Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matthew here and I’ve got a funny story for y’all about pre-filling fuel filters. So, I was workin’ on my truck one day and decided it was time to change the fuel filter.
I had heard that pre-filling the filter with diesel fuel would make the job easier and I figured, “Hey, why not give it a shot?” So, I filled the filter up with diesel, installed it, and started the truck up.
And let me tell you, it was not pretty.
Long story short, diesel fuel shot out of the filter everywhere and I was covered head to toe in the stuff. I looked like I had bathed in a vat of diesel fuel.
My coworkers were dying of laughter and I couldn’t help but laugh myself. But, the real kicker was that I had to go on a date that night and my date was not impressed when I showed up smelling like a gas station. That was the day I learned my lesson about pre-filling fuel filters.
But in all seriousness, pre-filling fuel filters can actually be a useful technique when changing your fuel filter.
So, let’s dive into whether or not you should be pre-filling your fuel filter and some tips on how to do it properly.
Table of Contents
Why Pre-Fill Your Fuel Filter?
Pre-filling your fuel filter can make the process of changing your fuel filter a whole lot easier. When you install a new filter that is dry, it can take a bit of time for the fuel to reach the filter and start flowing through it.
This can cause your engine to stall or run poorly until the filter is primed. By pre-filling the filter, you’re ensuring that the filter is already filled with fuel and ready to go as soon as you install it.
Not only will pre-filling the filter make the process easier, but it can also help prolong the life of your fuel pump.
The fuel pump has to work harder to push fuel through a dry filter, which can put extra strain on the pump and cause it to wear out faster. By pre-filling the filter, you’re helping to reduce the amount of work the fuel pump has to do and prolonging its life.
How to Pre-Fill Your Fuel Filter
Pre-filling your fuel filter is actually pretty simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- First, you’ll want to locate the fuel filter on your vehicle. This can typically be found near the fuel tank or along the fuel lines.
- Next, you’ll want to remove the old filter. This will likely involve loosening some clips or bolts that are holding the filter in place.
- Once the old filter is removed, you’ll want to use a clean container to collect some fuel from your vehicle’s fuel tank. You’ll need enough fuel to fill the new filter.
- Now, take the new filter and fill it up with the fuel you collected. Make sure the filter is completely filled and there are no air bubbles.
- Finally, install the new filter in the same location as the old one, tightening any clips or bolts that were loosened earlier.
- Start up the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the filter is functioning properly and there are no leaks.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully pre-filled your fuel filter and can now enjoy the benefits of an easier installation process and a prolonged fuel pump life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fuel should I use to pre-fill the filter?
You should always use the type of fuel that your vehicle uses. So, if your vehicle runs on diesel fuel, you should use diesel to pre-fill the filter. If your vehicle runs on gasoline, you should use gasoline to pre-fill the filter.
Is it necessary to pre-fill the fuel filter?
It’s not necessary to pre-fill the fuel filter, but it can make the process of changing the filter easier and help prolong the life of your fuel pump. So, it’s a good idea to do it if you can.
Can I pre-fill the fuel filter with a different type of fuel?
No, you should always pre-fill the filter with the same type of fuel that your vehicle uses. Using a different type of fuel can cause damage to your engine and fuel system.
In conclusion,
Pre-filling your fuel filter can make changing your fuel filter a whole lot easier, while also prolonging the life of your fuel pump.
Now, I ain’t saying you have to pre-fill your fuel filter, but it’s definitely worth considerin’ if you’re about to change your filter.
And, if you do decide to pre-fill your filter, make sure you do it properly and with the right type of fuel. And whatever you do, don’t make the same mistake I did and end up lookin’ like a diesel-covered fool on a date.