Skip to main content

FUEL SYSTEM: FUEL FILTER MAINTENANCE



Maintaining a clean fuel supply is essential for proper and reliable engine operation which makes the the job of the fuel filter very important. The fuel filter is guides the the fuel system against dirt, rust, and all kinds of debris. Without the fuel filter components of the fuel system like the carburetor and valves become exposed to contaminants and this could lead to serious issues like preventing valves from seating or clog the injector inlet screens and starve the injector for fuel. Fuel filter also separates water from fuel and this helps protect the injectors and pump from corrosion

There are two kinds of fuel filters
i. In-line filters - located between the fuel tank and carburetor
ii. Internal filters- these are fitted inside the carburetor fuel inlet on older vehicles






A lot of late model vehicles with gasoline engines have a fuel filter designed to serve a lifetime and they are located inside the fuel tank with the pump. Factories do not give recommended service interval for these filters


Diesel engine powered vehicles have an in-line filter with a recommended service interval of 24,000 to 30,000 miles

Older vehicles with gasoline engines with in-line fuel filter usually have a recommended service interval of 30,000 to 50,000 miles

NOTE; 
i. Never replace an in-line filter by trying to pry the fuel lines apart from the filter, this will damage the lines. Replacing in-line filters with quick lock couplings require special tools to release the couplings
ii. Always use Top Tier gasoline, this will keep your fuel injectors, intake manifold and throttle clean and reduce buildup of carbon deposits on valves, pistons  and combustion chamber
iii. Always inspect the condition of the fuel lines and hoses whenever you replace fuel filters. Why? Rubber hoses tend to age i.e harden and develop cracks and leaks after years of service. If you notice brittleness, cracks or leakage replace hose without delay. NEVER DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH FUEL LEAKAGE

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

HOW TO RECONGNISE A FAULTY CAR THERMOSTAT

A bad car thermostat can ruin the car’s engine if you’re not if it not properly diagnose and fixed immediately. Ignoring a faulty thermostat will lead to a much  more expensive damage. Here are some of the ways you can recognize a defective thermostat  1. Overheating engine Once the thermostat becomes defective, it can cause over heating in your engine. This is usually the result of a stuck thermostat that won't allow antifreeze to flow from the radiator and so halts heat regulation in the engine as it begins to overheat. Before deciding on whether to replace your thermostat, check your hoses to make sure there is no leakage of coolant. 2. Under Heating engine This problem occurs when the thermostat allows continuous flow of coolant into the engine or has lost it's ability to regulate the flow of coolant into the engine. When this happen the engine will too cool and lose it's ability to function properly 3. Fluctuating temperature readings Once you start noticin

CHECKING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

The electrical system of a car is a closed circuit with an independent power source 'the battery' Apart from the main charging, starting and ignition circuits, there are other circuits that power lights, electric motors, the sensors and gauges of electrical instruments, heating elements, magnetically operated locks, the radio and so on All Circuits are opened and closed either by switches or by relays - remote switches operated by electromagnets Circuits have components connected to them,  and to operate these components they require voltage so, no voltage no function' which makes the first order of business when diagnosing electrical problems is to check the circuit's load point(bulb, wiper motor, any element the circuit is suppose to power) for the presence of voltage. If you find no voltage at the load point, you just uncovered the first clue about what a problem might be. Then you can check the fuse, fuse link, circuit breaker and also the relay supplying volt

BRAKE WARNING LIGHT

When your brake warning light is on, it could mean a number of things, i. If the light is on all the time, it could mean you simply forgot to release the parking brake ii. If the brake warning light remains on when the parking brake is released, it could be that the switch on the parking brake pedal or lever is misadjusted, a simple adjustment should fix the problem iii. If the light is intermittent and seems to come on and off depending on whether the vehicle is turning, it may mean that the brake fluid level is getting low iv. If the brake warning light is on continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low most likely due to leakage. The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked. Adding brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir may temporarily solve the problem but if the culprit is as a result of leakage, the new fluid will soon be lost and the warni