The fuel system of any internal combustion engine uses many parts to ensure that the engine operates efficiently.
Similarly, fuel travels from the tank to the injector or fuel pump, where the fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber of the engine through the fuel injector. But the work of cleaning the fuel in the engine is done by the fuel filter.
In this article, we will learn in detail about a bad or clogged fuel filter. What is a fuel filter, what are the symptoms of a bad fuel filter, how to replace it, and how much does the replacement cost?
What Is A Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is a useful component in engines running liquid fuel, made from thin iron or aluminum metal. A filter layer is placed in the middle of the fuel filter, which is used to filter the liquid fuel used in the engine.
Because many kinds of impurities and other types of contamination get mixed in the fuel as soon as it comes out of the refinery or even while pouring fuel into the fuel tank of the vehicle from the fuel pump, rust particles stuck in water or hose get mixed in. Sometimes there may be rust particles or other types of debris in the vehicle’s tank.
Fuel filters are used to filter out water, rust particles, and other contaminants mixed into the fuel. So that pure and clean fuel can be burned in the engine and the burning power of the fuel can be increased in the engine.
Fuel Filter Location
The fuel filter is often located between the fuel tank outlet line and the line to the engine’s fuel pump or fuel injector. so that the fuel injector or fuel pump can filter the fuel. However, the fuel filter may be located in different locations depending on the vehicle model.
Symptoms Of A Bad or Clogged Fuel Filter
Common symptoms of a bad or clogged fuel filter may include a check engine light, reduced engine performance, poor acceleration, low fuel efficiency, hesitation during acceleration, difficulty starting the engine, or engine stalling.
Let us understand the symptoms of clogged fuel filter in detail one by one, so that you can recognize its symptoms in time.
1. Check Engine Light On
In modern vehicles, the most common indication of a bad or clogged fuel filter is when the check engine light illuminates or the fuel filter sign lights up. There is a sensor fitted in the fuel filter of such a vehicle that monitors the supply of fuel in the filter.
If debris or water gets into the bottom of the fuel filter with the flow of fuel or there is not enough fuel supply due to a clogged fuel filter. You may then see the check engine light or fuel filter sign illuminate in the vehicle’s cluster meter.
2. Engine Not Starting
If the fuel filter of your vehicle is completely clogged, the fuel supply to your vehicle’s engine is then completely cut off, due to which the engine does not start. However, these symptoms may appear when other parts of the engine are damaged.
But with the engine not running, it’s a good idea to check the fuel filter first. Because using the fuel filter for a long time, the fuel filter becomes completely clogged.
3. Hard To Start Engine
Sometimes the engine of the vehicle has trouble starting. This can be caused by a buildup of debris or water in the fuel filter or could be a low clogged fuel filter. Because the debris or water droplets in the fuel filter enter the engine along with the fuel. Then the engine starts having trouble igniting the fuel.
And the engine starts having trouble starting. This can also happen if there is a leak in the fuel filter pipeline. Because when there is a leak in the fuel line, air also starts flowing along with the flow of fuel, due to which the flow of fuel is obstructed.
4. Engine Stalling Issue
Engine stalling can also be a symptom of a bad or clogged fuel filter. Because the engine of your vehicle runs smoothly as long as the engine is getting sufficient fuel supply. as soon as the fuel supply suddenly stops in the running engine. Then the engine may stall suddenly.
Because according to the normal process of the engine, when you give acceleration to the engine. Then you are telling the fuel pump to send more fuel, due to which the fuel reaches the combustion system according to the acceleration. from which the engine generates power.
But a faulty or clogged fuel filter may not supply enough fuel under acceleration, due to which the engine may stall suddenly on acceleration.
5. Engine Misfires
A bad or clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to exhibit misfire or rough idle problems. This happens when the engine is started or acceleration is given.
After this, the fuel reaches the combustion chamber of the engine in sufficient quantity. Due to this, the fuel injector sprays fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine at the right time and when needed.
And the fuel ignites at the right amount. But a faulty or clogged fuel filter is unable to supply the required amount of fuel to the engine’s fuel pump or fuel injectors. Therefore a bad or clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to misfire and idle rough.
6. Loss of Engine Performance
If the fuel filter of your vehicle’s engine is faulty or clogged. Then you will feel the reduction in engine performance while driving the vehicle. because the engine is not getting a sufficient amount of fuel for good performance.
And the reason the engine isn’t getting enough fuel is often a faulty or clogged fuel filter. You can notice the lack of performance in the engine during acceleration.
8. Damaged Fuel Injector or Fuel Pump
The fuel filter filters the fuel from the vehicle’s fuel tank and supplies it in sufficient quantity to the fuel pump or injectors, due to which the engine starts successfully.
