Changing a Carburetor Fuel Filter

*MEDIUM*

Fuel filters on carburetor-equipped engines are fairly simple to change because they are easy to access. If your engine has a carburetor mounted fuel filter, change it according to the following procedure:

  1. Park the vehicle on level ground in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). If the engine has been run recently, let it cool. Raise the hood.
  2. Remove the air cleaner housing from the top of the carburetor. Identify the location of the fuel filter using your owner's manual. The fuel filter is located behind the metal fuel line attached to the carburetor body.
  3. Put a small metal container or rag under the fuel line connection to catch gasoline when the filter is changed.
  4. Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the fuel line compression nut. The nut will be narrow but wide; it is farthest away from the carburetor. The flare nut wrench will grab the nut across more than two sides to prevent it from being stripped. Loosen the compression nut in a counterclockwise direction and disconnect the fuel line.
  5. Use an open-end wrench to loosen the nut on the fuel filter fitting. Gently remove the fitting from the carburetor body. Do not lose the gasket. The paper filter element should pop out under spring pressure.
  6. Keep the spring in place inside the carburetor body. Put the replacement fuel filter inside the fuel filter fitting. Be certain the filter meets the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
  7. Screw the fitting into the carburetor body while keeping the gasket in place. Tighten the fuel filter nut firmly.
  8. Connect the metal fuel line to open end of fuel filter fitting. Secure it with the compression nut by tightening the nut in a clockwise direction. Use the flare nut wrench to avoid stripping the sides of the compression nut.
  9. Start the engine and look for leaks at both ends of the fuel filter fitting. Tighten the connections as appropriate.

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