Author Topic: Fuel Filters (Read 2108 times)

vegfuel · « **on:** April 11, 2008, 11:50:43 am »

I run biodiesel in my car from time to time and have heard that it is a good idea to change filters now and then on the older diesels. My Golf is running great at the present. I just wanted to know if it is really something I should do after so many miles. I know that truckers do it more often. Is it more crucial for vehicles with larger fuel tanks or just fuel that has been sitting for awhile?

the caveman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2008, 12:48:12 pm »

It's not a question of how often to change the filters, it's the fact that biodiesel, esp. higher concentrations of it act like a solvent and will strip all the gunk from the bottom of your fuel tank ,lines ,fuel filter,etc. It all depends on how much you are putting and how old the filter is. Don't worry until the filter plugs up, or if you don't want to take a chance, change it now if you've been using biodiesel for a while.

fatmobile · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2008, 10:30:25 pm »

A vacuum gauge on the fuel line will let you know if there are any restrictions in the fuel line. No point changing a good filter.

Clogged check valves, in-tank screen, gelled fuel also cause restrictions and a vacuum gauge will let you know you have a problem, before you are stranded beside the road.
Last summer my Rabbit was running great but the vacuum gauge was climbing, it got to 10 and I was getting worried. Normally it's 0. I went to the parts store and got a new fuel filter. Gauge went back to normal while driving. Could have been a PITA.

nogama3 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2008, 03:30:17 am »

if your car is running fine at al revs then it should be ok, however it if start to stutter/feel rough then change the filter as this is what i found with mine. when i changed the filters, there was no crap from the tank but did find a very tiny amount of bio 'sludge' in the filter. maybe this was enough for it to make the motor struggle? mine's a mk3 golf 96 plate aaz by the way and i only ran bio for 2 months.

foxracer1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2008, 04:33:46 am »

My 84 rabbit smoked black really bad, had poor power, and would miss at hi revs when the fuel filter was clogged from to much bio in cold weather. I even had a lift pump back by the tank.