The fuel filter is an essential part of any fuel system. As the system uses the fuel pump to supply gas to the engine, it flows through the fuel filter to trap any contaminants that could hurt the motor. When it gets dirty or clogged, you need to know how to clean the fuel filter. We discuss how to clean a dirty fuel filter so you can protect the engine.
Benefits Of Having A Clean Fuel Filter
Do you know how often to clean the fuel filter? If you have an older vehicle, you want to do it every two years or 30,000 miles, while newer models can go longer. Here are some of the benefits of cleaning your fuel filter.
Better fuel economy
With no clogs in the fuel filter, the gas can't flow freely to the engine. When there is a clog, the fuel cannot flow, and you will be at the gas pump more often.
Protected engine
The fuel pump is responsible for protecting the pump and injectors from damage. If dirt, debris, or other contaminants get into the engine, they could cause excessive wear.
Increased engine life & performance
A clean fuel filter ensures that all contaminants are removed from the fuel, ensuring the engine gets exactly what it needs to run properly. When the engine gets pure fuel, it runs at its best, thereby increasing the performance and providing more horsepower.
Lower emissions
Clogged fuel filters keep the supply from getting to the injectors, causing an improper air-fuel ratio. This problem leads to more harmful emissions being pumped into the air.
How Do I Know If My Fuel Filter Needs Cleaning?
Do you know how to tell if a fuel filter is bad? Just like when you learn how to change an oil filter, here are a few symptoms to look for.
Trouble Starting the engine
The most obvious sign of trouble is an engine that won’t start. However, you might notice problems starting the car before the filter becomes completely clogged. This situation should become progressively worse as the filter clogs all the way.
Issues accelerating
When you step on the gas pedal, you expect your vehicle to respond. However, the car that doesn’t immediately accelerate might be suffering from a clogged fuel filter.
Frequent sputtering
As the engine struggles to get the right amount of fuel, performance will start to deteriorate. You might notice some sputtering, especially while accelerating. Otherwise, you might struggle with a rough idle.
Strong gas odors
If the exhaust is emitting strong gas fumes, it could indicate a dirty filter. Whatever the cause, you always want to have a mechanic look at the situation whenever you smell fuel.
Engine misfires/Low performance
As the engine struggles, it might start misfiring. Sometimes, learning how to clean a car fuel filter can help. However, if left unchecked, the clogged filter will eventually cause the engine to stop running.
How To Clean A Dirty Fuel Filter: Step By Step Guide
Have you been asking yourself, “can I clean a fuel filter on a car?” Yes, you can. We will review some basic steps with you, although learning how to clean a fuel filter in a gas tank can be a more complicated process.
Tools Needed:
Car Fuel Filter
- 1Park the vehicle on level ground.
- 2Relieve pressure in the fuel system.
- 3Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- 4Locate the fuel filter and jack up the car if needed.
- 5Place a bucket under the filter to catch any fuel.
- 6Detach the clips holding the filter to the fuel lines.
- 7Remove the filter from the bracket with your wrench.
- 8Pour out the gas located in the filter.
- 9Spray the filter out with pressurized carburetor cleaner.
- 10Tap any debris out of the filter.
- 11Allow it to dry for an hour.
- 12Reinstall the filter and fuel lines in reverse order.
- 13Carefully dispose of the fuel.
Motorcycle Fuel Filter
If you want to know how to clean a motorcycle fuel filter, you will find the steps are very similar to working on a car. Here’s how to clean a fuel filter on a motorcycle with most models.
- 1Remove the fuel filter from the hose. Remember to use a bucket to catch any spilling fuel.
- 2Be careful working with the filter as the casing is plastic and can be easily damaged.
- 3Spray the filter out with pressurized carburetor cleaner.
- 4Tap any debris out of the filter.
- 5Allow it to dry for an hour.
- 6Replace the filter back onto the bike. Secure it to the hose.
Leaf Blower Fuel Filter
Follow these steps if you want to learn how to clean a fuel filter on a leaf blower.
- 1Remove the spark plug wire.
- 2Turn the choke knob to the middle position.
- 3Take out the screws from the fuel filter cover.
- 4Use a rag to remove dirt and debris from around the filter.
- 5Remove the filter from the housing and wash it with soapy water.
- 6Allow it to dry for an hour on a paper towel.
- 7Replace the filter element and reinstall the housing.
Chainsaw Fuel Filter
Follow these steps if you want to know how to clean a chainsaw fuel filter.
- 1Remove the weight and back-end cap.
- 2Take the sponge out.
- 3Clean it with soap and water.
- 4Allow the sponge to dry completely before reinstalling it.
Lawn Mower Fuel Filter
Follow these steps to learn how to clean a lawn mower fuel filter.
- 1Park the lawnmower on a flat surface.
- 2Take out the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the battery terminals.
- 3Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the filter.
- 4Clean the filter with soap and water.
- 5Allow it to dry completely before putting the lawn mower back together.
Weed Eater Fuel Filter
Follow these steps to learn how to clean weed eater fuel filter.
- 1Take off the gas cap and turn the weed eater over carefully, allowing the gas to drain into a can.
- 2Remove the rubber fuel line entering the gas tank.
- 3Take off the fuel filter at the end of the line.
- 4Scrub out the filter with soap and water.
- 5Use compressed air to blow-dry it slightly.
- 6Allow it to air dry completely.
- 7Reattach the filter and fuel link.
Snow Blower Fuel Filter
Follow these steps to learn how to clean a snow blower fuel filter.
- 1Park the snow blower on a flat surface.
- 2Take out the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the battery terminals.
- 3Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the filter.
- 4Clean the filter with soap and water.
- 5Allow it to dry completely before putting the snow blower back together.
Boat Fuel Filter
It isn’t difficult to learn how to clean an outboard fuel filter. Follow these steps if you want to know how to change a fuel filter on a boat.
- 1Disconnect the battery.
- 2Find the fuel filter; there might be two depending on your boat.
- 3Turn the filter and allow the fuel to drain into a bucket.
- 4Clean the filter media and allow it to dry completely.
- 5Put the fuel filter back and connect the battery.
Cleaning Vs. Replacing A Fuel Filter
Cleaning a fuel filter is much easier than learning how to clean fuel injectors. Still, some people would prefer to learn how to replace a fuel filter instead of cleaning it. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each option.
Cleaning Pros
Cleaning Cons
Replacing Pros
Replacing Cons
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can you clean a fuel filter without removing it?
If you don’t want to figure out how to remove a fuel filter, you might prefer using a fuel additive for entire system cleaning. However, this isn’t going to be as effective as taking the filter off.
How do you clean a 2-cycle fuel filter?
Learning how to clean a 2 cycle fuel filter isn't different from working with an automotive filter. You need to take it off, clean it, allow it to dry, and replace it.
How much is a fuel filter to replace?
You might be wondering - how much is a fuel filter? Most filters are only $10 to $60, which shows that sometimes it’s just better to replace it rather than clean it.
How much does it cost to clean a fuel filter?
Still, when you figure out how much to clean a fuel filter versus replacing it, you see you can save some money with this option. All you need are some common household products to get the job done.
Conclusion
Most fuel filters can be cleaned. We’ve even looked at how to clean a diesel fuel filter. If you want to save some money while caring for your engines performance, consider cleaning it instead of replacing it.