FUEL FILTER

A fuel filter is a filter in the fuel line that screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel, normally
made into cartridges containing a filter paper. They are found in most internal combustion engines.
Fuel filters serve a vital function in today's modern, tight-tolerance engine fuel systems. Unfiltered
fuel may contain several kinds of contamination, for example paint chips and dirt that has been
knocked into the tank while filling, or rust caused by moisture in a steel tank. If these substances are
not removed before the fuel enters the system, they will cause rapid wear and failure of the fuel
pump and injectors, due to the abrasive action of the particles on the high-precision components
used in modern injection systems. Fuel filters also improve performance, as the fewer contaminants
present in the fuel, the more efficiently it can be burnt.
Fuel filters need to be maintained at regular intervals. This is usually a case of simply disconnecting
the filter from the fuel line and replacing it with a new one, although some specially designed filters
can be cleaned and reused many times. If a filter is not replaced regularly it may become clogged
with contaminants and cause a restriction in the fuel flow, causing an appreciable drop in engine
performance as the engine struggles to draw enough fuel to continue running normally.
Some filters, especially found on diesel engines, are of a bowl-like design which collect water in the
bottom (as water is more dense than diesel). The water can then be drained off by opening
a valve in the bottom of the bowl and letting it run out, until the bowl contains only diesel. Many fuel
filters contain a water sensor to signal to the engine control unit or directly to the driver (lamp on
dashboard) if the water reaches the warning level. It is especially undesirable for water in fuel to be
drawn into a diesel engine fuel system, as the system relies on the diesel for lubrication of the
moving parts, and if water gets into a moving part which requires constant lubrication (for example
an injector valve), it will quickly cause overheating and unnecessary wear. This type of filter may
also include a sensor, which will alert the operator when the filter needs to be drained. In proximity of
the diesel fuel filter there might be a fuel heater to avoid the forming of paraffin wax (in case of low
temperatures) inside the filtrating element which can stop the fuel flow to the engine.

BAD FUEL FILTER SYMPTOMS (SIGNS

YOU NEED TO CHECK THE FILTER)

Maintenance

June 2, 2019
A lot of car owners tend to underestimate the importance of fuel filters. Even mechanics
sometimes spend days trying to figure out what leads to a particular engine issue, and they
overlook a fuel filter as a potential cause.
Filters are a necessary stop that fuel needs to make before getting to an engine. However, if
you don’t maintain them properly, they can damage the engine and cause serious and
expensive problems.

So, you should make sure that your filter is always in pristine condition. In order to help you
protect your car’s engine, I created the article about bad fuel filter symptoms. You should
definitely keep reading if you want to learn how to notice signs that you need to clean or
change the filter and avoid issues like this one in the future.

WHAT DOES A FUEL FILTER DO?

A fuel filter gets rid of any dirt and debris from the fuel. That way, it prevents the dirt
from getting into injectors or a combustion chamber. A fuel that isn’t filtered can be
contaminated in many ways, from dirt and rust to paint chips. If the fuel stays contaminated
for some time, harmful particles can cause the failure of the injectors and the fuel pump.
Thus, fuel filter improves the performance of the engine and is a crucial part of the vehicle.
So, it’s important that you maintain your car’s fuel filter regularly. In most cases, you’ll
just need to disconnect the filter and replace it with the new one. It will be helpful to know
that a lot of filters nowadays are washable. Therefore, you’ll save money on buying a brand
new filter.
However, a bad fuel filter can cause a restriction in the fuel flow. As a result, the engine
wouldn’t be able to perform properly, which could lead to more serious problems with the
vehicle.
Depending on your driving and living conditions, your filter will probably last you up to about
30,000 miles. Some filters are located in the fuel tank. They’ll be harder to replace, but they
are more durable than regular filters. Thus, you can drive for 100,000 miles without worrying
about your fuel filter.

