Fuel filters

From: Ron Rader (rlr@bbt.com)
Date: Mon Apr 22 1996 - 17:16:50 EDT


>> Can anyone comment on the fact that the Dakota has no external fuel filter ?

>YES!!!!!!! Boy can I comment! This fine piece of engineering is called a
>"Fuel Module". [...]
>God knows what it does. The fuel module on my 94 SLT went
>out in the middle of a very busy highway.

  I'll be just as pissed as Paul if my '95's fuel module goes out,
but this issue isn't limited to the Dakota or Dodge by any extent.
All EFI vehicles seem to be going in the direction of integrated
fuel modules. After all, it's a lot easier and cheaper to manufacture
and assemble a nice modular pump/filter/sender/regulator/return unit,
rather than multiple systems.

  However, this sucks for the customer if any part of the module
fails (since we have to pay for the whole thing, regardless of
whether only one system fails). It also sucks for we DIYers, since
filter replacement presumably involves dropping & draining the
tank. Doable, but a pain.

  I think ChryCo would be exceedingly stupid for requiring module
change for simple filter replacement, and we should complain long
and loudly if this is the case. Anybody have their shop manual
handy?

  I'd also like to discuss our options for retrofitting a secondary
fuel filter between the tank and fuel rail. I'd feel much better
knowing that crud was twice as likely to be captured before hitting
my injectors. Haven't messed with FI much before; is there an aftermarket
filter suitable for high pressure fuel?

  Ron "PM" Rader
 



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