Plugged Fuel Filter.

Blew into it with what? So far, this test sounds quite dubious.

well he put his lips on one end and blew, while holding his hand over the other end to feel if any air come through.

========= Harryface =========

~_~_~_~_U.S.A._~_~_~_~_~_

~~~The Former Fleet ~~~

I've never known anyone to try this. Given that your fuel system operates at about 35 psi or so and the filter is likely saturated with fuel, this doesn't seem like a meaningful test. Maybe your goodwrench knows something I don't. It's happened before. I still have my doubts, though.

It could have been partially plugged. If you blow though a filter there won't be any restriction. If it takes a little pressure to make the air flow it is starting to plug. Didn't quite understand you original post. Are you saying you had used the filter for 31,000 miles?

Normally you won't notice a plugged filter until it begins to hesitate when you floor it. Then it suddenly won't run at all.

I suppose dropping the tank could dislodge stuff that was already there.

Using a partially plugged filter requires the pump work hard and is hard on it. Good idea to change the filter often. A lot cheaper than replacing the pump.

Yes the filter had 31,000 miles on it. It was replaced in April of 03 when the fuel pump was replaced.

========= Harryface =========

~_~_~_~_U.S.A._~_~_~_~_~_

~~~The Former Fleet ~~~

Then I would say it is most likely a good time to replace it. - That is a lot of driving in one year. Who knows how much dust etc you picked up from the gasoline. Maybe about 1500 gallons went through that filter.

Some recommend changing every 10,000 miles. I go for about 25,000. Cheap insurance against fuel pump failure.