How to clean the clogged fuel pump filter (also known as a clogged fuel line) 11Steps It is wise to begin by removing the battery of your car first, so there is no chance for electric shocks. This is a common practice recommended by mechanics as newer vehicles have fuel systems that operate at pressures up to 60 psi, which can be dangerous when working on the car.
The following step is getting to the fuel pump, a task that usually happens inside of the gas tank. Residual fuel is, however, a complication in the cleaning process, meaning mechanics drain the tank if necessary. A typical fuel tank has a capacity of about 15 gallons, and even leaving ~5 gallons will complicate getting to the filter for cleaning.
If the filter is accessible, remove it and inspect for any visible debris or discoloration. Over time, the bottom of the tank can accumulate dirt, rust particles and acoustic sludge which in turn reduces fuel flow efficiency by up to 30%. It uses a specialized solvent to dissolve the deposits without ruining the filter material. Solvents in the industry, like CRC or Liqui Moly products are guaranteed to clean thoroughly, leaving no deposits that could later cause more obstruction.
Air compressor is an efficient way to blow off the debris out of your filter. First are the technicians using very low (30-40 psi) air pressure so as not to distort and collapse the delicate mesh matrix of the filter. It takes 10 minutes for each filter, give or take depending on how clogged the filter is. Scheduled cleaning intervals, usually around 20k miles will keep those clogs from happening in the first place.
When irreparable damage occurs to the filter, it has no other option but replacement. Full replacement filters run anywhere from about $20 to $100, depending on the vehicle make and model. As a result, premium filters with higher filtration capacity are often required for high-performance vehicles and thus make the vehicle price increase.
A clean pump filter ensures a longer life for the Fuel Pump itself. When pumps work harder, they can overheat and fail altogether; clogged filters are the leading causes of this. However, according to maintenance manuals prepared by automotive industry leaders such as Bosch and Delphi, drivers can avoid extensive repairs and guarantee that their cars engines operate smoothly with simple cleaning and regular upkeep.