I. Clarify the Maintenance Cycle
The maintenance cycle depends on the type of fuel filter and operating environment; always prioritize following the equipment/vehicle manufacturer’s manual.
– Disposable Fuel Filters (commonly used in cars and small equipment): Replace every 10,000–20,000 km for gasoline engines and every 5,000–10,000 km for diesel engines. Shorten the cycle by 30% if operating in dusty environments, using high-sulfur fuel, or engaging in frequent short-distance driving.
– Reusable Fuel Filters (commonly used in heavy machinery and industrial equipment): Clean every 2,000–5,000 operating hours and replace the filter element every 10,000–15,000 operating hours.
– Warning Signs for Urgent Maintenance: Decreased engine power, unstable idling, difficult startup, or illumination of the fuel filter warning light (if equipped).
II. Preparation Before Maintenance
1. Safety First
– Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool completely (to prevent scalding and fuel splashing).
– Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid short circuits during operation).
– Work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames (fuel is flammable and explosive), and prepare fire-fighting equipment nearby.
2. Tools and Materials
– Tools: Wrench, pliers, screwdriver, filter wrench (for removing stuck filters).
– Materials: New filter element/filter (matching the original model), fuel-resistant gaskets/O-rings, clean rags, fuel container (for collecting residual fuel), and protective gloves.
III.Key Maintenance Precautions
– Use genuine filters: Inferior filters have poor filtration efficiency and may cause premature wear of fuel injectors and the engine.
– Do not install in reverse: Reverse installation will block fuel flow, leading to decreased engine power or even stalling.
– Special note for diesel engines: Diesel fuel is prone to water accumulation, so drain water from the fuel filter’s water separator regularly (usually once a week or every 500 operating hours).
– Avoid contamination: Keep the filter, fuel lines, and tools clean during disassembly and assembly to prevent dust and impurities from entering the fuel system.
