Technical fuel filter question

[littlephil]

i have an inline fuel filter fitted about 6 inch out of the tank outlet. When it starts playing up that filter is empty is does the filter only work one way or is there a blockage in the tank? if it is a blockage in the tank how do i flush it out?

 

[jimbro1000]

The filter is not a one-way valve but it is designed to work one way and not the other.

Normally you would place the filter upstream from the pump for a mechanical pump to ensure that the pump gets the best chance of avoiding an airlock. An electrical pump would be the other way around to help protect the pump from debris.

If the blockage is in the tank you need to remove the fuel level sender which incorporates the fuel pickup. Just remove the plate that the pipes go through and you'll see the top of the fuel tank right behind it. The sender is retained by 6 bolts and just lifts straight out. Be careful as the seal can tear and you may have fun finding a replacement.

If there is debris in the tank (and there will be) you would traditionally drop the tank and flush it out that way but the strap that holds the tank from below is likely to have corroded into the tank and you may find yourself with a very porous fuel tank.

There is a product you can obtain from the USA that should be able to repair the tank easily called POR-15. You should be able to get it in the uk (a quick search found this: http://www.frost.co.uk/item_Detail.asp?productID=8223&frostProductName=Car Tank Repair Kit)