Hey guys,
WHERE THE HELL IS THE FUEL FILTER?? I just looked ( in the dark mind you ) for like 20 minutes but couldn't find it. Please let me know. I'll post results if this thing works.

Thanx
Chap

I heard that there was a filter inside the fuel tank, but I also heard that there is no actual fuel filter...supposedly there is a fuel strainer located inside the fuel tank. Usually an inline fuel filter is between the fuel tank and the engine.

CHAPDS,

Hope this helps http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2003&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD+SIDE+SRS&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=FUEL+TANK

It looks as though it is part of the fuel pump.

V/R,
Nick

I was going to ask the same question until i found your post. where is the fuel filter and how do we change it? it pretty mysterious. every car i ve ever had was equipped with an inline filter that you changed occasionally. the elements filter is on the fuel pump which is under the rear seats, under the floor mat, under a plate you must remove , hardly would seem easy to clean or change. maybe we should ask the girl who recently turned 100k miles on hers if she ever had to deal with it. looks like people on this site would be more concerned with fuel filtering? anyway this didnt answer anything but i wont ask the same question you already asked. this is really an old post so nobody will probably read it.....

The fuel filter is integrated into the fuel pump as stated earlier in this thread, which squashes the magic magnet application.:rolleyes:

It does appear to be a little involved to replace it, certainly not as easy as an in-line filter, but doable.

I believe there was a post on "Interiors" or "Do-It-Yourself-Mods"...an owner was installing DynaMat for sound insulation. One of the pictures he provided to show his progress clearly showed the floor panel, which is necessary to remove to access the fuel pump and screen/filter. Good luck. :cool:

I believe there was a post on "Interiors" or "Do-It-Yourself-Mods"...an owner was installing DynaMat for sound insulation. One of the pictures he provided to show his progress clearly showed the floor panel, which is necessary to remove to access the fuel pump and screen/filter. Good luck. :cool:


Here ya go . . . rear floor can be removed in about a 1/2 hour. :)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a246/box4rox/Box4Rox34.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a246/box4rox/Box4Rox35.jpg

ok we know where it is and how to get to it . now what do we do? clean it occasionly, or is it ok, i dont see it anywhere on the maintenence schedule. if it aint broke dont fixit...

. . . if it aint broke dont fixit....

I think I agree (so far . . . . ) I'm at 95K and no problems . . . I did plugs at 80K and asked about the fuel filter and the dealer said leave it.

Looks sort of complicated - :?

Item 1 is identified as "Filter Set, Fuel"

Item 13 is identified as "Filter, Fuel Pump" (looks like there are 2 of those ?)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a246/box4rox/Other_E/fuelsystem.gif

Honda service guidelines call for a "fuel system inspection" every 20K, beginning at 20K. I would think that should include the fuel filter as well. Dirty fuel, dirty oil and dirty intake air are the biggest killers to long life for your car. Just my $.02 :cool:

I doubt that the fuel filter is included in the inspection unless there is a fuel system fault. Honda and Toyota (among others) have used this type of filter in many of their cars. They are oversized compared to the standard in line type filters and seem to do a good job.

I suppose if you have a severe contamination issue (water, high sulpher content fuel or dirt for example) it might be more of a hassle than the other system but I have not seen any reports of problems under normal conditions.

Just wondering , where exactly is the fuel filter ? Is it in the gas tank , where no service is required or is it a servicable item ? I have heard you should change this , as when the gasoline suppliers change from summer to winter formula or every 6 months ?

Thanks ,

RUBY NYC

Just wondering , where exactly is the fuel filter ? Is it in the gas tank , where no service is required or is it a servicable item ? I have heard you should change this , as when the gasoline suppliers change from summer to winter formula or every 6 months ?

Thanks ,

RUBY NYC


The filter is part of the fuel pump assy in the tank.


Thats a new one to me....gas companies changing fuel shouldnt have any effect on the filter.

Ok , but is it servicable ? Do you change them at the dealership with frequency or never had ? Can you post a pic of the assembly ? Or do you have to change the whole pump assembly ?

Thanks lizzard for the reply
Please excuse me for the winter/summer formula thing
Been home last 2 days on super duper meds from doc , I always thought that the formulas did something to the filter ?

RUBY NYC

Ok , but is it servicable ? Do you change them at the dealership with frequency or never had ? Can you post a pic of the assembly ? Or do you have to change the whole pump assembly ?

Thanks lizzard for the reply
Please excuse me for the winter/summer formula thing
Been home last 2 days on super duper meds from doc , I always thought that the formulas did something to the filter ?

RUBY NYC


I have never seen one changed on an E.They dont have a service interval like the old external filters had.

Hearing the fact that the Element fuel filter is located in the fuel tank, Honda goes as the others have already gone. In the not too distant future, only dealers will have access to the engine compartment, and the do-it-yourselfer will have to pay "the man".