But, there’s no rule on how long a fuel filter can last. Therefore, it’s crucial that you
regularly check the condition of your car’s filter.
Your vehicle came with a manufacturer’s manual. It will probably contain information
about how often you should replace the filter with a new one. So, you should consult it in
order to avoid engine damage caused by an old and dirty fuel filter.
HOW DOES A FUEL FILTER ACTUALLY WORK?
The filter works by pumping the fuel and removing the dirt from it. To do that, the fuel filter
needs a pressure that a fuel pump creates. This part of a vehicle is made of a special
material that blocks out dirt while allowing the fuel to pass through it.
If you’re assuming that filters aren’t necessary, because fuel is already refined, I need to let
you down. Filters are important because fuel absorbs dirt and impurities during
transportation and storage. Furthermore, your car’s tank usually picks up dirt and other
things that can be harmful for the engine.

As I mentioned above, the fuel filter is an integral part of the process of fuel getting to the
engine. Therefore, you can usually find a fuel filter anywhere along the fuel line of a car,
between the fuel tank and fuel injectors.
However, some cars have a filter that integrated into the fuel tank. If you have trouble
finding it, you can read your vehicle’s manual. It’ll give you all the necessary information
about the location of a filter on your model.
6 SYMPTOMS OF A BAD FUEL FILTER
Now that I covered the reasons why it’s important that you keep a fuel filter in good shape,
it’s time that I present you with the list of symptoms that can indicate that the filter needs
your attention. However, the deal with fuel filters is that there aren’t any clear signs that will
show that there’s an issue with them.
Therefore, if you experience some of these issues, you’ll probably have to check your
whole engine. That way, you’ll make sure that the filter is actually what’s causing the
problem.
1. YOUR CAR’S ENGINE ISN’T AS POWERFUL AS IT USED TO BE
A major drop in the engine’s power can be a clear sign of a fuel filter issue. If you’re on a
bridge or driving uphill, and you notice that your car isn’t responding the way it used to, it’s
time to check the filter.
A decrease in power occurs when the fuel supply from the tank can’t meet the demand of
an engine due to a clogged fuel filter. The problem is more visible when your engine needs
additional power to work or push the vehicle up. Thus, in case you notice changes in your
car’s power, bridges and hills are perfect for checking if there’s any problem.
Even though a decrease in power can be a sign of different problems, it’s best that
you check your fuel filter first. You’ll easily be able to see if there’s anything wrong and it
won’t cost you much to fix the issue.
2. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON YOUR DASHBOARD TURNS ON
Some cars have sensors that will turn on in order to let you know that there’s lower fuel
pressurein the vehicle. A damaged fuel filter can put a strain on the engine. If a filter is
clogged, there will be a smaller amount of fuel that passes through it. That means that the
engine won’t get the amount of fuel that it needs.
The vehicle won’t be able to detect that there’s a problem with a filter. But, it can indicate
that there’s an issue with or near the engine. So, if the light on your instrument panel is
on, you should check your car’s filter along with other parts of the engine.
3. THE ENGINE RANDOMLY MISFIRES
There’s a chance that a clogged fuel filter can lead to a random engine misfire. When your
vehicle is carrying a heavier load than usual or going uphill, the engine will require a large
amount of fuel. If there’s a problem with getting additional fuel to the engine, it will be easier
to notice in these cases.
However, it’s important to mention that a fuel filter can be the cause of misfire in special
circumstances. This kind of problem can happen only when the filter is completely
clogged. What’s more, your car needs to be under more pressure than it normally is.
So, if that’s not the case, another factor is more likely to blame for the misfire.
Nevertheless, the misfire is a serious issue. You should get help from a professional in
order to solve the problem as soon as possible.
4. THE ENGINE IS STALLING
If your engine is stalling, the problem might not be as serious as you think. Similarly to the
situation with the decrease in power, a clogged filter can cause this issue.
If the filter is too dirty, a larger amount of fuel won’t be able to reach the engine, which will
lead to the engine stalling. It will most likely happen in more tense driving
conditions because those cases will require more fuel.
Drivers often overlook the fuel filter when they experience problems with engines. So, if
your engine is stalling for some reason, don’t forget to check the filter.
5. THE ENGINE WON’T START
There are many different reasons why your engine won’t start. A dead battery, bad starter,
