How critical is a fuel filter?

[XH29N0G]

I don't see anything other than the hoses. 

[Ghoste]

You should add one then, an extra won't hurt anyway whereas not having one at all could.

[firefighter3931]

If you can't see the fuel, how do you know the fuel pump is working.

Come on....you're smarter than that     Ever see a fuel pressure guage 

Just because you see fuel in a see through filter doesn't mean that your fuel system is functioning properly.

You'll never find a cheap plastic filter on any of my vehicles.....well maybe a weed whacker but I don't drive that 



Ron

[68 RT]

Is it bad that I have been running just the stock vapor separator on my 440 for 15+ years with no other filter in the system other than the sock on the pick up in the tank like the factory did? 

All avs/afb from the factory use a brass filter screen on the carb inlet, this can be replaced with a paper filter if desired.

[HeavyFuel]

Is it bad that I have been running just the stock vapor separator on my 440 for 15+ years with no other filter in the system other than the sock on the pick up in the tank like the factory did? 

That's what I'm doing.   

[ACUDANUT]

If you can't see the fuel, how do you know the fuel pump is working.

Come on....you're smarter than that    Ever see a fuel pressure guage  

Just because you see fuel in a see through filter doesn't mean that your fuel system is functioning properly.

You'll never find a cheap plastic filter on any of my vehicles.....well maybe a weed whacker but I don't drive that  



Ron

Ron, I may be wrong. However, I do like the see through clear filters.  I don't have a fuel pressure gauge (like most here).  It is a quick and easy assessment to know weather your fuel pump is working or not.  The cheap metal ones only rust and you can't see the filter doing it's job.  
BTW, I don't think Wix products are junk.

[moparsr2fast]

  Around 15 years ago,  I was cruising down the highway to work one morning in my 69 Bee. Noticed the fuel gauge drop a full 1/8 tank before i pulled over to check it out. Popped the hood, and there was fuel all over the place, dripping off the hood and everything. She should have burnt to the ground, but fortunately did not catch. I was running a glass filter. Never again...

[ACUDANUT]

 Thanks for the info.  A fuel line can fail too, and do this. Also, I replace my filters ever year. They never get "old".

[moparsr2fast]

Thanks for the info.  A fuel line can fail too, and do this. Also, I replace my filters ever year. They never get "old".

Mine was less then a year old,but hey... they are cool to watch the fuel go thru. Besides, im gonna guess you are versed in pyro technics to some degree, and are comfortable with this setup reguardless. No prob..

[tan top]

glass fuel filters way too dangerous ,  ive always used the metal canister type &  have it low down , just  beside the mechanical pump , so if the connections leak  or minimal rubber hose splits & or seeps , the fuel is low down away from the top of the motor 

[flyinlow]

Plastic gas filters and rubber hose.... job security for Firemen.  Change yearly if you need to go that route.   

I assume if my car runs well and the fuel pressure gauge reads normal that fuel is getting where it needs to.

[ACUDANUT]

Plastic gas filters and rubber hose.... job security for Firemen.  Change yearly if you need to go that route.   

I assume if my car runs well and the fuel pressure gauge reads normal that fuel is getting where it needs to.

Show me a car that does not have a rubber fuel hose somewhere on the car.

[flyinlow]

Sure , there is a short section on the suction side of the pump and maybe a couple of 2" sections on either side of the filter. However 3 feet of discount rubber hoses ,plastic filters and an eight psi fuel pump running past painted headers which I have seen on some cars.   Good luck.