Premium Guard fuel filters any good?

[SW1Canuck]

I was looking at these PF5501 fuel filters and was wondering if anybody had tested them? Or is the Baldwin BF9851 the only quality one out there now? It seems the NAPA and WIX are no longer available. It's for 1999 SW1.

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by SW1Canuck

I was looking at these PF5501 fuel filters and was wondering if anybody had tested them? Or is the Baldwin BF9851 the only quality one out there now? It seems the NAPA and WIX are no longer available. It's for 1999 SW1.

i don't think brand matters too much with fuel filters, the media in them isn't really the fanciest stuff regardless of which one you get. rockauto shows "fvp" as the only other option aside from baldwin, given the price difference i'd probably go with that one. it's not very hard to replace the fuel filter so if it does turn out to be crap you're at least not out much effort to put in another.

[Waiex191]

I think the important thing is the kwality of the built in fuel pressure regulator.

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by Waiex191

I think the important thing is the kwality of the built in fuel pressure regulator.

right, the returnless system integrates that into the fuel filter... i like the return-based system better, personally.

[fetchitfido]

Everyone with an S-Series likes the return system better. Last I knew the parts store wanted $25 for the "officially fits" filter for '91-'97's but there is a under $10 filter for a Ranger (don't remember if it's a 4cyl or 6cyl) that swaps on with little to no effort.

If WIX isn't making the filter for '98-'02 anymore you'll have to try your luck. Maybe invest in a fuel pressure gauge, off the top of my head it should be 45 psi +/-5 while the earlier ones were 40psi +/-5.

[SW1Canuck]

So the return style is the one with the extra inlet? The only variable is the media it's made of? I know they switched the fuel filter in 1998...did the previous years not have the extra inlet?

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by SW1Canuck

So the return style is the one with the extra inlet? The only variable is the media it's made of? I know they switched the fuel filter in 1998...did the previous years not have the extra inlet?

correct, the 1991-1997 cars use a return-based fuel system, there are two ports on the fuel rail instead of just one. the fuel filter is also mounted to the driver's side frame rail underneath the brake master cylinder rather than back by the fuel tank, and it only has an inlet and an outlet.

and yes, the only two variables of any consequence are the fuel pressure regulator built into the filter (probably not too likely to drastically vary in quality) and the media. i wouldn't worry about it too much, it is easy to swap the filter if for some reason you aren't satisfied but there's just not too much to go wrong. i've cut open a fuel filter before and it's just paper media, somewhat like a coffee filter but thicker/more rigid.

[fetchitfido]

It's not the filter media that goes wrong on the "not WIX" '98+ filters, it's the FPR. It's rather like Dex 3 vs Dex 6...lots of cars get away with using the "compatible" fluid but the S-Series gets very angry.

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

It's not the filter media that goes wrong on the "not WIX" '98+ filters, it's the FPR. It's rather like Dex 3 vs Dex 6...lots of cars get away with using the "compatible" fluid but the S-Series gets very angry.

i don't know what brand fuel filter i have on janus, but i'm almost positive it's not wix. it was the cheapest one on rockauto at the time. i installed it years ago and it's still going strong, no issues whatsoever to speak of.

[Sid]

I just put in a new fuel filter. I had a gas smell if I ran my car for more than 15-20 minutes or so. It was very noticeable when I parked it in our garage. I could not find a gas leak. I had the filter already, so I figured I'd put it in and it That fixed the gas smell. Disconnecting the two gas connections was a bit of a pain IMO. Much easier putting it back in though.

[SW1Canuck]

What brand of fuel filter did you install? Is it running good? Any mileage change?

[Sid]

Originally Posted by SW1Canuck

What brand of fuel filter did you install? Is it running good? Any mileage change?

It is a Baldwin from Rockauto.

[fetchitfido]

'91-'97 cars use a fuel filter. '98-'02 cars use a fuel filter + pressure regulator combo.

'97 and earlier can use whatever filter you can attach to the lines that flows the required amount of fuel. OEM style connectors not required if you're a bit innovative.

'98 and newer you have to use OEM quality filter (WIX was the proven aftermarket brand in the past) or you fairly often end up with pressure issues. If WIX isn't an option anymore then you may have to change the filter/regulator more often.

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by fetchitfido

If WIX isn't an option anymore then you may have to change the filter/regulator more often.

at least the combo filter/regulator units have gone down in price, i remember when it was $120 for a wix one! with that kind of price, i didn't think it was worth it for a fuel filter on janus.... i'm still running the same filter i put on 5 years ago, whatever brand it was, with no issues.

