Additional fuel filter

[Elfit]

As well as needing to replace the swirl tank I also have a few lingering problems with the fuel line. I think I need to put in an inline fuel filter between the tank and fuel pump. Has anyone else done this?
Where exactly did you fit it and what did you use? ( I was speaking to someone who said I would need a fairly big one due to the high rate of flow)
Once again it is a job I feel I should be able to attempt. I have a pit in my garage so I can't use the excuse of not being able to get under the car!

Many thanks
Tim

Edited by Elfit on Monday 15th October 14:37

[MickS2]

My new tank did not have an internal filter so David Gerald specified a "Sytec Hi Flow Motorsport Fuel Filter" (capacity 66 gallons/hr - should be enough!!) From memory it was about £50. It is about 2 inches dia and 4 inches long. I fitted it in the reinforced fuel line just before the funny little thing that takes the fuel through 90 degrees before the pump and attached it to a flat 6mm aluminium plate which I then attached to the chassis rail using stainless steel hose clips - making sure it was unlikely to get bashed on the ground or hit by stray stones/rocks. The filter can be ordered with different unions so you need to specify the push on ones to take the half inch(?) reinforced pipe. Stainless hose clips needed here as well.
This filter has a replaceable paper filter element which is a whole lot more practical than getting an in-tank filter out to clean it.

Mick

[Elfit]

Thanks Mick. That's just the info I needed.
Tim

[Elfit]

I've bought a filter which will hopefully arrive next week. I've cleaned out the hose to the pump and cleaned the small strainer just inside the fuel pump.
I will be able to fit the filter easy enough but I have a question ( maybe a stupid one I'm afraid!)
Do I have to do anything to avoid getting air in the system? i.e. do I have to bleed it in anyway, ensure filter is full of fuel first etc.
I have not touched anything past the pump ( the main filter was changed by the garage recently) so the rest of the system should still be full of fuel.

Cheers
Tim

[MickS2]

I didn't make any special effort to bleed the system - I just connected it all up and started it up as normal. It ran rough for a couple of seconds and was then fine. I guess technically it is best if there is no air in the system - mainly from the fuel pump's point of view as pumping air for any period of time would not do it any good but, IMHO, a second or two should not do any harm.
Mick

[Elfit]

Thanks Mick.
Once again you're spot on.

Another tip if anyone is interested:
The strainer at the bottom of my tank was knackered. Although I couldn't find a direct replacement a cheap paint strainer from a spray gun was easily modified to do the job.
Tim