Modern fuel-injected cars commonly have in-tank fuel pumps and filters. In the Element, the access port on top of the fuel tank is particularly easy to access—from inside the vehicle. Assuming you have a service manual, it should take mere minutes to get at the filter.

If anyone does the filter change please, please please take pics !!!!!!!!!

Or maybe someone can photo the Service manual !:shock::shock::shock:

I bought a fuel line kit from summit and bulk head fitting for my access port in the tank.
I used the stock feed line as a return. Elements have a jet pump in the tank ( it's like a little siphon thingy on the bottom of the bucket that houses the fuel pump), make sure your return flows through it.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h290/caseycoull/IMG_4682.jpg
the blue and red line is the feed
you can see the old in-tank filter/ regulator assembly laying on the ground beneath my wrist.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h290/caseycoull/IMG_4684.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h290/caseycoull/IMG_4685.jpg

by the way I also installed the ingalls torque damper. It's noisey ( i might have it adjusted wrong), but it does it's job. the engine stays put.

I wouldn't expect that you would have to change the tank filter unless the vehicle was sitting for a while and the old gas varnished.

On my prelude the filter 'sock' was made of metal and was like a strainer. Remember to relieve the fuel system pressure before attempting any repairs and don't attempt to provide juice to the pump without pressure... The prelude also had a compartment filter in addition to the tank strainer.

So why within the last 6 or 8 years, Auto manufacturers have gone to the " You don't change the fuel filter bit ?... I'll bet it's one of the first things "they do" when they get a trade in and want to "CERTIFY" it ! Comments anyone !

Thanks for the pics and links guys...

So, is that access hole is in the spare well ?

So why within the last 6 or 8 years, Auto manufacturers have gone to the - You don't have to change the fuel filter bit ?... I'll bet it's one of the first things "they do" when they get a trade in and want to "CERTIFY" it ! Comments anyone !

So, is that access hole is in the spare well ?



I think it is under the driver's seat.

Maybe shoot off a PM to the member who took the pics to be sure.

So why within the last 6 or 8 years, Auto manufacturers have gone to the - You don't have to change the fuel filter bit ?...

I'm thinking it has something to do with the plastic fuel tanks they've been using. Most of the junk I've seen in old fuel filters seems to come from the vehicle tank. I'm sure gas station are to blame in part, but all of the "fuel troubles" I've had in the past 10 years have been related to the crappy old metal tank in the vehicle, not the fuel I purchased. (Old motersycicles & cars & trucks can be a pita like that)

I don't think they bother to change it on certified or other resales anyway.:wink:

Will

The SOP I just bought has 120K miles on it. Any reason I need to change out or clean the fuel filter? It drives just fine.

It drives just fine.

not that I can think of.

Maybe if you've got the floor taken out for some reason you might wanna do it...but I'd leave it alone if all is working well.

Will

not that I can think of.

Maybe if you've got the floor taken out for some reason you might wanna do it...but I'd leave it alone if all is working well.

Will

I'm just thinking that with all the sand and crud in the back end, might there be a bunch of gunk that's worked its way under the plastic flooring?

* watched too many episodes of Monk *

externally accessable fuel filter (it is in the tank)
The in-tank filter and fuel-level sender are super easy to access from inside the car. Honda done good.

http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/eoc/gas_tank_access.gif

Modern fuel-injected cars commonly have in-tank fuel pumps and filters. In the Element, the access port on top of the fuel tank is particularly easy to access—from inside the vehicle. Assuming you have a service manual, it should take mere minutes to get at the filter.

I am thinking to replace the filter, and I thought it is going to take me hours to get the filter: buy special tool(manual states you need special tool), pull off the plastic, and put back on.
Can you or anyone advise how to get it done quickly. I didn't see any thread showing step by step.
I hope some member here could use some words or pictures to show the procedures
Thanks.

I know the location, but repair manual states you need one special tool for that. tedious things will be pulling the plastic. I don't understand Honda makes easy for us to change like Civic. The element is so spacious, why the engineer cannot make simple. Probably they design this so that we have to visit dealer or mech shop. :D
I remember I did change fuel filter for mustang. that filter is located underneath, and you need a unlock tool to disconnect the fuel like because cable is snap on. It took me more than an hour to find out how to diconnect. not simple at all.

I know the location, but repair manual states you need one special tool for that....

Prolly just a funky "spanner" style wrench to loosen the retaining ring. I made one for my Saab. A piece of scrap 3/16x3/4" flat stock, maybe 10" long, bent to look like a wide staple.

http://http://www.etoolcart.com/ProductImages/specialty/OTC7998-s.gif
This is typical Chrysler, and looks similar to what I fabed up.

The Element is prolly different, but similar.

I guess the only way to make customized tool is when you actully see the whole filter unit. I think I will wait until I feel I really have to change the fuel filter.

I think I will wait until I feel I really have to change the fuel filter.