[SW1Canuck]

If anyone has done an OEM style filter change on a 98+ year saturn S-Series please let us know where you got it and the brand. We seem to need a WIX replacement going forward. Lots of false advertising/made in China X%5XZ# out there online!

[ultravioletnk]

Originally Posted by SW1Canuck

Lots of false advertising/made in China X%5XZ# out there online!

unfortunately, like most things these days, nearly all the available aftermarket parts on the market now are made in china. you can blame economic pressures and large companies preferring to outsource rather than support local economies for that. i seem to be in the minority here, but while i don't like that it's nearly impossible to find new replacement parts actually manufactured on the continent of north america, i haven't had any quality issues with most of the chinese parts. i've put "ultra-power" suspension parts on multiple of my cars, and i tend to buy the cheapest option for things like fuel filters, and i've had no issues. sensors and active engine management components like the iacv and egr, however, are a different story. with those oem seems to be the only worthwhile option.

[TomM96]

I just went though this issue again a couple weeks ago... to the tune of
two 6-hour search & procure missions......

See the summary of the discussion including OldNuc from a decade ago:

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=176979
o- 02-10-2012 #1 gosaturngo Default which napa fuel filter to buy???
FIL 3731, which is direct replacement for 98 sl2 but cost almost 80 bucks
or
FIL 3100, which is about 50. I saw a thread about using this one. Looking at the specs though the two filters have the same fitting sizes and all but ones a little bigger than the other by 5mm or so.

>>>> o- 02-10-2012, #2 OldNuc Use the FIL3731 only.

o- 02-10-2012 #3 ssewall Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 1,088
The 98+ S-Series has the fuel pressure regulator built in to the filter, which is why it's so expensive. The cheap ones are notorious for low FP issues, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Don't skimp on Fuel Filters for 98+ models.
o- 02-11-2012 magtec → if you like burned exhaust valves get the cheap filter.
o- 02-11-2012 #5 rbar Location: Tennessee
Why? It makes it run too lean?
I thought the oxy sensors would adjust the mixture for some variation there...perhaps it would be too much variation to handle?
o- Old 02-11-2012 #6 OldNuc
Yes, you just run out of fuel and that is the end of it. At higher RPM/road speed the O2 sensor is completely bypassed anyway.
…................................................. ....


:: Current listing :: PartsGeek – fuel filters April 2002

→ K&N Fuel Filter Part Number: 4904-02854089 Manufacturer Part Number: PF-2400 $22 0stock

→ Hastings Fuel Filter Part Number: 4904-05041681 $54.15 Out of Stock

→ Baldwin Fuel Filter Part Number: 4904-06085573 OE Number : 21009427 $60.33
Also: 'Pronto' & 'Premium Guard' filters listed, $36 , $26 ea
…................................................. ...

Erroneous Amazon listing/advice:

https://www.amazon.com/PF5501-2000-0.../dp/B001KR6I62
Premium Guard PG Fuel Filter PF5501 | Fits 2000-03 Chevrolet S10, 2000-03 GMC Sonoma,{2.2L}
1998-01 Saturn SW2, 1998-02 SC1, SC2, SL, SL1, SL2, 1998-99 SW1 $32.30

I SUSPECT/BELIEVE that the Wix 3100 (which serves V-6 GM)
probably has a pressure-following-response Too Slow to keep our
1.9 engines happy. There are several posts about cheaper filters
causing fuel starvation (burnt valves).
* *
Another Erroneous Amazon listing:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mahle+fue...r&i=automotive
Purolator F65501 Fuel Filter $34.95 Brand – Purolator Product Grade Performance Part
Manufacturer Part Number ‎F65501 ASIN B000C6OLF2

I later spoke to a supplier/importer/distributor, who confirmed that the
Purolator F65501 was comparable to the Wix 3100, not the required 3731
......................
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I strongly advise to buy from Rock Auto, the Baldwin/Hastings unit.
I believe that Hastings was acquired by Baldwin.

