5 Signs of a Dirty Fuel Filter

A fuel filter is a filter in the fuel line that screens out dirt and dust particles from the fuel, generally made into cartridges containing a filter paper. They are found in most internal combustion engines. So the fuel filter protects your fuel injectors, your engine and your car in general.

Fuel filters need to be maintained at regular intervals. This is usually a case of simply disconnecting the filter from the fuel line and replacing it with a new one, although some specially designed filters can be cleaned and reused many times. If a filter is not replaced regularly, it may become clogged with contaminants and cause a restriction in the fuel flow, creating a considerable drop in engine performance as the engine struggles to draw enough fuel to continue running normally.

Replacing the fuel filter is very easy, but first of all, you should determine the main reason related to clogging in your filter. The following clogged fuel filter symptoms will help you identify the problem quickly with the intention of saving you from a damaged fuel tank in the end.

If you notice that your engine constantly hesitates as you push the gas pedal, you should consider checking the fuel filter because it might have clogged. A clog means the flow of gas to the engine is restricted and this leads to unusual combustion and the ultimate reduction of the vehicle's power and reaction. A dirty fuel filter can cause a car to stumble when accelerating.

2. Stalling

Sometimes, the engine will start without a problem. However, it will stop, when it is supposed to be idle. If a fuel filter is clogged, a sufficient amount of fuel makes its way through the fuel filter, when the vehicle is running, however, when the car is idling, the quantity of fuel is inadequate. If it happens more often, then the reason is that your car has a dirty fuel filter.

3. Not Starting

In order to start, your vehicle needs the combination of both air and gas. If the fuel filter is clogged, there is little or no supply of fuel to the engine. A problem with the fuel filter leads to starting issues. Failure to start is a definite sign of a dirty fuel filter or one that is completely clogged. It needs to be replaced before the vehicle can start properly.

4. Hard Starting

If the fuel filter is dirty, but not completely clogged, you can have trouble starting your vehicle. It means that the supply of fuel to the engine is restricted so starting will become a lot more difficult. If even after replacing the fuel filter you are still having hard starting issue, then the problem can be with spark plugs.

5. Sputtering

If the filter is dirty, then your engine won’t perform as efficiently. This symptom can be hard to recognize at first, because sometimes even with a dirty fuel filter at high speeds, fuel can still get to the engine properly if the pressure is high. At higher speeds, the engine pressure would be providing ideal conditions for efficient motoring. But it is more recognizable at lower speeds when the pressure is low when your vehicle’s engine cannot get enough fuel to perform efficiently. Your car could idle and run, or it could hesitate, and stop when there is less power.