I finally had enough time this weekend to get around to changing the fuel filter on the TII I just picked up. I bought the proper replacement filter, but when I got the car up on the lift I found out that the previous owner had replaced the filter with one of the cheap plastic filters. At $25 per filter I can see why they took the cheap way out...

I was a bit shocked when I saw the cheapo under there and had visions of a buster filter with gas spraying all over the engine, but luckily that didn't happen and the proper filter is now in place. So, aside from it not being a good idea, could running the car for a few weeks with the small filter installed cause any problems I should be looking for?

Thanks.

(BTW, he also threw away the filter clamp that holds it in place so if anyone has one they'd like to sell please PM me.)

 

No problem! Glad you put the correct one on though.
Maybe one of the guys will come through with a clamp. I must have one at home, but finding it is a different ballgame.

 

Other than the danger of it bursting ans spraying fuel all over your hot engine, I don't see a problem with using a clear filter. Those are designed for low pressure fuel systems, not fuel injected.

I have a spare clamp, but I'm in the process of moving. It might be packed, but if it's not, I'll PM you.

 

i opened 1 of my old filters up , that are an OE replacement and the filter had totally opened up.

 

The only draw back I can think of by using a different type of filter is that the other filter might restrict the flow rate (gallons per minute) reaching the fuel rail.

What are you saying? You opened it with a can opener or did you open it by bursting it open with fuel pressure?