I removed my fuel pump last night to inspect the low pressure filter and am wondering about its condition - I don't really know what a bad one looks like.

It had the occasional black spec all over it, and held gas for a few moments while I removed it. The fuel pump looked brand new. Is a bad one just caked with crap? or could a decent looking one be bad?

thanks

 

One of my cars would die on hard left turns. The problem turned out to be the strainer/filter on the fuel pump itself. It looked clean. No black spots, no rust, no crub. When I took the pump out I noticed the filter held the fuel, and held the fuel, and held the fuel, and held the fuel....forever. Barely dripped out. Varnish is the word I think that fits. I put it in Acetone for the night and blew it out with an air hose. Reinstalled it. Never had the problem since. It probably would have been cheaper to buy a new one.

Answer: a clear varnish that you won't notice. If your is draining in a few moments, then I doubt you have a bad/dirty/varnised up one.

 

just ordered a new one from the dealership, $20 CDN, no big deal. thanks

 

I couldn't get mine to seperate from the pump.
The filter retaining screw was way too tight, so I just cleaned it with "carb cleaner".
Here is the write up

 

yeah the retaining clip (not a screw) was tricky, but it comes off by wedging a screwdriver in there.

 

I'll try that next time.

 

"fuel pump filter" versus 'fuel filter" are there both?

How often should they be changed?

 

there is a "sock" at the bottom of the fuel pump where it sucks up gas (in addition to the filter under driver's feet). It can get gunged up in time I guess. Real easy to replace, just put your cigarette out first. Don't know how often to change, but a good idea to check.