Changing a Fuel Filter Fuel Delivery Problems
The fuel filters of many vehicles are located in one of two main locations, either near the gas tank itself, or within the engine bay as part of an in-line fuel filter system. The first location listed is common amongst newer vehicles and this type of filter is designed to clean the fuel directly from the tank, therefore not only stopping trash from entering the engine but protecting the fuel lines from unwanted buildup as well. Filters on older vehicles, especially those with a carburetor, are usually located directly in front of the fuel intake port. Locating the fuel filter doesn't necessarily mean that the task of removing it will be a breeze however, although located in two prime locations, the fuel filter may be wedged into any location along the frame in a variety of orientations that can make its removal troublesome.
The easiest location to access the fuel filter from is when the filter is located inside of the engine bay. In this case you can normally follow the supply of fuel from the carburetor until you run into the filter; on this type of setup the filter will likely be located between the carb and the fuel pump. Additionally, on older vehicles the fuel pump itself is typically of a mechanical sort and is in relative close position to the engine block, this makes finding the fuel filter even easier. For this type of filter all that is normally needed to remove it is a pair of pliers or a screw driver to remove any metal clamps being used to hold the fuel hoses in place, and either pliers or a large wrench to loosen the body of the filter itself.
On a vehicle that has the filter located near the rear of the car, it may be best to refer to one of the repair manuals intended for use with your vehicle. These aides are helpful in determining the best way to locate, remove, and replace parts; on many newer vehicles these manuals are nearly a necessity depending upon the design complexity of the automobile in question. When searching for a rear mounted fuel filter, it is important to keep in mind that some are located within the tank itself and may require the expertise of a professional with an outfitted shop full of tools and specialized equipment.
If it isn't located within the tank itself, a rear mounted fuel filter may be located above the gas tank, bolted to a crossmember. On other models the fuel filter may be a bit further from the tank and attached to one of the frame rails running from front to rear of the vehicle. In either circumstance it is possible to find the filter by simply following the flow of fuel from the tank itself to the engine. By following this course of action you will undoubtedly find it somewhere along the way, but it is best to consult a professional manual, or even research the topic on the Internet, where you are likely to find the exact information you are looking for with visual references to go by.
