Gas Filter Periodic Replacement

[jake75]

Today's newspaper had an "Auto Graph" feature from Wheelbase Communications that explained the purpose and construction of the gas filter. They said "The fuel filter requries periodic replacement as it becomes saturated with dirt and grime, thereby restricting fuel flow." No hint was given as to what they meant by "periodic".From what I have read here replacing the fuel filter in the Vibe/Matrix is an expensive ordeal (may require replacing the entire fuel pump?). No more than I drive I am not likely to have a clogged fuel filter from the typical dirt and grime level in gasoline so I am not that concerned. And if I got some bad gas changing the filter is probably a cheaper repair than if that dirt and grime got to the fuel injectors and engine, but what about those who are putting 100,000+ miles on their Vibes? Seems that many years ago I had a fuel filter replaced on a 1968 Cadillac and it was no big deal. Why does Toyota have a design that makes fuel filter replacement this difficult and costly?

[djkeev]

The fuel filter is on the "foot" of the fuel pump, a sock if you will.Why is it there before the fuel pump? Electric pumps are of a design that features close tolerances and spin at a high RPM. Fuel is ALWAYS being pumped, if it isn't used by the engine, it is returned to the tank to be pumped again and again. I know it seems odd that an electric motor is immersed in a highly flammable liquid but there is no concern for there are no sparks and little if any vapor at the pump.Without a filter, a chunk of rust or dirt could easily stop you in your tracks on the highway and cost you a fuel pump.If you desired, you could cut a line and install a fuel filter in the feed line off the pump, it would need to be a high pressure connection though.Really, there is very little in the way of problems with these pumps and filters. Motor along without worries.Dave

[lovemyraffe]

I know that the fuel filter isn't part of regular maintenance on the Vibe. I don't know if anyone has ever had to do one on here. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are having problems.

[Old Tele man]

...there is no separate in-line fuel filter assembly as we used to know it, as mentioned above, it's integral in the fuel pump itself, which is located inside the fuel tank....beware -- the fuel pump for 2004 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) engine is only about $45 for the pump itself, but the "labor" to install it (inside the gas tank) is almost $200-$250!

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Old Tele man »...there is no separate in-line fuel filter assembly as we used to know it, as mentioned above, it's integral in the fuel pump itself, which is located inside the fuel tank....beware -- the fuel pump for 2004 1.8L (1ZZ-FE) engine is only about $45 for the pump itself, but the "labor" to install it (inside the gas tank) is almost $200-$250!Gosh!! Why?? Pop the back seat cushion, remove body cover plate, remove fuel pump. Easy, no dropping the tank, no draining the tank, as far as headache and hassle this is about as easy as they can get!!Dave

[2002sportside]

It's only 1.2 hours in the book... Add in all the shop fees though, and I could see you getting to $2-250 for the job.And I believe the EPA is ultimately responsible for the lack of fuel filters on new vehicles...

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Really, there is very little in the way of problems with these pumps and filters. Motor along without worries.DaveWhat? Me Worry?Bottom line seems to be that the "Auto Graph" feature on fuel filters from Wheelbase Communications that was published in my newspaper is, to say the least, off base and/or not relevant to today's vehicles.

[Old Tele man]

...some non-OEM service shops will tell you the fuel filter needs to be replaced at 30-50K miles. But, that's only for the "older" cars with actual "in-line" filters--either at up by the carburetor or back by the fuel tank. ...and, those shops *make* a lot of money of *replacing* those non-existant carburetor/tank fuel filters!...and, countless DIY mechanics have searched in vain to find their cars elusive "fuel filter" (myself including...but only once!) to replace it.