The next degree of purification is called fine. It implies the purification of fuel from fine particles.

The frequency of replacing the fuel filter primarily depends on the brand of the vehicle and the filter itself. Typically, the filter manual indicates how often to change the fuel filter. Let's say you lost the manual, but you don't know anything about your car, then you need to change the filter at least once a year or two. But it is better to look at the degree of its contamination, so as not to miss the time when to change the fuel filter. In many ways, how often you need to change the fuel filter depends to a greater extent on the manufacturer of your car.

Many advise also to pay attention to the mileage of the vehicle. The frequency of replacing the fuel filter on a diesel engine can largely depend on this. If you use high-quality fuel and drive on good roads, then you can change the filter after 25-30 thousand kilometers. When things are not so rosy, every kilometer traveled does not need to be monitored, but after 10 thousand km it is worth taking a look at the filter and assessing the level of contamination. It is also easy to understand when you need to change the fuel filter by the following properties:

• the car simply stalls;
• the speed does not switch and switches, but incorrectly;
• the engine does not pull, the power forces of the machine are reduced;
• Fuel is consumed very strongly;
• car jerks when driving up.

Many vehicle owners complain about how often they need to change filter elements, while saving on fuel, which is extremely bad for the car.

Car fuel filter replacement - sequence of steps

This procedure is not difficult, but to perform it on your own, you need to clearly know where the filter is located in a particular car and how to replace it correctly. Basically, it is usually placed in three places - directly in the tank, engine compartment and under the bottom.

Before changing the filter, check that you have all the necessary equipment and a filter for the change. The regulation is:

1. We believe that we have already decided on the place where the filter is located, then we remove the pressure in the system by cleaning the pump fuse;
2. We remove the battery, then clean the filter itself and remove it. At the same time, it will not be superfluous to remember exactly how it was attached, so that it would be easier to install a new one;
3. When the filter is removed, it may leak, so it is best to prepare a container to collect the escaping fuel;
4. The next stage is the installation of a new filter according to the principle of the previous one;
5. We connect all the elements back and check the engine, trying to start the vehicle. It may not even start on the first try, there is nothing to worry about. But if, after replacing the fuel filter, the car does not start completely and irrevocably, then it is already necessary to understand the possible reasons for this.

A few nuances - change the filter only on the street and exclude the presence of fire. After installation, check, in addition to engine operation, whether gasoline and other fuels are leaking.

Replacing a fuel filter on a diesel engine is not much different from a gasoline filter, for example, by the filter device itself and its location. How often to change the fuel filter if the fuel tank is diesel? They will help you understand how long it takes to change the fuel filter, the signs that are already listed in the article. The frequency of replacing the fuel filter on a diesel engine depends on the quality of the fuel, it is better to monitor it every 10-15 thousand kilometers.

After this detailed description, there should be no misunderstanding of how to replace the fuel filter, and even more so when it is necessary to change the fuel filter. However, filters must be monitored very carefully and their importance should not be underestimated. The replacement process is quite simple and any car owner can replace the filter with their own hands.

The smooth operation of the car largely depends on the quality of the fuel used. In any fuel, to a greater or lesser extent, there are impurities that adversely affect the operation of the engine. Therefore, it must undergo unconditional multi-stage purification.

The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel supplied to the engine cylinders. It is usually a filter paper cartridge.

The basis of the fuel filter is usually a filter paper cartridge.

The fuel filter is not subject to restoration and repair, but is replaced at certain intervals. The filter housing with inlet and outlet fittings is made of heat-resistant material. Quality ten-micron paper is used as a filter material.

The fuel filter device is quite simple.

Modern cars usually have two fuel filters installed:

1. Coarse filter (CSF), which traps particles of impurities larger than 0.1 mm.
2. Fine filter (FTO) that traps particles smaller than 0.1 mm.

Two-stage cleaning provides reliable protection of the engine from the ingress of fuel with impurities into it.

Types of fuel filters

The type of fine filter used depends on the fuel supply system. Distinguish:

As part of a two-stage cleaning system, the fuel first passes through a coarse filter (pre-filter), usually located in the gas tank in front of the fuel pump. Then the fuel enters the fine filter (final filter), which traps the particles of impurities that have passed through the CSF.