broken fuel pump, and problems with spark plugs are just some of them. Besides these
causes, you should be aware that clogged fuel filters can lead to serious engine issues, and
they can evendamage it to the point of not being able to work.
Therefore, if your car’s engine won’t start, you should add fuel filters to the list of things you
should check. When damaged, they can really mess up the process of fuel combustion.
In case your car’s fuel filter is dirty, but it’s not completely clogged, there’s a possibility that
you’ll have a hard time starting your vehicle. This problem occurs when dirt restricts the
supply of fuel, so the engine can’t get enough fuel in order to work properly.
As with every symptom on my list, having trouble to start your car isn’t a clear sign that you
have a bad fuel filter. However, it will be useful to replace the filter and then check if you
solved the problem. You’ll save some money and time on extensive repairs.
6. YOUR CAR’S FUEL PUMP IS DAMAGED
A clogged fuel filter can also damage your car’s fuel pump. Thus, in case you have
problems with the pump, you should also check if the fuel filter is in good condition.
The filter that’s not able to work properly can put too much pressure on the pump and
prevent the fuel from reaching the engine. As a result, there is a huge possibility the fuel
pump will suffer in the process.
So, if the fuel pump of your car is damaged, it’ll be useful to examine the state of the fuel
filter. That way, you can avoid problems with the pump in the future.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR CAR’S FUEL FILTER IS IN
BAD SHAPE
If you experienced some of these symptoms, it’s time to visit the mechanic and check the
state of your car’s fuel filter. In case you reached the mileage I mentioned above, and you
still haven’t changed the filter, you should do that as soon as you can.
There are fuel filters that come with a window. It will help you see the inside of a
filter without getting your hands dirty. If the inside is dark and dirty, then you can be almost
certain that it needs replacement.
You can also check if your car’s fuel filter is damaged by examining its external condition.
Rusty and dirty exterior is a clear sign that a filter is in bad shape.
There’s also a special method that professionals use in order to check the condition of a
fuel filter. The method consists of performing a fuel pressure test near the fuel injectors.
The performance is shown in pounds per square inch unit, which is called the psi, and it’s
compared to the normal psi of your car’s model. If the number is smaller than it should be,
it’s time that you change your fuel filter.
All in all, I recommend you to consult a mechanic regarding this issue. In case you are
handy and want to examine the state of your filter by yourself, I found a YouTube video that
might help you to verify if your fuel filter is the problem.
SHOULD YOU CLEAN OR CHANGE YOUR CAR’S
FUEL FILTER?
There are many different factors that you should take into account before you decide what
to do with your car’s bad fuel filter. I’ll mention the most important ones.
The decision on whether you should change or clean the filter can depend on its material. If
the filter is made out of metal and you estimate that you would be able to clean it, then go
for it. The worst thing that could happen is that a filter is too dirty to clean, so you’d have to
order a new one.
Every car comes with a manual from the manufacturer. You can find useful information
about cleaning and changing the filter as well as the recommended interval for replacing
a fuel filter. So, if your car’s manual states that you need to replace the filter, do it.
Almost every symptom from my list is a clear sign that it’s time to say goodbye to your
current fuel filter. If you experience serious problems with the engine, it’s safe to assume
that you won’t solve the issue by simply cleaning the filter. The same goes in case of a
significant reduction of power or when your car won’t start at all.
I believe it’s always best to replace the fuel filter. Fuel filters aren’t expensive, and you’ll
get the insurance that the clog won’t happen for thousands of miles. So, if you have the
option, my advice is that you change the filter.
How to Change Your Vehicle’s Fuel
Filter

RELATED BOOK
Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition

By Deanna Sclar

Changing the filter on a fuel-injected vehicle can be tricky. On fuel-injected

vehicles, you need to disable the fuel pump to relieve the pressure on the fuel
lines, which may be secured to the filter with clamps, threaded fittings, or special
quick-connect fittings. Lines with threaded fittings require a special flare-nut line
wrench. Lines with special quick-connect fittings may require special tools to
disconnect them. Ask the clerk at an auto parts store or the service department
at your dealership which type of filter your vehicle has.

