The reason why you need to have the fuel filter changed in your automobile every 30,000 miles is that it gets clogged by dirt and sediment that is found in the gasoline or diesel fuel. C&C Automotive advises that even if you purchase the most expensive fuel in town, it will still have dirt and sediment in it. The fuel needs to be cleared of all debris before it is burned in the combustion chamber. The fuel filter removes the debris completely because the fuel flows through it twice. Below, are signs that your fuel filter is clogged. It’s important that you replace the filter as soon as possible.
Hard/No Starts
A clogged fuel filter is going to block the fuel. Unfortunately, this will make starting your engine nearly impossible because there will be little to no fuel in the cylinders. If the fuel gets stuck behind the clogged filter, it will not be sent to the fuel injectors. Consequently, the injectors will not spray fuel into the cylinders. If your engine is getting hard to start, it’s possible that the fuel filter is clogging.
Performance Problems
In addition, your engine is going to struggle to perform if the fuel filter is clogged. Again, the engine needs a steady stream of fuel in order to produce combustion. If the fuel is not making its way into the cylinders, the engine will lag, misfire, and even stall. You will also notice that the engine is idling roughly. All of these things point to a fuel-delivery problem that could be caused by a clogged fuel filter.
Fuel Pump Problems
Unfortunately, the problems do not stop there. When the fuel meets the resistance caused by the clogged filter it slows down. This causes the fuel pump to work harder to push the fuel into the engine. Unfortunately, this wears down the fuel pump’s electric motor. Consequently, the pump could die prematurely.
Fuel Tank Noises
In fact, you may hear noises coming from the fuel tank if the fuel pump motor is overworked. The most common sound that you will hear is the pump motor whining in the tank. Do not leave this noise unchecked. The fuel pump is breaking down.
C&C Automotive is here to help. We have five auto shops. Our locations are West Augusta, Martinez, or Downtown Augusta, GA, and Columbia or Aiken County, SC. Call us today to set up a service visit.