On gasoline engines, a filter element installed in a submersible pump can be used as a CSF, and a CSF can be built into a gasoline pump or into a fuel line.

The operation of the fuel purification system in the most general form can be represented as follows:

• first, the fuel passes through the FGO, moving from the gas tank along the fuel line to the FTO housing through the inlet fitting;
• in the FTO housing, the fuel passes through the filter paper, on which the smallest particles of mechanical impurities remain;
• The fuel is directed through the outlet to the engine.

Filter design may vary. So, some PTOs are made with three fittings - inlet, outlet and return. The latter is designed to return gasoline to the tank at high pressure in the system.

Purpose of fuel filters

Modern cars are extremely sensitive to fuel quality. The fuel sold at gas stations already contains impurities. In addition, water, rust from the walls of steel tanks, dust and dirt from the filling nozzle get into gasoline or diesel fuel.

Modern cars are sensitive to fuel quality

In injection systems, mechanical impurities in the fuel can cause premature wear and, as a result, failure of the injectors and the fuel pump. The filter removes condensate and contaminants before fuel enters the system, thereby preventing unpleasant consequences.

Moreover, the combustion efficiency of the purified fuel is noticeably higher. As a result, engine power is increased.

As a result of untimely replacement or failure of the fuel filter:

• there are problems with starting the engine;
• blockages in the fuel lines;
• individual elements of the injection system wear out;
• clogged carburetor;
• fuel consumption rises.

Coarse filters

CSF trap only large particles of impurities in the fuel. They are usually made in the form of a metal (brass) mesh that can be removed, washed and returned to its place.

In carburetor systems, several coarse meshes with cells of different sizes are used.

1. A grid with large cells is installed on the neck of the gas tank.
2. A grid with smaller cells is installed on the fuel intake.
3. The mesh with the smallest cells is equipped with an inlet fitting.

Coarse filters are brass mesh

In the case of an injection engine, the CSF with a grid is built into the fuel pump of the gas tank.

Diesel units are usually equipped with a sump filter. This, however, does not preclude the use of grids. The diesel fuel coarse filter has a number of advantages over grids, reliably protecting the engine from condensate drops entering it. Diesel CSF is not disposable. It can be washed and reinstalled.

The design and principle of operation of the coarse filter-sump

The sediment filter consists of the following elements:

• case with cover;
• a filter element made of aluminum plates 0.15 mm thick with protrusions of 0.05 mm - located on the sleeve in a glass attached to the body;
• threaded sleeve screwed into the body;
• distributor pressed by the sleeve;
• sealing paronite gasket between the glass and the body;
• damper located in the lower part of the body.

Diesel engines are usually equipped with a sump filter

The sump filter works as follows:

1. Through the holes in the distributor, diesel fuel enters the filter.
2. The fuel moves lower into the damper - large particles of mechanical impurities and condensate remain here.
3. Then the fuel goes up to the mesh of the filtering part, on which small particles of impurities remain.
4. Fuel enters the engine through the fuel line.

Fine filters

The main purpose of the FTO is to clean the fuel from small foreign particles that the coarse filter did not hold back. Its design is practically no different from the FGO, and the grid consists of smaller cells.

Types of fine filters

There are non-separable (disposable) and collapsible (reusable) fine filters.

The former are made of cloth or paper that folds into a spiral or star shape to form a filter curtain. The spiral shape provides better cleaning due to the surface of the filter material increased by 1.8 times - the contact of the fuel with the filter becomes longer.

Non-separable filters last quite a long time

Non-separable filters are usually installed in the section of the fuel line in front of the fuel pump. There is no pressure in this place, and the likelihood of leakage is reduced.

The basis of the collapsible FTO device is a brass or ceramic mesh filter element. These filters can be removed, washed and cleaned.

The most convenient are filters with a transparent body, as they allow you to visually assess the degree of contamination of the filter material.

The transparent housing allows you to visually assess the degree of contamination of the filter

Location of fuel filters

The location of the FTO depends on the type of transport and the characteristics of its fuel system. In any case, it will definitely be between the gas tank and the engine. FTO can be located under the bottom or under the hood of the car. It is possible to install it in the gas tank together with a coarse filter and a gasoline pump.

Cleaning of large contaminants must occur before the fuel enters the fuel system. Therefore, the CSF is most often located in the gas tank. Sometimes it can be located under the bottom of the car in the engine compartment. The fine filter in this case will be installed between the carburetor and the fuel pump.