If doing this infrequent job requires purchasing special tools, it’s probably
cheaper to have it done by a technician. If not, the first thing you need to do is
find the filter. Your owner’s manual should show you where your fuel filter is and
whether there’s more than one on your vehicle. If it doesn’t, ask someone in the
service department at your dealership or consult a service manual for your
vehicle’s make, model, and year. (Although it’s a good idea to own one, you can
usually find these manuals at your local library.)

If your engine has fuel-injection, your fuel filter is located somewhere in the high-
pressure fuel line, either under the vehicle near the fuel tank as shown here:
A fuel filter located under the vehicle near the fuel tank.

Or under the hood in the fuel line near the engine, as shown here:

A fuel filter in the fuel line under the hood.

Some vehicles also have a fuel filter in the fuel pump as well as a filter screen
inside the fuel tank. If they get blocked up, only a professional should deal with
them.

Here are step-by-step instructions for changing a fuel filter. Before you get
started, read them carefully and make sure that you want to do this job yourself.

How to Replace a Fuel Filter

Updated on January 24, 2019

Dan Ferrell
more

Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has
certifications in automation and control technology.
Contact Author
A clogged fuel filter will restrict fuel flow to the engine. | Source

You can replace the fuel filter in about an hour or more, depending on its location.

 Many vehicles use an in-line fuel filter that connects to the main line of the fuel system.

 Increasingly, however, many modern vehicles are moving the fuel filter inside the fuel tank.
Some of these models provide an access panel for service; however, other models require
lowering the fuel tank and removing the fuel pump assembly to replace the filter or the whole
assembly, as part of the service.

 Still, other vehicles—gasoline or diesel—use a special metal canister or glass bowl connected
to the fuel line with a removable cap to replace the filter element inside.

 On old models with a carburetor, you can find a disposable filter element where the main fuel
line connects to the carburetor body.

The filter helps trap particles of dirt, water, rust, and other contaminants before they reach the
engine. So most car manufacturers recommend replacing the fuel filter at least once a year (about
12,000 miles—19,213 km) when impurities trapped by the filter element begin to affect fuel flow and
engine performance.
The average car owner can replace the filter at home using a few common tools. Taking the proper
safety precautions, it'll take you about an hour to restore much-needed power to the engine.

Before you start, however:

 Choose a well-ventilated area to work on your car.

 Park the car away from appliances with open flames, like those that run with natural gas (water
heater or clothes dryers). Fuel vapor fumes may catch fire just with a small spark or flame.
  Also, if you know you have to lift the car to gain access to the filter, park you car on a flat
surface with plenty of room around to work on your vehicle.

Here, we'll take a look at how to replace an in-line fuel filter, but if your car uses an in-tank filter, you
still can follow this general directions. But, consult your vehicle repair manual so that you know how
to lower your fuel tank, disconnect the lines and remove the fuel pump assembly. Some models give
quick access to the pump assembly through a quick access underneath the back seat of the car, so
you don't have to lift the car to lower the tank.

Types of Automotive Fuel Filters

Bowl type

Canister type

In-line fuel filter

Threaded fuel filter

Pleaded paper replaceable filter

Fuel pump filter

Locating the Fuel Filter

Most vehicle models use an in-line fuel filter. You may find it in the engine compartment, mounted on
the firewall; others have the filter under the vehicle, mounted on the frame near the driver's side, or
close to the fuel tank (you may need to lift the vehicle to see the filter).
On old models with a carburetor, you'll find the filter between the inlet fuel line and the carburetor. As
mentioned before, some vehicles also use a metal or glass container to house the filter element. The
containers have a removable cap to replace the filter.

