There are some auto consumables that although they are known to any driver, experienced or novice, may not be as easy to change as you first think. This is the case with filters. For example, changing the diesel filter can be a real nightmare. But the real problem starts with more or less expressive symptoms, which we present below. Also consider symptoms of bad fuel filter
what is it and what is it for
The diesel filter is fitted in the fuel system line, in order to filter and retain dirt particles and various residues. The entry of such particles and residues into the engine, or into the injectors, just to mention a few, will cause more or less serious damage, in the short, medium and long term. Therefore, it is extremely important not to go around with dirty or clogged filters.
Startup problems
The car won't start? It could very well be the clogged diesel filter. In most cases, the fuel cannot circulate, and if the fuel cannot circulate, there is no ignition inside the engine. Result, the car is not going anywhere.
Did you turn it on, the engine started but it went down immediately afterwards? Hiccup and/or slow to catch? So the fuel is able to circulate, but with difficulty. At the first signs of this type, it is recommended to seek a mechanic or a specialist workshop such as Euromaster. Solving this problem at an early stage is usually affordable and very quick.
Erratic rendering at lower speeds
Normally, at lower speeds, the fuel pump exerts less pressure on the circulating fuel, which is not strong enough to reach the engine evenly. On the other hand, at higher speeds, the pump pressure is higher and the car “behaves” better. So, if performance is noticeably different, and very poor at lower speeds, be suspicious of the fuel filter.
Go down while running
After driving for a few hours with a dirty or clogged filter, the car goes down, or even drives around, but with a loss of power that doesn't go unnoticed. The truth is that in many situations the culprit is the diesel filter.
dark smoke and smelling
Often dark, thick smoke with a strong odor coming out of the exhaust pipe is synonymous with combustion problems associated with an overly dirty or damaged fuel filter. If cleaning the filter does not solve anything, changing the diesel filter will be the only solution.
Very cold temperatures and climates
Diesel may not do particularly well with colder temperatures and climates, especially below minus 15ºC. In its composition, the presence of paraffins, which transform into wax crystals, “coagulate” the fuel and temporarily “clog” the filter, which is one of the explanations contemplated.
Mixing specific additives for specific situations can avoid this and other types of issues, such as breakdowns and serious damage to carburetors and injectors, problems with repairs that are often larger.
little tricks
• Avoid riding with a deposit on reserve or low on fuel. Debris tends to be heavier than fuel, usually settling at the bottom of the tank. Not to mention the rust that the deposit can gain and that inevitably joins the other harmful residues. • Only add good quality fuel. • Try to use fuel additives suitable for the current season. • Replace the diesel filter on time, as a general rule, every 2 years or every 20 thousand kilometers.