The location of the fuel filters depends on the fuel supply system.

The mesh filters are always installed in the standard positions and are fairly easy to find. In any case, the sump filter will be located near the gas tank. It can be easily found by the pipes coming from the tank.

Fuel filter replacement procedure

Timely replacement or cleaning of fuel filters is necessary for all types of engines.

1. In the case of a gasoline carburetor engine, the need to clean the fuel is dictated by the fact that the fuel channels in the carburetor are often clogged due to low-quality fuel. Moreover, individual elements of the carburetor can be damaged or destroyed due to the abrasive properties of impurities.
2. Injection systems are even more demanding on the quality of fuel, since it is fed into the cylinders in small doses under high pressure. Fuel supply is carried out using nozzles consisting of high-precision elements (precision pairs). Mechanical impurities in the fuel can damage the surface of these elements, and the injector will fail.
3. Diesel engines place even higher demands on fuel purification. Here, precision pairs are installed not only in the nozzles, but also in the pump, which can also fail.

Manufacturers claim that it is necessary to change the diesel fuel purifier or its filtering part at least once every 30 thousand kilometers.

The fuel filter after 30,000 km of run completely loses its original properties

The frequency of replacing the fuel filter is determined by:

• car model;
• operating conditions;
• the quality of the filter itself.

All fuel filters can be divided into two groups:

• submersible, located in the casing of the pump immersed in the gas tank,
• main, located on the fuel line between the tank and the power unit.

By type of fasteners are distinguished:

• fuel filters that can be removed by hand;
• filters installed by the manufacturer on specific fasteners (for dismantling, you have to buy a special tool or contact a service station);
• filters replaceable with a standard set of tools.

To replace the fuel filter yourself, you will need the following tools:

• standard set of wrenches;
• screwdrivers;
• protective gloves;
• container for draining fuel from the filter;
• pump or compressor.

The fuel filter is replaced in accordance with the following algorithm.

1. The non-separable FTO on the carburetor engine is fixed with clamps in the fuel line. To replace it, loosen the clamps, replace the filter with a new one and fix it.
2. In the case of injection systems, access to the CSF (and sometimes to the FTO) is possible through the hatch in the tank. The fine filter, located outside the tank, is changed after loosening the gas line clamps. For this you should:
   • dismantle the rear seat;
   • open hatch;
   • remove the fixing nut;
   • disconnect hoses;
   • remove the fuel pump power connector;
   • disassemble the fuel system housing.
3. It is most difficult to replace fuel filters on a diesel engine. If a sediment filter is built in, it must first be disconnected from the power system. Then it is disassembled with wrenches, and the fuel is drained into a previously prepared container. The filter is washed and blown with compressed air, and the filter material (if any) is replaced with a new one.

The collapsible PTF is changed in the same way as the filter element of the coarse filter, and the non-collapsible filter is removed and replaced with a new one.

Most often, it is impossible to visually assess whether a filter replacement is required - usually the filter elements are not visible. The exception is some models for carburetor engines.

The main symptoms of fuel filter contamination are as follows.

1. The engine stalls intermittently.
2. The engine stalls when the rpm drops.
3. The car is hard to pick up speed, especially on the rise.
4. The engine does not start well in the morning.
5. Fuel consumption increases.
6. The power of the motor gradually decreases.
7. When you press the accelerator pedal, the car jerks.

After replacing the filter, once again check the reliability of all connections and tighten if necessary. There must be no leaks or holes at the junctions of the filters with the fuel lines.

Fuel filter cleaning

Cleaning is possible only for collapsible fuel filters. In general, the procedure for flushing is as follows.

1. The filter is removed and wiped with a dry cloth.
2. The screws securing the cover are unscrewed, the cover is removed.
3. The filter element is pulled out.
4. Wipe the inside of the case with a dry, lint-free cloth.
5. The filter and plug are washed with acetone and blown with compressed air.
6. A new sealing ring is put on the filter.
7. The filter is put in place and connected to the fuel lines.
8. Gasoline is poured to the edges of the filter.
9. The lid is screwed on.
10. The stopper closes.

It is necessary to clean or completely replace the fuel cleaner in gasoline cars every 60-100 thousand kilometers.

