A fuel filter serves a vital function in any car as it screens dirt or any particles that may be clogged in any vehicle system.
For car owners checking or maintaining a fuel filter is vital and having a clogged fuel filter will lead to many problems like poor engine and poor performance which can cost a lot of money if not looked after.
Website ehow.com highlights signs and symptoms of a clogged fuel filter that car owners might be interested to read about.
Signs and symptoms
* No-start condition
If a fuel filter is totally blocked or clogged to the point of blocking fuel flow to a vehicle’s engine, the vehicle will not start. Fuel combined with air is what is ignited inside a vehicle’s engine to get it started.
* Hard-start condition
A partially blocked or clogged fuel filter will often result in a vehicle that is hard to start. Adequate fuel flow to a vehicle’s engine is needed to produce engine starting. A reduced or restricted fuel flow to a vehicle’s engine will hinder normal starting.
* Frequent engine stalling
For a vehicle’s engine to run efficiently and adequately, a constant flow of fuel needs to reach the engine. Any disruption of this fuel flow, which is what happens when a fuel filter is clogged, can cause an engine to frequently stall.
* Engine hesitation
Engine hesitation is a common symptom of a clogged fuel filter. By causing an abnormal fuel flow to a vehicle’s engine, a condition that results in abnormal engine combustion and reduced engine power, a clogged fuel filter can cause an engine to hesitate or stumble during acceleration.
* Erratic engine performance
A clogged fuel filter often results in erratic engine performance by causing an abnormal or alternating pattern of fuel flow into a vehicle’s engine.
Under heavy acceleration or at high engine speeds, fuel pressure may be sufficient to allow adequate fuel flow past a partially clogged filter, which results inadequate engine performance. When engine speed is reduced, fuel flow may be restricted to the point of causing reduced engine power and performance
