fuel filter replacement.

[vzo25]

As i had no note in service history of filter being replacement.

I went ahead and replaced it on saturday. After using the forum to find out how to tackle it (not a hard job).

Anyways i noticed the old filter had no drain plug? Is that common thing as i read you shouldd drain every 10k i think and replace filter every 20k.

The new filter does have drain plug.

Plus im not sure if its trick of my mind or sun playing tricks on me. But car seems to run abit smoother.happy days

Edited 29 June, 2015 by vzo25

[hutchysrs50]

Im going to say it doesn't matter about the drain plug. On the older cars it used to get done but it's pretty unknown to drain them off now.

Some diesels don't even have a filter now.

[Thisday]

didn't even know you could drain them. Is it the plastic thing at the bottom? Any guides on how to do it?

[giandougl]

I found the taller diesel fuel filter has a plastic water drain plug, and doesn't sit well in the housing.(Fabia VRS MK1)

The shorter fuel filter does'nt have a water drain plug, and sits low in it's housing..

 

Both will fit, and have the same connections.

However if the taller fuel filter is used the plastic fuel filter insert that keeps the short fuel filter-in-place, needs to be pushed to the bottom of it's metal housing..

[Thisday]

Hmmm mines the one on the right and mine fit perfectly fine. It was an oem part though.

[bigcats30]

I read on here that the due to the drain plug being plastic.....over time if you use it to drain the crap it starts to leak as you can't do it up tight enough because its plastic.

 

So I went with the shorter one

[hutchysrs50]

Yep. Once the seal is broken it can be difficult to reseal.

I think it's because people really over tighten them to start with, they only need a light nip up.

[giandougl]

I change all 4 filters (including fuel filter) every year, being so cheap and easily replaced..so draining fuel filter never arises.

[hutchysrs50]

I'm the same, well almost.

I change the oil early most the time anyway with the pump out method, just if I'm doing a long journey or something a quick oil and filter change.

But at the proper service times they all get changed.

[vzo25]

I found the taller diesel fuel filter has a plastic water drain plug, and doesn't sit well in the housing.(Fabia VRS MK1)

The shorter fuel filter does'nt have a water drain plug, and sits low in it's housing..

Both will fit, and have the same connections.

However if the taller fuel filter is used the plastic fuel filter insert that keeps the short fuel filter-in-place, needs to be pushed to the bottom of it's metal housing..

As my post the shorter one was originally fitted. I had no idea how long it'd been on my car.

But as its such an easy part to remove and part of servicing. Easy diy job i thought id do it.

It still baffles me why more people dont do there own servicing.

Is it because the garage hasnt done it and stamped the book i wonder.

[pulse]

I booked mine in for a full service last time, but they only changed the oil and filter. So I changed the other filters myself and as you lot say, piece of p. Will deffo be doing it again myself in the future, although I may still get the garage/someone other than me, to change the oil and filter to save me and the drive getting covered in it.

[vzo25]

I booked mine in for a full service last time, but they only changed the oil and filter. So I changed the other filters myself and as you lot say, piece of p. Will deffo be doing it again myself in the future, although I may still get the garage/someone other than me, to change the oil and filter to save me and the drive getting covered in it.

Did they charge full price even tho they only did half a job??.

It wasnt kwikfit by chance....

[giandougl]

I should have added, there's no no need to bleed the fuel system after changing fuel filter, nor refill/prime the new filter with fuel,  just start the car and do a few blips on the throttle when running.

Change the 2 little rubber rings on the end of fuel input black connection feed unit..

[hutchysrs50]

I disagree I'm afraid

If you put an empty filter straight on the car and start it, it will more than likely cut out.

I always fill the filter with fresh diesel and a little fuel additive. You can use diagnostics to keep priming the fuel pump until you hear the note of the pump change. That or cycle the ignition on and off a few times.

[pulse]

Did they charge full price even tho they only did half a job??.

It wasnt kwikfit by chance....

No no only charged for the oil and filter, was a local vag specialist.

[SKYHAWK]

when u change fuel filter they are a pig to start

[Titanium_Man]

when u change fuel filter they are a pig to start

Really?! I went to my mates garage a couple of weeks ago and we serviced my car including the fuel filter, which had been emptied then refilled, and started first time.

[hutchysrs50]

Steves referring to the earlier post saying you don't need to refill them or anything.

I should have added, there's no need to bleed the fuel system after changing fuel filter, nor refill/prime the new filter with fuel, just start the car

[vzo25]

I disagree I'm afraid

If you put an empty filter straight on the car and start it, it will more than likely cut out.

I always fill the filter with fresh diesel and a little fuel additive. You can use diagnostics to keep priming the fuel pump until you hear the note of the pump change. That or cycle the ignition on and off a few times.

Agree with this. Only thing i didnt have at the time was forte cleaner and fresh diesel. So poured just a little out of old filter into new one making sure not to tip any of the sediment from bottom in

I cycled igntion 4or5times. Then started her up bout 30secs later she cut out.

I cranked her over again and shes running sweet.

[hutchysrs50]

Sounds about right.

I've put diesel from my old filters to my new ones but like you say, just tilted it slightly not getting any of the dirt out. My filters are changed far to often anyway!

We have spare diesel and engine cleaners in stock at the garage so it's never an issue really.

[vzo25]

Sounds about right.

I've put diesel from my old filters to my new ones but like you say, just tilted it slightly not getting any of the dirt out. My filters are changed far to often anyway!

We have spare diesel and engine cleaners in stock at the garage so it's never an issue really.

Which engine cleaner do you use?

[hutchysrs50]

Forte

[giandougl]

Don't fancy putting crap fuel into a new filter from an old fuel filter, not recommended.

As said, every year for the last 6 - 7years reconnect empty filter turn-on ignition you'll hear the (whoosh sound) with the rush of fuel priming filter.

Turn key start-up and give a few blips on throttle, job done.

A truly and tested method, speaking from hands-on experience, and not a third hand story..

No axe to grind, nor lead any member astray with false untested info..