If you don't see the filter, follow the main fuel line from the engine towards the fuel tank, if necessary,
or consult the vehicle repair manual for your particular model to locate the filter.
You can find the Schrader valve on the fuel rail around the top of the engine. | Source

Relieving Fuel System Pressure

After locating the filter, you need to depressurize the system. To relieve system pressure, loosen the
fuel filler cap and remove the pump fuse or relay. Your car owner's manual or vehicle service manual
will tell you where to find the fuse, but look in the "power distribution center" under the hood, or in a
fuse panel under the dashboard. Under the lid of the fuse box, you may find a description and
identification of every fuse in that panel.
After removing the fuse, start the engine. Let it idle until it stalls. Then crank the engine for a couple
of seconds. That's it. You are ready to work on the filter.
Alternatively, if your car has a test-port valve—similar to the air valve on your car tires—you can use
this valve to relieve system pressure as well (most vehicles with fuel injectors use this type of valve).
You'll find the valve on the fuel rail that connects to the fuel injectors on top of the engine. Wait for
the engine to cool; then, wrap a shop rag around the valve and depress the needle inside the valve
with a screwdriver. The rag will catch the squirt of fuel as you depress the valve.
Check the next video so that you have an idea how to relieve fuel system pressure.

Replacing the Fuel Filter

After relieving fuel system pressure:

1. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable.

2. If you need to lift the car to access the fuel filter, secure the vehicle using one or two jack stands,
block the wheels that remain on the ground and engage the parking brake. And use safety glasses
to prevent dirt and fuel from entering your eyes.

3. Clean the fittings on both fuel lines connecting to the filter using a shop rag. This will prevent
contamination of the system.

4. To disconnect the lines from the filter:

 You may need to remove a hairpin clip—on each fitting—securing the fuel line to the filter.
 On other models, you may need to unscrew the nut that holds the line to the threaded fitting
(aka banjo fitting) on the fuel filter. To do this, hold the nut closer to the filter with a regular
wrench and unscrew the line nut using a line wrench. Using this special wrench will prevent you
from damaging the lines. Also, see the location of the washers on the screws, so that you know
where to install the new ones that come with your new filter.
 On models with bowl-type containers, unscrew the cap from the container to gain access to the
filter element.
 If your engine uses a carburetor, use a line wrench to disconnect the main fuel line from the
carburetor. Don't lose the O-ring and spring inside the filter housing, so that you can reinstall
them as well. Or use the parts that come with your kit.
 On other models, you may have to use a special plastic tool to push in the plastic ring at the
end of the line to unlock it; on some GM models you can use pliers to depress the quick-
connect fittings (tabs) to release the line.
5. On in-line fuel filters located under the vehicle, you may have to unscrew the clamp or bracket
holding the filter in place. Before you remove the filter from its mounting position, look at the arrow
printed on the filter case. When mounting the new filter, the arrow on the new filter has to point in the
same direction.
6. Use a shop rag to absorb the residual fuel in the lines when disconnecting the filter.

7. After removing the filter or filter element, compare it to the new one so you know you have the
correct replacement.
8. Now you can follow these same steps in reverse order to install the new unit.
9. When finished, reconnect the battery, crank up the engine and check for fuel leaks on both sides
of the new filter.
 You may find the fuel filter near the fuel tank. | Source

You only need a few minutes to replace a fuel filter on most vehicle models using a few common
tools. The filter only costs a few dollars and not only restores proper fuel flow and power to the
engine, but helps extend the service life of the fuel pump as well. So you save a few hundred dollars
in repairs by changing the filter at regular intervals or at the recommended manufacturer schedule.
And when you do it yourself, you stretch your car maintenance budget even more. Use that money
to service other systems in your car or replace some other aging components.

Test Your Knowledge of Clogged Fuel Filters

Question 1/1

Symptom of a possible clogging fuel filter?

