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Fuel Filters Require
Regular Service
Fuel filters today appear
significantly different from those used in the past, but their purpose
remains the same: to protect the fuel system by removing contaminants
such as rust, dirt and other foreign matter from the fuel. Stricter
emissions legislation, higher injection pressures and lower sulfur and
bio-diesel fuels have all contributed to the evolution of fuel system
technology. The fuel filter is often overlooked in terms of regular
maintenance.
Purpose of
Fuel Filters
Internal combustion engines consume a mixture of fuel and air to produce
energy. The most commonly used fuels are gasoline and diesel fuel.
Older gasoline engines use a
carburetor that mixes the fuel and air in exact proportions for
efficient carburetion. It has many small passageways and delicate parts
which can be damaged from dirt. A dirty carburetor can cause erratic
performance or complete engine shutdown.
Carbureted engines have been replaced
with electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems. Fuel injection is a much
simpler, more precise way to deliver fuel to the cylinders.
Gasoline and diesel engines
normally use a fuel injector for each cylinder. The injector
meters the fuel under high pressure through small openings in
the tip and into the combustion chamber. Fuel is supplied to
each injector by a supply pump. High operating pressures and
tight clearances make the injectors vulnerable to damage and
wear when exposed to dirt and contaminants. The key to keeping a
fuel system operating at its best is cleanliness.
Types
and Sources of Contaminants
Contaminants may enter the fuel system when unfiltered fuel is
pumped into the vehicle tank or through loose tank caps or
faulty sealing gaskets. Fuel can also be compromised by
contaminants or dirt particles left in the tanks or lines during
the manufacturing and assembly process. The most common
contaminants found in fuel are rust, dirt and water.
Rust usually comes from large
storage tanks, but can also form in vehicle tanks if low fuel
levels are left in the tanks over long periods of time. Rust is
an abrasive and causes damage to the injection system
components.
The most common source for
water is condensation in the fuel tank. If the fuel tank is not
kept filled, warm moisture laden air condenses on the cooler
inside metal wall of the fuel tank. Water can also enter the
fuel in underground storage tanks, during vehicle tank filling
on wet, rainy days, or through leakage past fuel tank filler
caps and improperly designed vent openings.
Dirt can find its way into the
fuel through dirty caps, tank spouts and dispensing nozzles.
Vent systems, tank caps and other seals should be checked
frequently to insure they are in good condition and none are
missing. Another contaminant sometimes found in diesel fuel is
bacteria.
Types
of Fuel Filters
There are numerous types of fuel filters for gasoline and diesel
applications, such as in-line, element/cartridge and spin-on.
In-line type filters are
located in the fuel line between the tank and injectors or
carburetors.
Element/cartridge type filters
require installation into some type of housing in the vehicle
fuel system. These filters are often neglected due to lack of
consumer knowledge of the location and the inaccessibility of
the filter. Spin-on fuel filters are similar to oil filters.
They are easy to replace and come in a variety of sizes. Some
automobiles and light trucks have two fuel filters. The first
filter, usually located in the fuel tank, can be made of fine
woven fabric or other filter mediums. This filter prevents large
pieces of contaminant from damaging the fuel pump. The tank
filter also prevents most water from going to the engine. Under
normal conditions, the tank filter will not require service or
replacement, however the second filter requires regular service.
Gasoline and diesel engines
are very sensitive and will not tolerate dirty fuel. The most
delicate part of a diesel engine is the fuel injection system.
Injectors have moving parts with very close tolerances and small
particles of contaminant can damage them or cause erratic
performance.
Servicing Fuel Filters
Fuel filters should be changed at intervals recommended by the
engine or equipment manufacturer. When operating under more
adverse conditions or with very dirty fuel, the filters may need
to be changed more frequently. Replacing fuel filters at the
recommended intervals is the best assurance against engine
problems and fuel starvation.
Filters Available From AMSOIL
AMSOIL
currently offers a full line of fuel filters from WIX,
Mann-Filter
and Donaldson. Regular fuel filter service is very important to
keep your vehicles in prime condition and running at their
maximum performance.
click here:
Fuel Filters
T's Advanced Synthetics
Greg and Marcy Thurman
Your Nationwide
AMSOIL
Authorized Independent
Dealer
Nationwide US Warehouses,
Canada and Palm Harbor, FL
727-798-8552
E-Mail:
greg@tsadvancedsynthetics.com
If you
experience problems or have questions or comments about
our website please email us at
greg@tsadvancedsynthetics.com
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