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Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy

Post Number: 346
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, 10 September, 2004 - 04:38:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

After changing my fuel filter yesterday (EFI car), I undertook my ritual to cut it open for a post-mortem. I do this with oil filters too: that's why I do not like spin-off filters even if they may possibly work better. For me, the spin-off filter is a pain because it always takes more time and makes mess to cut them open compared to simply inspecting a cartridge or element type.

After around 50,000 km on supposedly ultra-clean 98, now 100, octane unleaded since I last change the fuel filter, look at the filth! I expected it to be as clean as a whistle. It made my gloves black just to touch the element. Even after drying out, the pressure drop was noticeable using compressed air.

Time to change yours ? They do play hidey out of sight and are often forgotten.

My car makes the customary EFI-equipped SZ drone when the fuel tank is very low (there is a TSD6000 bulletin to fix this, but it's a hell of a lot of work. I just fill the tank when the low fuel lamp starts to wink.). I am hoping it may go away completely now as it ony came on gradually over the years and may be clogged-filter related.

I hope this is a useful change from pictures of empty beer cans !!

RT.

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Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy

Post Number: 347
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, 10 September, 2004 - 04:39:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

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David Gore
Moderator
Username: david_gore

Post Number: 302
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, 10 September, 2004 - 10:55:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Richard,

Have done this for many years with diesel engines and am always amazed at the amount of foreign matter that is present - usual source is from service station storage tanks and the fuel level therein. If the service station does not keep their tanks full and allows the level to drop; there is more chance of picking up sediment from the bottom of the tank and you can be certain the tanks are not "desludged" on a regular basis due to the difficulties of getting a decent suction hose into the tank.

Just goes to show filter change recommendations are based on real-world experience and not a desire by the supplier to sell more spare parts.
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William H. Trovinger II
Grand Master
Username: bill_trovinger

Post Number: 156
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Friday, 10 September, 2004 - 11:16:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Richard & David;

I guess you have shown further proof why we should never fuel our cars during or right after the station fills it's tanks. I was always told that the junk in the bottom of their tanks is stirred up and can take an hour or two to settle so I have tried to by-pass stations when I see the tanker truck at one.

Regards,
Bill
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Larry Halpert
Frequent User
Username: larry_halpert

Post Number: 14
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Sunday, 12 September, 2004 - 16:32:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Richard,

Where in TSD6000 is the bulletin about the fuel tank noise?

Do you mean the "Fuel PUMP noise reduction kit"?

Larry
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Robin Hickman
Experienced User
Username: rhickman

Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Monday, 13 September, 2004 - 08:04:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Note re fuel filters: When changing fuel filters, especially with the EFI cars, don't ignore the fuel filter that is located inside the fuel tank. If the external filter is full of *****, just imagine how much ***** is clogging the filter in the tank. From personal experience I know that ***** in the tank filter will stop the car.
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Mark Peacock
Frequent User
Username: takemehomejames

Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Monday, 13 September, 2004 - 22:17:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Richard ,
nice shot of the fuel filter. it's good to see the safety boots on mate !!
Just goes to show that maybe 50k is too long between pitstops.
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Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy

Post Number: 351
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Monday, 13 September, 2004 - 22:59:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Larry, you are correct.

It is actually TSD 4736 Product Support Information section K 014 Fuel Punp Noise Reduction Kit. My TSD 4736 is on the dame disc as the TSD6000 set.

I thought that the Japanese safety boots may have raised a few exebrows. I don't work in them!!

I figure I'll change the next fuel filter at 30,000km and see how dirty it is.

RT.

The following appeared on the RREC forum:

_____________________________________________

Posted on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 8:22 am:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Bosch filter is also fitted to many Ford EFi models (Granada, Sierra etc.) and the K-Jetronic XR3i Escort, so it is stocked in equivalent form by almost any good motor factors / parts outlet.

Whenever I am replacing this type of filter I use new banjo-joint washers, as the system pressure is significant and old washers do not always re-seal 100%. Some filter manufacturers include new washers in the box, others (including Bosch) do not, so they have to purchased separately.

Now, when did I last check that fire extinguisher !
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Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy

Post Number: 352
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Tuesday, 14 September, 2004 - 01:44:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Larry,

Just to clarify, the fuel pump noise, in my car at least, is related to the fuel level in the tank.

The noise is not just the pump, but the fuel tank resonating in response to the pump and making it all the more loud. I am hoping that perhaps the behaviour will improve with the new filter. The tank is still 1/3 full, so I have a way to go yet. Until now, at 1/4 full it suddenly starts to remind me audibly that fuel is required, and the low fuel warning lamp starts to blink at about the same time. Who needs a low fuel warning lamp if the noise persists ? Just the distant hum while waiting at the traffic lights sends you to a gas station immediately unless the CD is playing.
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Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy

Post Number: 371
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Saturday, 25 September, 2004 - 03:06:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I finally let the fuel tank go as low as I will risk it.

With a new filter (the same one is used on EFI Shadows and Spirits etc), the customary fuel tank & pump drone has completely gone.

At the lowest fuel level, with the fuel lamp always illuminated (what's that ? ask the passengers. Answer, a A$150 quick fix at the service station). there is still an occasional zzzzz noise waiting at the lights on an uphill road.

I am convinced that the zzzzz is just the fuel return from the pressure regulator when the fuel is squirting back above the fuel in the tank when low. With a fuller tank the return point is submerged. Probably, repositioning the return pipe lower or deeper into the tank to submerge it at all times would eliminate it completely, but seeing I always fill up at the hint of the fuel warning light I shall't bother. Maybe I'll do it one day if the tank needs attention.

Moral: a noisy fuel pump resonating with the tank may probably be cured by fitting a new fuel filter.

Larry,

what's the Bosch fuel pump part number ? Sounds too good to be true. A reconditioned exchange Pierberg pump costs around £100 plus tax in the UK.

RT.
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Larry Halpert
Frequent User
Username: larry_halpert

Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, 25 September, 2004 - 17:21:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Richard,

I didn't realize that I mentioned anything about fuel pump cost. In looking I was only able to come up with a cost of about $203 US on Drivewerks.com which is about £113, so your Pierberg price is lower. Is it as good quality as the Bosch? The Bosch I've seen online is new. Is that Pierberg new as well?

Also, the Bosch on that site is listed with their own part number. I don't know what the actual Bosch number is, but it would make it a lot easier to find.

There is a fuel pump advertised on Beare Essentials that I'm not sure is Bosch or not. I don't even know if his site is current.

http://www.beare-essentials.co.uk/SilverSpirit.htm#FUEL%20%20SYSTEM

I haven't noticed any standing still noises like you have. The only fuel pump noise I hear is a very slight metallic rattling if I am right at the side of the car where the pump is.
My only noises are the resonance/humming at certain speeds & turns that I've been completely stumped on solving for the past 2 years now.

Larry