The fuel pump filter is small, but one of the critical components of your car. The purpose of having a fuel pump filter in a vehicle is to prevent impurities from reaching the car engine. If the fuel pump filter is dirty and clogged, the engine will have starting problems and the engine will stop intermittently while it is running. Therefore, it is important to keep it clean.
Now that you know what the fuel pump filter is and the importance of keeping it clean, you are ready to start cleaning it. But wait, do you know the process and the order in which the filter should be cleaned? If the answer is no, the next section of the article gives you the step-by-step procedure on how to clean the electric fuel pump filter yourself.
DIY tips for cleaning
Locate the fuel pump in the fuel tank
First, you need to find out where exactly the fuel pump filter is located on your vehicle. Electric filters are usually located in or near the tank or at the back of the car; It depends on the manufacturer and model of the car.
Disconnect the battery first
This is very important, you must first disconnect the battery before starting the cleaning procedure because being an electric pump, any small spark can ignite the fuel.
Block fuel lines to prevent fuel from spurting out
Since you have disconnected the battery, you need to prevent fuel from spurting out of the disconnected fuel lines. To block the fuel lines, you can insert an old pencil, fine taps or rubber plugs or something that is useful and fits the fuel lines.
Remove and clean all filters with gasoline.
Be sure to clean all filters by washing them with fresh gasoline. Always use fresh gasoline when cleaning the filters. Clean the filters properly; make sure there are no dirt or other contaminants.
Clean the inside of the filter with a clean cloth.
Now that you have washed the filters with gasoline, do not leave the filters soaked in gasoline. Get a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe the inside of the pump.
Check the sealing gaskets
When cleaning the filters, check the sealing gaskets and make sure they are in good condition. If they are not in good condition, replace them. Damaged gaskets could cause fuel leakage during operation.
Fix it again
Once you are done cleaning the filters, secure them back to their original position with the screws provided. Make sure not to overtighten the cover screws.
You can schedule filter cleaning according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule provided in the owner’s manual.