Good call. Chances are, by the time you need to do it, someone here will have already done it, taken pics, figured out the "specialness" of the tool, and done all the hard thinkin' for ya, and written up some detailed instructions. :wink:

To answer the "why have manufacturers gone to no filter" question.
I think it has something to do with the returnless fuel system. Fuel doesn't constantly get circulated, less wear on lines/the tank, together with the tank being plastic, no debris should ever really get into the fuel system to start with.

Good call. Chances are, by the time you need to do it, someone here will have already done it, taken pics, figured out the "specialness" of the tool, and done all the hard thinkin' for ya, and written up some detailed instructions. :wink:

yes, I will take notes and pictures if by then still no one here did this.:D

I dont think the filter is replaceable, it is integrated in to the pump assembly, retail is around 250.00.

I dont think the filter is replaceable, it is integrated in to the pump assembly, retail is around 250.00.

I haven't taken an Element pump assembly apart yet, but...

Many times the origional "assembly" can be reused, with an aftermarket replacement pump kit, which usually includes new strainer/filter.

The whole thing looks like a big plastic mason jar, with a twist off lid. Attached to the lid is a small metal pump. Pumps usually run about $100. The filter is more like a strainer, and can be cleaned and reused if necessary.

These pics are from a Saab (like mine), but are typical of many fuel pump canisters:

http://www.rbmperformance.com/rbm_images/produits/10.22785.jpg
Scarey lookin', ain't it?


http://www.2carpros.com/how_does_it_work/images/electric_fuel_pump.jpg
This is a typical "pump" that goes inside the canister assembly.

The job usually is not very difficult, but looks daunting because of access to the pump/filter inside the fuel tank.

The worst part is usually getting to the canister, in the Element's case it looks "reasonable." Some vehicles require dropping the tank down to the ground and removing the pump from the top. (I cut a hole in Saab floor to avoid lowering a fuel (non siphonable) tank.)

I looked the kragen website, and it looks like they have replacement for the whole kit.

I looked the kragen website, and it looks like they have replacement for the whole kit.

Some of the whole "canisters" are more complicated than others, some are more "popular."

I'm sure if the E's kit is not to complicated and used in some other Honda products, it is cost effective enough to just offer the whole thing as an assembly.

The scarey lookin' Saab thing ain't to popular, thus the $550+ assembly price.

Some of the whole "canisters" are more complicated than others, some are more "popular."

I'm sure if the E's kit is not to complicated and used in some other Honda products, it is cost effective enough to just offer the whole thing as an assembly.

The scarey lookin' Saab thing ain't to popular, thus the $550+ assembly price.

So by my personal opinion after viewing so many threads, I think we are not supposed to change fuel filter unless it is really necessary.
By the way, I don't mean this is conclusion for this topic. :D

we have a '06, a/t, with 75 K miles. can you change the fuel filter, should you and how? thanks for the input

Welcome, Dwh. Please fill in your profile.

You have to remove the floor covering, not a huge deal, just many small steps. Best to buy a service manual (http://www.helminc.com/helm/result.asp?Style=helm&mscsid=XH17U7D4DV0W9JARKEFL2M57XKM1FTNA).

There wa sa thread made about this a couple weeks ago. It pretty much ended with the consensus that it doesn't need to be changed. People with more miles than the OP were posting in it. Honda didn't make the filter accessible to the point where it should be considered a normal maintenance item. Why not just put it in the engine bay like a billion other cars? No idea. :confused:

Most cars have a filter (or screen) in the tank and another in the engine compartment.

Two pumps?? I have never heard of that. I have heard of two filters but not two pumps. Is it possible to give an example?
Thanks:D

IIRC the Volvo 200 series has two pumps. But the point was supposed to be about filters, so I amended my post above.

thanks for your help

Not to get this thread too far off track, but my '88 VW GTI 16 valve has a pump with a screen in the tank and another pump with a filter under the car.

Is it possible that I don't have to change the fuel filter on my 2006 element?


I had a mechanic tell me there isn't a changeable fuel filter on my 2006 Element. I haven't had a chance to roll under it and see for myself. However, I'm having trouble finding info and parts on-line.

There is a nylon screen on the bottom of the fuel pump tank unit. No recommended service interval - replace it if it's restricted. The fuel pump would have to be removed from the gas tank if you are interested in replacing this screen.

If it's any consolation, I still have the OEM screen on my '03 with 180K miles on it. Not an item that I worry about. Ever.

does the 2006 element EX have a fuel filter? can't seem to find it online.

Welcome!

click here (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62871)for same (but different) question.

(search is yer friend)

Has anyone had to replace a fuel pump? If so what was the mileage on your E when it was replaced?

Holly Cow.

I don't remember the last time I changed a fuel pump, and I don't believe I have changed one in a car less than 10 YO. They usually fail due dirt, defective fuel, or running on air. Those little things are way reliable.

Thanks for the info. I have searched this site and couldn't find anyone who had changed one, so that's a good sign.

Threads merged again. Search term "pump" (in titles (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/search.php)) returns this thread.