 Misfire

 Overheating engine

 No-crank condition

 Insufficient or no fuel delivery

 Overcooling engine
The fuel filter is found along the fuel lines, either in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle by the fuel tank. The
job of the fuel filter is to trap any large foreign particles in the fuel and stop them from getting into the engine. With the force
of the fast up-and-down motion of the pistons (which compress the air-fuel mixture so it will burn more efficiently), if any
large particles manage to get in the fuel, this could cause some serious damage to the engine. So, maintaining a clean fuel
filter is important to the performance of a vehicle’s engine.

Every fuel filteris different and this is due to the differences in the fuel delivery systems. A carbureted engine (uses a
vacuum to suck fuel into the engine) has quite a low-pressure fuel system. Fuel passes through fuel-resistant rubber hoses.
So, the fuel filter is made of metal or plastic, with an inlet tube out one end and the outlet tube from the other, then a hose is
attached over each end with a circular clamp.

In vehicles with electronic fuel injection, the injectors will squirt fuel into each of the cylinders. Here fuel is highly pressurized
by a pressure regulator. Because of the high-pressure system, the fuel lines have to be made of metal. Sometimes in these
cases the fuel injected system is placed in a low-pressure section, and can be connected to the rubber hoses with clamp
(almost like that in the carbureted system). However, the fuel filter is normally equipped with a threaded fitting on each end
and it screws into the fuel lines on either side.

There are a few precautions you will need to take when changing the fuel filter in your vehicle:
Remember that in a car with a high-pressure system, you need to relieve the pressure before you disconnect the fuel lines
from the filter. In a majority of vehicles, this can be done by removing the fuse that controls the fuel pump, and then idling
the car until it runs out of gas.
In some cars you can just remove the gas cap. But you need to check and make sure you can do that before you do it.

The fuel filter will only work properly if it has been placed so that the flow travels in the right direction. This should be easy
enough as most fuel filter are clearly marked for your convenience, with one side showing “in” and the other “out”. The inlet
should be connected to the fuel lines that come from the fuel tank (which is underneath the back of the vehicle), and the
outlet should be connected to the fuel lines that go to the engine. On the odd occasion, the fuel filter may have different
fittings, it can only be installed in one direction.

It is recommended by some mechanics that you should change your fuel filter once a year. But, to be on the safe side you
should definitely do it at least every two years. However, if you live in a high-pollution area, or if you drive your vehicle more
than the average person, then it will need more attention.

THE FUNCTION OF THE FUEL FILTER

Posted March 31st, 2016 by Central Avenue Automotive & filed under Fuel
System, Maintenance.
 The function of the fuel filter is pretty self-
explanatory: it filters your fuel. The fuel filter is in the fuel line somewhere between the fuel tank
and the engine. Both gas and diesel vehicles use fuel filters.
Generally speaking, there’s not a lot of dirt in our Kent WA auto fuel supply, but there is enough
that you want to screen it out. The problem actually gets worse the older your vehicle becomes.
That’s because dirt, rust, and other contaminants will settle out of the fuel and onto the bottom of
the fuel tank. After your SUV is five years or older, it can actually have a fair amount of
sediment built up.
That just means that the fuel filter has to work harder as your SUV ages. It’ll get clogged sooner
and need to be replaced more often.

FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT

A symptom of a clogged fuel filter is that the engine sputters at highway speeds or under hard
acceleration. That’s because enough fuel is getting through around town, but when you need
more fuel for speed, enough just can’t get through the filter. Obviously, that could be dangerous
if your car or truck can’t get enough power to get you out of harm’s way.
For just that reason, fuel filters have a bypass valve. When the filter is severely clogged, some
fuel can bypass the filter all together. Of course that means that dirty, unfiltered fuel is getting
through to be burned in the engine.
This dirt can then clog and damage your fuel injectors. Now injectors are not cheap to replace, so
you don’t want to cause them damage just because you didn’t spend a few bucks to replace a fuel
filter.
You know, in a way, the fuel filter can be the poster child for preventive maintenance. It’s a little
part, it’s simple, and it’s cheap to take care of. But if it’s neglected, it could lead to thousands of
dollars of repair bills.
Those auto service schedules in your owner’s manual are there for a reason.
 1. FUNCTION
The fuel filter removes dust and moisture contained in the fuel to
protect the engine’s injection pump and nozzle from wear and
clogging.

