I took the plunge and replaced the fuel filter today. It was quiet therapeutic. I meant to do this several years ago. After thirteenth years on a 4000 mile car I was curious about the integrity of the inside. I cut the filter in two pieces exposing the paper element. I would highly suggest changing the item if you have not done so since new. I found the paper structure extremely subtle and paper can only last so long. I took several pics of the process of replacing it. Several threads on the subject but no pics.
Cut-away of fuel filter after 13 years
- Thread starter Art138
- Start date
Very good suggestion. We've been replacing them on all cars we have been servicing - irrespective of mileage for the last year or so. Suspected (but did not verify) that gasoline on paper for 15 years straight is probably not a good thing! A relatively low-cost "must" maintenance item.
Last edited:
Beez
GT Owner
HighHP
GT Owner
Changed mine recently after 15 years and 20,000 miles. I cut mine open with paper filter intact. Rinsed the filter in lacquer thinner. Paper filter was in fine shape, I was surprised at the amount of fine debris in the filter, however.
PeteK
GT Owner
If anyone wants to do this again, cut off the top of the can, rather than through the middle and remove the filter element, then cut the top and bottom of the actual filter off, then lay out the paper folds to inspect for particles. Aircraft practice. They even have a special tool for cutting open filters without making a bunch more particles.