Fuel tank filter, sender, and pump: location, problems, replacement

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.

Re: Where the hell is the fuel filter ??

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.....

Re: Where the hell is the fuel filter ??

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

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

Re: Where the hell is the fuel filter ??

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

Re: Where the hell is the fuel filter ??

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.

jesbecause said:

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

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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.

Fuel filter 2

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

jesbecause said:

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

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

Fuel Filter

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.

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.

Changing Fuel Filter...

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 !

NV_05_AWD said:

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

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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 ?...

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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

ramblerdan said:

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.

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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.
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.