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In principle, any combustion engine could run without filters, but not for long. The air constantly carries dust, and engine oil is contaminated every second by wear particles from moving parts. Together with gasoline, dust, rust, water, and other unwanted elements enter the engine cylinders. This is why every internal combustion engine relies on oil, air, and fuel filters.
Counterfeits are increasingly common in the auto parts market, and filters are among the most frequently faked items.
On older vehicles, the fuel filter was located outside the tank, making replacement straightforward. It is typically enough to disconnect two quick release fittings.
…or ruin the engine?
The principle behind all filters is simple: they act as sieves that trap foreign particles.
Yet the initial requirements are in tension. It is impossible to capture every impurity instantly without creating resistance to the desired flow of air, oil, or fuel.
Only a perfect barrier would retain dirt completely, but the absence of a filter would remove resistance entirely.
To prevent damage to fuel lines, hold the filter housing when unscrewing the threaded fitting. Open end wrenches sized 17 and 19 millimeters are commonly used.
Filters represent a compromise and cannot last forever. They must be replaced periodically, and not every manufacturer produces high quality units. It may be surprising that some filters that look reliable on the outside conceal inferior fillings.
At the same time, a high resistance air filter can choke the engine from the start, and an oil filter with a faulty bypass valve can pass unfiltered oil into the system.
In modern vehicles, the fuel filter is integrated into the fuel tank assembly as part of the fuel module.
Replacing this filter requires dismantling the fuel module and removing the fuel pump.
What to choose?
The threaded fuel filter that was installed on early injection-equipped vehicles is still easy to replace.
Finding a worthy filter seems simple at first: choose a well-known brand.
However, sanctions have displaced some major suppliers from the market, replaced by manufacturers offering products of uncertain origin and quality.
From the outside, many of these items may look respectable, but the engine will quickly reveal flaws in their internal composition.
One practical approach is to consider domestic filter manufacturers. Their products tend to be less adulterated and their technical specifications hold up well against foreign brands.
For those who remain unsure about the suitability of a domestic option, increasing replacement frequency is a sensible precaution. It is a matter of peace of mind.