I started my car up today and while it was warming up it sputtered out and died. It took a while to start again and when it did it was ok. I started driving and my car started surging like crazy. Is this my fuel filter because i heard the symptoms are something like this. How easy is it to change?

 

Hi, not sure of all the signs of a filter getting clogged up, but i have some crud in my tank and have to change it about every 500 miles or so, my car will go completly dead after a few seconds of sputtering and i know its time to change, i carry a spare, there located in front of the drivers side rear tire, i can get to mine by sliding under the rear and there are two worm clamps that hold the lines on,,be prepared for some leakage when u remove the lines so have the new one close and be sure to install it with the fuel flow going the right way, the arrow pointing towards the pump,,,i went a little further and extended the fuel lines so that i can get to my filter easier since it clogges so often, i know i will have to replace the tank if it gets worse, but the filters are inexpensive compared to a new tank. i also replaced the accelerator pump, it had a small leak in the diaphram that caused some rough idle/performance,,,,,,,good luck,,,,,,,

 

I just put a question to the forum as I have the same problem!! I hope it is the fuel filter and i am going to go change it this weekend. ...maybe someone will respond to my question I just posted so take a look in there .....cjf.......................................... .

 

Almost certainly your fuel filter, what you describe is exactly what happens when they clog. The longer you leave it sit, the better it runs, but it stalls out after a bit of driving.

You should be replacing them at least once a year, they cost next to nothing and are fast and simple to replace (5 min job).

The two things you should always keep in your car are a spare fuel filter and spare alternator belt.

 

OR, you can run dual belts and never have worry about a broken or slipping belt ever again.

 

just bought my fuel filter for my gsl-se...not cheap!! I think 15.00 is a lot for one of those babies...It is a lot bigger than I thought too...well, now gotta go find out where this fuel filter is...I will let you know if it did the trick...cjf

 

Our 12A ones are like 2 bucks, which might have something to do with why they suck *** and need to be replaced constantly lol.

I've seen people running much bigger filters instead of the stock one, it's probably a good idea.

 

Cause you're fuel injected. Fuel injected cars run high pressure (50 PSI, give or take.) lines and need threaded fittings on the filter and a metal filter body. Our carbureted models run low pressure (10 PSI at max.) and have soft hose that fits on nipples, worm clamps or the cheap springy metal clamps, and plastic filters.

 

well, put my fuel filter on...did not work...still surges when out of gear .Something must be dirty somewhere.......I guess will have to check some other area......anyone have idea where I should try next...??thanks...cjf

 

In the subject What happened to my car? by cleanDenny mentions another possible cause and solution. Check it out.

 

thanks..will check it out ...cjf