What Is A Fuel Filter And Why Is It Important?
The fuel filter is one of the most overlooked parts on older Nissans. Only a few Nissan owners realize that they need to replace the fuel filter on every 20K-40K miles. If you’re wondering what a fuel filter is and why it’s important, you came to the right place.
What Is A Fuel Filter?
A fuel filter is a small cylindrical part. Automobiles started using fuel filters not long after they started using fuel pumps back in the '20s and '30s. They have been phased out in that last decade or so as vehicles started using filter screens in the fuel tank. But if you've got an older Nissan, chances are it has a fuel filter. Its design is quite simple:
- A fuel filter has a housing that's either metal or sometimes clear plastic
- Inside a fuel filter, you would find paper filter media
- A fuel filter has two openings: One opening to allow fuel to enter, and one opening to allow fuel to exit
You would find the fuel filter in any of these places:
- In the engine bay
- In the fuel line between the fuel tank and engine bay
- Near the fuel tank
The location of the fuel pump depends on your Nissan model. Your owner's manual should show you where to find the fuel filter on your car.
What Does A Fuel Filter Do?
Your car has a fuel filter because fuel comes with many impurities, such as:
- Dirt
- Rust particles
- Other types of debris
Your engine needs clean fuel. Without a fuel filter, the impurities in the fuel will clog up the fuel injectors or carburetor jets. All the fuel in your vehicle runs through the fuel filter before reaching the engine. The centrifugal paper media inside the filter traps the impurities in the fuel. An effective fuel filter constantly sends clean fuel to the engine.
Why You Need To Replace Your Fuel Filter Every 20K-40K Miles
Like most filters, the fuel filter is disposable. It can only trap so much debris before becoming too clogged up to do its job. A clogged up fuel filter is bad news. It can overwork and/or damage other parts. Here are a few problems a clogged up fuel filter could cause:
- Trouble starting the engine (a bad fuel filter depletes the engine's fuel supply)
- Damage to the fuel pump (a bad fuel filter makes the pump work harder)
- Engine performance problems (due to restricted fuel flow)
Signs Of A Clogged Fuel Filter
Are you unsure whether to replace your fuel filter yet? If you experience the symptoms listed below, your fuel filter may be the cause. This guide will help you confirm that your fuel filter is bad.
- Trouble starting the engine
- Engine failing to start
- Sluggish acceleration
- Weak idling
- Sputtering when driving at low speeds
- Poor engine performance
Replacing Your Fuel Filter
Replacing the fuel filter on your Nissan is an easy and straightforward job. You can find a model-specific tutorial online. Looking for a replacement fuel filter for your car? Check out our catalog of OEM fuel filters at wholesale pricing!