How foreign matter in fuel can affect your engine:

Causes

Effects

Engine Condition

 Dust

 Moisture

 Wearing and clogging of injection pump and nozzle

 Rust

 Moisture freezes
 Loss of output

 Bad fuel economy

2. CONSTRUCTION
Fuel is sent from the fuel tank to the engine by suction produced
at the feed pump. The fuel pump is located in this circuit. Fuel
passes through the filter’s inlet, enters the filter case, and then
passes through the filter medium where foreign matter is
removed. (See Fig. 1)

Filter
(filter medium)

This removes dust and moisture from the fuel.

 Gasket

This provides a seal to prevent fuel from leaking at the joints.

Spring

This holds the filter firmly in place in its case.

3. FILTER TYPES &

FEATURES
1) There are two types of fuel filters depending on how they are
attached during replacement: spin-on filters and cartridge filters.

Spin-on Filters
The filter medium is contained in a metal case which is threaded
on the bottom. This type offers excellent workability as the entire
case can be replaced.

Cartridge Filters

Only the filter medium is replaced, so this helps reduce the

amount of waste material produced per replacement.
2) A main filter and pre-filter are used depending on how the fuel
circuit is configured.

Main Filter
Negative Pressure

The main filter is primarily responsible for capturing fine

contaminants. Negative pressure types utilize the suction
pressure created by the feed pump, and are placed closer to the
fuel tank than the feed pump.

Main Filter
Positive Pressure

Positive pressure filters utilize the upthrust pressure from the

feed pump, and are located closer to the engine than the feed
pump. Some vehicles may be equipped with both negative and
positive pressure main filters.

Pre-Filter

The pre-filter removes relatively large pieces of contaminants

and moisture contained in the fuel. These are installed on the
circuit, close to the fuel tank.

Different types of filters are used depending on model and

engine. (Typical examples)
 Pre-Filter

Main Filter
Negative Pressure

Main Filter
Positive Pressure

Fuel circuit diagram

4. DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN GENUINE
AND AFTERMARKET
PARTS
1. Performance

Genuine parts use special filter media that has been developed
specifically for filtering fuel and offer excellent filtering
performance. Some aftermarket parts use filter media with
limited filtering performance. (See Fig. 2)

2. Quality

Moisture precipitation that accumulates at the bottom of a fuel

filter’s case can cause the case to rust. The filter case of genuine
parts have interior surfaces that are treated with a special
antirust coating to keep the case from rusting and prevent
consequent fuel leaks. Some aftermarket parts have not been
given anti-rust treatment. This can cause the case to rust, which
can eventually develop into holes, causing fuel leaks. (See
Image 1)
3. Life Cycle

Genuine parts use filter media with sacrament fold in order to

achieve finer folds and larger filtering areas that more than meet
Hino’s filter change mileage requirements. (See Figs. 3 and 4)

Some aftermarket parts have only about half the filtering area of
genuine filters, and consequently have much shorter life cycle.

The performance data of aftermarket parts shown above were

obtained from a limited sampling of parts and do not represent
the performance of all aftermarket parts.

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF
REPLACEMENT
Fuel filters must be replaced on a regular basis. Otherwise, the
filter medium can get clogged, which will deprive the engine of its
fuel supply and consequently reduce its output. If used for
prolonged periods of time, the filter medium can become
degraded and rupture, causing foreign matter in the fuel to reach
the engine and cause major damage to your engine. So make
sure to replace your fuel filters periodically. (See Image 2)