In Tank fuel filter

[Christobal65]

How difficult is it to replace? I have a pretty good idea that its pretty clogged based on the fact that when i get below a 1/4 tank of gas the Exploder seems to run much rougher and have less power. As soon as I fill it up the idle smooths out and the power returns. If theres any other ideas as to why it could be acting like that im open to suggestions.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you replace the external filter?

 

[gsmaclean]

It is quite difficult to get to - you have to either drop the fuel tank from below, or cut a hole in the floor above and go in that way. changing the external fuel filter (it's tucked up inside the left frame rail, under the driver's door) is much easier, and they're cheap. I'd recommend doing that one first to see if it makes a difference before opening your tank up.

 

[Christobal65]

It is quite difficult to get to - you have to either drop the fuel tank from below, or cut a hole in the floor above and go in that way. changing the external fuel filter (it's tucked up inside the left frame rail, under the driver's door) is much easier, and they're cheap. I'd recommend doing that one first to see if it makes a difference before opening your tank up.

I'll go for the external filter first, i was really hoping there was a little trap door in the hatch area. I know the external wont hurt, but i cant imagine that it is the cause of the little issue i'm having.

 

[javey]

Well with the system you are set up with, it isn't really a good thing to run them on less than 1/2 tank of gas. That can cause problems with the system.

 

[Christobal65]

Well with the system you are set up with, it isn't really a good thing to run them on less than 1/2 tank of gas. That can cause problems with the system.

Ummm what?

 

[mikeinri]

I almost always run my truck to within a gallon or two of empty. 275,000 miles later, no problems at all.

Your fuel pump may also be on the fritz, or you may some sort of leak on something in the tank that allows air in when you get too low. The latter is probably unlikely.

Do a search here for ideas on how to cut an access hole to get to the tank without dropping it.

Mike

 

[Maniak]

It is true, running your tank low on fuel is not good the the fuel pump. The fuel is actually what cools the fuel pump. If you consistantly run your tank down then you are making the pump run hotter which in turn makes it die faster.

Running it out of fuel is really really bad on it.. it can overheat fast.

~Mark

 

[DeRocha]

It is true, running your tank low on fuel is not good the the fuel pump. The fuel is actually what cools the fuel pump. If you consistantly run your tank down then you are making the pump run hotter which in turn makes it die faster.

Running it out of fuel is really really bad on it.. it can overheat fast.

~Mark

100% correct

 

[Christobal65]

Yes the Fuel cooling the pump is pretty normal, and running the car out of gas is always bad. But saying that i should never drive on less then half a tank of gas is just silly.

Now saying that you shouldn't drive till your low fuel light comes on (assuming the car has one) is entirely another thing, and its something that i have never done. Every car I own or drive on a regular basis gets a full tank of gas at around a 1/4 tank remaining unless I'm in an area that has significantly cheaper gas then where i would normally buy at.

 

[Maniak]

Yes the Fuel cooling the pump is pretty normal, and running the car out of gas is always bad. But saying that i should never drive on less then half a tank of gas is just silly.

I believe I've actually heard that said from AAA also. The gist of the article I read was that you should try to keep 1/2 tank in your vehicle at all times. That way if there is an emergency or you get busy you won't run out of fuel.

That was a long time ago when I read the article so I'm not 100% sure it was AAA.

~Mark