On carburetor engines, coarse filters are serviced as follows.

1. The mesh is pulled out of the fuel neck.
2. If the mesh is clogged with dirt, it is washed in gasoline and blown with a jet of compressed air.
3. The fuel pickup comes out of the gas tank.
4. The mesh removed from the fuel intake is cleaned in the same way as the mesh from the fuel inlet.
5. The carburetor inlet fitting is unscrewed.
6. The mesh from the carburetor inlet fitting is washed and blown.

After cleaning and installing the filters in place, you should start the engine and let it run for about a minute at idle. After that, it is necessary to inspect the filter connections for fuel leakage.

Features of filters for diesel fuel

The main task of cleaning diesel fuel is to prevent condensate from entering the engine. Water in most cases is separated from the fuel by a filter-separator.

The diesel fuel filter must heat the fuel and protect the engine from condensate

In addition, the properties of diesel fuel change with decreasing temperature. Therefore, the filter must be adapted to the cold. This problem is solved by adding a heating system to the filter (for example, the curtain can be paper, capable of conducting current). Thus, the optimum temperature of the mixture of cold fuel from the tank and heated fuel from the filter is maintained.

Some models of fuel filters for diesel engines have a system for separating condensate and sensors that indicate the water content in the fuel.

Fuel filter quality criteria

Cheap low quality fuel filters are not able to protect engine parts that come into contact with fuel from premature wear and rust. The reasons for this are as follows:

• the filter material may break during operation;
• such filters quickly become clogged and do not pass fuel;
• cheap filters have low absorption capacity;
• poor-quality filter material will not be able to retain small particles of impurities.

The filter element of a quality filter will not break, and impurities in the fuel will not damage the injectors.

Causes of fuel filter failure

The main reason for the premature failure of the fuel filter in the vast majority of cases is the poor quality of the fuel. As a result:

• the filter element becomes clogged, and the fuel flows with difficulty along the highways;
• the filter material is corroded, nozzles and other elements of the fuel supply system are clogged and fail.

Video: fuel filter replacement

Timely cleaning or replacement of the fuel filter is a guarantee of long-term trouble-free operation of your car. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of purchased new products. And by refueling only at proven gas stations, you can avoid unscheduled filter changes. Good luck on the roads!

Visually, any fuel, be it diesel or gasoline, is a crystal clear liquid. However, in reality, it contains a lot of various chemical additives, additives, deposits and even water. And what is most offensive, it is simply impossible to determine the true quality of fuel outside of laboratory conditions. Some gas stations take advantage of this, selling motorists often diluted gasoline with a lot of unnecessary cetane-boosting additives and road dust.

Low-quality gasoline primarily affects the condition of the fuel system. The longer the car is driven on diluted fuel, the more carbon deposits accumulate in the engine and deposits in the filters. Various resins and condensate can significantly reduce the life of the motor. Therefore, to reduce these risks, automakers equip their cars with special fuel filters. It is they who take the brunt of the blow, cleaning the fuel from large particles of dust and unnecessary resins. Accordingly, its service life is not unlimited.

How often should the filter be changed?

Experts assure that for the coordinated operation of all engine systems, this element must be changed at least once every 10-15 thousand kilometers. Some motorists ignore this rule in an effort to save money. But in fact, by this action, they only aggravate the situation, which is fraught with costly repairs, and sometimes even the replacement of some components.

Why is it important to observe the frequency of replacement?

Having exhausted its resource, a worn filter is no longer able to provide normal fuel filtration. As a result, fuel with a mass of dirt and tar goes straight into the combustion chamber, where, at the end of the internal combustion engine cycle, it is converted into a persistent coating - soot. If this is not prevented in time, engine coking will be inevitable. But when there is a lot of soot in the engine, it becomes less productive, and at the same time it consumes more fuel than before. In the winter season, due to condensates, the fuel lines may freeze, which makes it simply impossible to start the engine. Thus, the filter takes on all the low-quality impurities and deposits that were in the fuel, and thus ensures the smooth operation of the engine.

How to change the fuel filter? Signs of need for replacement

There are several symptoms in which the car needs to be replaced this part. First, it is the uneven operation of the engine. The motor starts to triple, sometimes even "sneeze" on the go. Secondly, with a dirty filter, you will feel a significant drop in power. The dynamics of the car falls, while fuel consumption increases.