But due to a bad or clogged fuel filter, the fuel injector or pump does not get enough fuel supply or the waste or rust particles come into the fuel injector or pump along with the flow of fuel, causing the fuel injector or pump of the engine to damaged. So a damaged fuel pump or injector could also be a faulty or clogged fuel filter.
8. Black Smoke From Exhaust
You may also see black smoke coming out of a vehicle’s exhaust, often due to a faulty or clogged fuel filter. However, these symptoms could also be due to some other engine problem.
But a bad or clogged fuel filter can allow debris or rust particles to enter the engine’s combustion system along with the fuel flow. Because of this, the combustion process of the engine is disrupted. Due to this, the fuel does not ignite in sufficient quantity in the combustion chamber of the engine. Due to this, black smoke can be seen coming out of the exhaust of the engine.
How To Replace Fuel Filter?
Some tools may be required to replace the fuel filter. such as a screwdriver, fuel filter nut opener, pair of gloves, piece of clean cloth, drain pan, fuel filter wrench.
For example, the fuel filter is installed in a simple way in a gasoline engine. But in diesel engines, a fuel filter with a sensor is used. There is a different process for changing these two types of fuel filters.
Note: Keep in mind that gasoline is a highly flammable liquid. Do not light any extremely hot or fire near it.
1. Replace Gasoline Fuel Filter
- First of all, you have to wear the safety equipment. Like – gloves in hands and glasses on eyes
- Find the location of its fuel filter.
- After this, separate the fuel filter from the chassis by unscrewing the nut.
- Then loosen the clamps on the inlet and outlet pipes of the fuel filter with a screwdriver.
- Now place the drain pan under the fuel filter so that any fuel leaks can drain into it.
- Next, pull out the inlet and outlet pipes of the fuel filter.
- Now the old fuel filter will be completely separated from the fuel line.
- Now take the new fuel filter and fit it to the outlet pipe as indicated by the arrow, and fit the inlet fuel pipe at the back.
- After this, how to clamp both the inlet and outlet pipe ends of the fuel filter, so that there is no fuel leakage.
- After this, reinstall the fuel filter in the chassis.
- After this, you have to turn on and off the ignition 3 to 4 times so that the fuel filter can be filled with fuel.
- With this process, you can change the gasoline fuel filter.
2. Replace Diesel Fuel Filter
- First, you have to wear the safety tool.
- After this, you find the location of the fuel filter.
- After this, remove one of the main wires from one of the terminals of the battery. because there is a sensor in the diesel filter of modern vehicles.
- Now the sensor connector on the diesel fuel filter has to be removed, and the sensor has to be separated from the fuel filter.
- After this, you should open the fuel filter by turning it with a fuel filter wrench.
- And in some diesel filters you have to take out the fuel filter by removing the fuel inlet and outlet pipe
- After this, tighten the new diesel fuel filter properly by applying it with a wrench.
- After that, place the sensor in the fuel filter and fit the connector.
- After proper fitting of the diesel fuel filter, you fill the filter with fuel by pressing the fuel pump; it has to be pressed until the pressure of the fuel pump becomes hard.
- In this process, you can also remove the air accumulated in the fuel through the air valve.
- In this way, you can change diesel fuel.
Fuel Filter Replacement Cost
The replacement cost of fuel filters in vehicles depends on the make and model of the vehicle and the function of the fuel filter.
Generally, the replacement cost of a fuel filter for a normal car can range from $90 to $180. Typically, a normal fuel filter can cost between $50 and $100, and the labor cost for a mechanic to replace the fuel filter can range from $40 to $80. These estimated costs may be slightly low or higher depending on location and vehicle model.
If you have experience with fuel filter replacement, then you can save on the labor cost of a mechanic. With this, if you get the replacement of an independent fuel filter done instead of a certified garage mechanic, Then you can reduce the replacement cost of the fuel filter.
FAQ’s
Q. Can you drive with a clogged fuel filter?
It is not safe to operate a vehicle with a fuel filter clogged with debris or rust particles. because waste particles from a clogged fuel filter can damage the fuel pump or injector by reaching them, and the engine of your vehicle may stop completely.
Q. How long do fuel filters usually last?
Fuel filters used in vehicles provide different performance depending on the fuel. Usually fuel filters can last from 20000 miles to 30000 miles in normal vehicles and the fuel pressure gives an indication of the condition of the fuel filter. whether it needs to be changed or not.
Q. Will the car run better with a new fuel filter?
It depends on the condition of your old fuel filter. If your vehicle is facing any kind of problem due to the fuel filter you are using. such as engine misfire, engine stalling, acceleration problems, and performance reduction. Then you will find your car feeling better than ever when you change to a new fuel filter.
Banty is the owner of Autorepairszone.com & is also a vehicle mechanic by profession. We have almost 12 years of experience in the field of automotive repair, and we strive to provide you with accurate information about vehicle malfunctions and repairs based on our experience.