Soooo:
RockAuto
Fuel Filter HASTINGS / BALDWIN GF380 {#21009427, BF9851} $44-

.................................................. ...
.................................................. ...
I became weak... /sole supplier blues/
I investigated another source, which specializes in Chinese imports

But first, another listing to AVOID:

https://www.amazon.com/ECOGARD-XF655.../dp/B00I8J30ZM
ECOGARD XF65501 Premium Fuel Filter $40.47
Fits Chevrolet S10 2.2L 2000-2003 | GMC Sonoma 2.2L 2000-2003
REPLACES ACDELCO GF845, FRAM G9370, GM 12476276, 15036706, 15077584,
PUROLATOR F65501, WIX 33100
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Again, I suggest the Baldwin Hastings from Rock -- BF9851

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My optional/second source for gen3 fuel filter/regulator:

https://ipcglobalsolutions.com
IPC Global Solutions, headquartered in Taunton, MA is a leader in the private label filter business.
https://www.ecogard.com/oil-filter-l...earch-catalog/ for: 2000SL2...

Ecogard - Part Number: XF11668 Part Type: Fuel Filter
cost around $40. Were out-of-stock a couple weeks ago, but (friendly folks)
they were/are on order, should be available soon. I think Walmart and Amazon will carry them soon (sure Walmart, maybe Amazon).

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by SW1Canuck

I was looking at these PF5501 fuel filters and was wondering if anybody had tested them? Or is the Baldwin BF9851 the only quality one out there now? It seems the NAPA and WIX are no longer available. It's for 1999 SW1.

<looks at user name> Canadian, eh?

Have I got a deal for you - GK Industries Part number: GF1846.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=137296

Originally Posted by OldNuc

The GF1846 is the proper filter for the S-Series 98 and newer. As it is made in Canada it is cheaper than the WIX 33731 or the NAPA 3731 which is a WIX filter in a NAPA box. You are not paying the cost of dragging it across the border from the US and getting charged for all the border crossing duties.

Dunno what the prices are in Canada, but $25 shipped on eBay (no experience with the seller, just cheapest I found)

[TomM96]

Fine job (once again), Chaos!

The interchange listing suggests that GKI
may supply some other retailers (See * *):

http://gkindustries.com/ http://www.gkindustries.com/76/about-us
http://gkindustries.com/en/127/oil-filters http://gkindustries.com/en/133/synthetic-oil-filters
http://gkindustries.com/en/126/transmission-filters http://gkindustries.com/en/128/fuel-filters
http://gkindustries.com/en/132/bulletins
https://gki.mypartfinder.com/ FuelFilter GF1846 With OE adapter Micron Rating: 14
Inline primary fuel filter; inlet O.D. 0.38”; outlet O.D. 0.31”; Material-SS; with mounting bracket
INTERCHANGE
FF897DL........................................Aut ozone
61633931........................................Au toXtra
BF9851...........................................B aldwin
R86731...........................................C arquest Red
G6628............................................. Champ
023-3680-8.....................................Canadian Tire
GF380............................................F ederated
GF1846..........................................Fe derated * *
21009427.......................................Gen eralMotors
21008344.......................................Gen eralMotors
GF1846..........................................GK Industries * *
GF380............................................H astings
G6628............................................L uberfiner
GF1846..........................................NA PA ProSelect * *
22035061.......................................Omn iparts Automotive
73931............................................. PARTSMASTER
6-33931........................................Purez one
33731............................................W ix

* * *

I agree with Waiex191, and Fetch, that the FPR kwality is Kritical.
The filter media may also be important, however... our engines
constantly circulate fuel through the fuel pump. Thus better filtration
means Cleaner fuel, and less Wear on injectors and fuel pump.

I once bought filters partly based on price/convenience. Then, i did
an oil+filter change on a trusty old Chevy 350, which immediately
developed a notable 'rod knock'. A friend suggested that I swap in another filter for the newly-installed (Fram) cartridge. Problem Solved!
Fram is sold universally here on L.I., possibly because their headquarters is/(was?) in nearby Connecticut. That was about 40 years ago, but it
got my attention.

Among diesel drivers, much discussion of the fuel filter medium occurs.
I believe the concern is injector wear (much higher pressure, but that
fuel is also a much better lubricant) and FuelInjectionPump wear.
The GKI filter is rated '14 micron', which I think is respectable, although some guys like a 10micron rating. One source described the essential
difference between home heating fuel oil, and diesel fuel, is Refinement:
The diesel has mandated very Low sulfer, and very, very low particulates.
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[SW1Canuck]

TomM96...Thanks, for all the work on listing fuel filters for 98-99 Saturns. This is what I enjoy most about this forum!
I might give the 023-3680-8...Canadian Tire one a go. Again, much appreciated on your thoughtful response.