The extreme degree of filter clogging is the inability to start the engine. Most often, in such cases, he needs decarbonization or replacement of candles. But you should not hesitate to replace the filter, but it is best to control the mileage and make this repair every 10 thousand kilometers. Subject to this rule, the car will thank you with stable engine operation and acceptable gas mileage.

Where is the fuel filter located?

It is worth noting that the location of this part may vary depending on the year in which the car was produced and by which manufacturer. Where is the fuel filter located on modern cars? Most often, manufacturers install it between the tank and the fuel pump. This is the most common installation scheme for this part. Sometimes it is mounted directly into the tank.

Do-it-yourself replacement: preparing tools

Before replacing the fuel filter, it is necessary to prepare a minimum set of tools. Depending on the specific car model, you need to have keys for 10, 17 and 19 millimeters. Thick rubber gloves are also desirable. Thanks to them, the ingress of gasoline on the surface of the skin of the hands will be excluded.

Safety regulations

Before we tell you how to change the fuel filter, we note that on some cars this repair is not complete without the use of a manual or hydraulic jack. Most often, this action is resorted to by owners of cars with low ground clearance. In this case, the machine must be placed on supports. As the latter, you can use brake shoes, or just building bricks. And of course, when working with a jack, you must put the car on the hand brake. Otherwise, the slightest shift of the support may cause the car to fall or run right into you.

It is also necessary to say that each car has its own, the safest point for installing a jack. You can find out about it in the owner's manual for your vehicle. Before changing the fuel filter, you need to carefully fix part of the bottom on the supports.

To do this, you need to put one or more bricks, and in the place of their contact with the body, put a thick piece of rubber. The latter will significantly soften the pressure force, thereby preserving the fragile elements of the bottom from deformation.

Instruction

So how do you change the fuel filter? "Priora", "Kalina" and other modern "passenger cars" are being repaired as follows. First, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. This action is not necessary, but it will prevent the possibility of short circuits (after all, gasoline is a very explosive substance). Next, using a key of 17 or 19 millimeters, the worn filter is clamped. With a key of 10, the fitting of the mechanism is unscrewed. You must be very careful, as there is a risk of gasoline residues getting on the skin or in the eyes. Previously, before this, you should put a small container under the filter so that the fuel flows into it (and not on the garage floor, as is often the case).

Having unscrewed the fitting, it is necessary to loosen the clamp and finally pull it out. How to change the fuel filter? After removing the fitting, you can safely remove the filter itself. Here it should be remembered that this element has its own polarity, which is indicated by a special arrow. Remember its location - the new filter must be mounted with the same direction as the worn one.

After removing the old part, you can safely proceed to install a new one. It is done in reverse order similar to removal. We have already talked about the main nuance about the arrows and polarity, but besides this, one more point needs to be highlighted. When replacing the filter, the retaining clamp must also be changed. This action is not necessary, but it will ensure a longer filter life.

In order to prevent a jet of fuel from hitting you when replacing, first reduce the pressure. This is done by pressing a finger on the ramp spool. There is another alternative way. To do this, remove the fuse and leave the engine to idle until it stalls.

How to check if the installation is correct?

Before changing the fuel filter, "Kalina" and "Priora" must be put on the "transmission" or on the hand brake. Since you will be doing most of the work under the bottom, it is important that the machine does not roll downhill in one direction or another.

After completing the work, you need to make sure that their work is correct. To do this, turn on the engine and look at the condition of the fuel filter. The injector will spray fuel normally only if there are no holes in the system. In simple words, when the engine is running, there should not be any leaks of gasoline from the filter. If you notice a hole, most likely it's the rubber rings. In this case, they must be replaced. On this, the question of how to replace the fuel filter with your own hands can be considered closed. In total, we spent about 400 rubles of money and 20 minutes of time.

Conclusion

As you can see, an easy replacement. The fuel filter (is it diesel or gasoline) is important to install, as they say, according to the marks. If the polarity is not observed, the part will not properly retain tar and deposits contained in the fuel.

In this case, all this dirt will penetrate into the engine, which is extremely dangerous and undesirable. Therefore, install the fuel filter correctly and carefully monitor its service life. Remember that timely replacement of this part prevents expensive engine repairs, which means it will save you money and time.