When to change the fuel filter?

[sl2gold]

I'm wondering how often it should be changed, my '99 has 60k on it now even though I've ckept up on the maintenance stuff, it seems to be slowly getting lees responsive. The clutch isn't slipping, I cleaned the t/b and injectors last Nov., new NGK plugs and wires in Jan. and oil changes roughly every 3k give or take. But I'm having to mash on the gas and wait for it hit 4k to get moving with traffic so I'm wondering if there's anything I missed like the fuel filter. I was told that the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel filter are the same thing, could that be the problem ? How often do you guys change yours? BTW could it be my exhaust leak ?

[eRic 02sc2]

check your Saturn Owner's Handbook -- my 92 SC and 96 SC2 fuel filters were replaced every 48, or 60,000 miles. my 2002 SC2 is 100,000 miles.

[edlee]

I changed my fuel filter after I had trouble starting my car unless I primed the fuel pump first. The problem happened after I used this gasoline additive called MotorSilk which uses fine boron particles which I suspect clogged the fuel filter. An independent tester whose results are posted on the company's site also noticed a reduction in fuel flow after using the product and had to replace the fuel filter. My 1999 SL1 had less than 35,000 miles on it at the time. I have had no trouble starting the car since I replaced the fuel filter/pressure regulator.

[adhsc2]

if its a 99 with 60k on the clock, change it up, just for good measure. then, change it again at about 125-150k.

[BarnOwl]

Actually in '98 the fuel pressure regulator was made part of the fuel filter and the manufacturer recommended change interval went to 100K. So, you have a ways to go.

[TXSaturn02]

Lots of responses, but no solution. Keep us posted on what you try and if it helps or not. My car has 85K and it is still on original everything except PCV, belt, battery (2), tires, plugs and wires (at 60K). Still runs like new, but it is 3 years newer so...........

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

[BarnOwl]

Originally Posted by TXSaturn02

Lots of responses, but no solution. Keep us posted on what you try and if it helps or not. My car has 85K and it is still on original everything except PCV, belt, battery (2), tires, plugs and wires (at 60K). Still runs like new, but it is 3 years newer so...........

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

Hmmm I thought I gave him the solution.

Originally Posted by BarnOwl

Actually in '98 the fuel pressure regulator was made part of the fuel filter and the manufacturer recommended change interval went to 100K. So, you have a ways to go.

To make it real clear. On a '99, go with Saturn's recommendation 100,000 miles.

[sl2gold]

Originally Posted by BarnOwl

Actually in '98 the fuel pressure regulator was made part of the fuel filter and the manufacturer recommended change interval went to 100K. So, you have a ways to go.

Sounds like I still have ways to go before replacing that then. But if I still can't get to the bottom of this mystery, I may have it looked at later. It's not a clogged cat, the guy at the muffler shop checked. The oil was just changed, maybe it's the EGR valve. I'll mayget to that next week.

To be continued.....

[TXSaturn02]

Originally Posted by BarnOwl

To make it real clear. On a '99, go with Saturn's recommendation 100,000 miles.

No offense Barnowl. You made that part clear, but as he said it doesn't resolve the problem he is having with the poor performance of his car - which is what I was getting at.

[AJT_Leo]

I say change the filter now. But then again, maybe he should wait and follow the factory timeline.


Now how's that for a solution.

[eRic 02sc2]

Originally Posted by TXSaturn02

Lots of responses, but no solution. .

reading the Saturn S-Series Owner's Handbook is a solution my 2002 maintenance schedule says replace the engine fuel filter at 100,000 miles. 1992 and 1996 had different mileages listed since they had the old style fuel filter that was separate from the fuel pressure regulator.

[bskicrash1]

I know you stated that you cleaned the injectors... but when I get those same symptoms on my saturn, I add a full bottle of fuel injector/carberator cleaner to a 1/4 tank of gas and then will run that tank to almost empty, add just enough gas to get it back to a 1/4 tank and run another bottle of fuel injector/carb cleaner through...

My symptoms go away after this.

I use the cheap 3 for $2.50 supertech brand available at walmart... i've also used the stp brand also, but with supertech I can get 3 for the same price as one bottle of stp.

Robert

[fetchitfido]

I changed my fuel filter at 116k miles. Dunno if it had been changed before, the one I put on looked a lot different then the one I took off.

Made about the same difference upgrading the ECTS did...none.

I bet if it had been clogged before I replaced it it would have made a difference but it wasn't and didn't.

[dcp]

I waited for 100,000 like the book says.Be ready to pay 100 dollars or more.It is $.That might make you wait like I did.

[alleninpa]

Originally Posted by sl2gold

I'm wondering how often it should be changed, my '99 has 60k on it now even though I've ckept up on the maintenance stuff, it seems to be slowly getting lees responsive. The clutch isn't slipping, I cleaned the t/b and injectors last Nov., new NGK plugs and wires in Jan. and oil changes roughly every 3k give or take. But I'm having to mash on the gas and wait for it hit 4k to get moving with traffic so I'm wondering if there's anything I missed like the fuel filter. I was told that the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel filter are the same thing, could that be the problem ? How often do you guys change yours? BTW could it be my exhaust leak ?

Did you replace the ECTS??????