MIK3

iTrader: (12)

I realize Professor did this a couple years ago, but I took it one step further.

Replaced my filter today and tore up the old one. Here's the aftermath. Wish I had a new one to see just how dirty it gets. This is with at least 78k miles on it. I'm thinking it's the stock one because replacements are white, and my old one was the same as color as the filter housing.

First, off with the top:


Pulled right out, man I hate this color for any filter...


Just one more cut to see it expanded:

MIK3

iTrader: (12)

Expanded:


"Clean" side:


"Lifetime" side:



For those who are convinced this filter doesn't need changing, please consider these pictures. I cringe every time I see cardboard filters - but I suppose this is all we have to work with. I think the majority agree that this filter should be changed at least ever 50k or so. It was a 30 minute job taking my time and is relatively easy to do.

I have noticed, like many, that my idle is smoother (compared to when you first change your oil). I've also taken it for two short trips and it seems that my hesitation has disappeared. All in all, a great $25 (filter + o-ring) spent!

SHIFT_maxMD

iTrader: (3)

interesting!

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Damn that looks pretty dirty wonder how others look with a 125k plus on them....

L36

iTrader: (4)

That's really dirty! My car has 125K miles on it, i might do this little project once my summer classes end.

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you think that not enough gas is getting through the filter at idle (so much so that you get a rough idle?) then how is it getting anywhere close to enough gas when you are at speed? I don't believe our fuel pump is variable volume, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, the correct way to actually test for enough fuel deliver is put a fuel hose into a gallon bottle and turn on the fuel pump. Clock in seconds how long it takes to give you an amount to a specific line on the bottle. Nissan has the specs for what that should be, I can't remember but I think it is in liters per 30-second intervals.

Put in the new fuel pump or filter, do it again. I doubt you will see any difference, but if you do, now you can quantify it.

Even filters that look dirty may have 80% of their useful life left, it is hard to tell with gas.

QT1 5MT AE

iTrader: (6)

where do you get the filters from? courtesy parts doesnt even list the filter as an item you can buy

http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...1973_1978.html

MrAlcoholic87

well damn...im at 178k on mine lol...guess ill go ahead n knock that out 2mar

infiniti medic

Ah holy bat guano. Alrighty then. This is on my list of to dos.

MIK3

iTrader: (12)

00-01 Fuel Filter
02-03 Fuel Filter

O-ring

Just take both of these prices (or cheaper ones if you can find it) and ask your local Nissan dealer to match the prices so that you can save on shipping.

Unclejunebug

Yeah, "lifetime" my ars! I've been meaning to do this myself. The filter and O-ring have been sitting in my garage for a few months now. Maybe I'll tackle it this weekend along with my rear brakes.

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

Fascinating stuff, MIK3!

So now that you've dissected a MAF sensor, and a Fuel Strainer... what's next?

bgsl1ck

iTrader: (3)

I think I need to do this my 2000 has 258,xxx and 2002 has 217,xxx can someone take pictures step by step next time they do this please.

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

You're kidding, right? Fuel strainer write-ups are pretty common.

Doesn't anybody actually search for things anymore? Wait... OMG, I'm turning into SoonerFan.

Here's the best one: http://www.shiftice.com/fuel_filter.html

QT1 5MT AE

iTrader: (6)

I think this fuel filter swap is a little over-rated. I have 94k on my stock 01. car runs like brand new and I even get over 30 mpg highway.

MIK3

iTrader: (12)

Haha, that's the first thing I thought of when I took apart the filter. I actually just found my additional thermistors (in case the first attempt failed).

I love taking things apart, hopefully I will be able to explore tons more before I get rid of her...not that I plan to anytime soon.

Edit: Add the stock Blose system as well to get to that ribbon to fix the cut-out. That was a fun 4 and a half hour project...

Eirik

iTrader: (2)

I replaced my fuel filter at ~120K miles. Between 120 and 133K miles, I gained 0 MPG, the idle was smooth before and didn't change afterwards, annnnd the butt dyno registered a 0.0% change.

I tried dumping out what I could of the original strainer assembly, and not very much sandy stuff came out... Unlike the EVAP canister, which was loaded with nasty from the previous owner's obsession with topping off the tank.

From what I know, the vehicles that suck the fuel from the bottom of the tank (GM...) versus the top would need this performed regularly and wouldn't offer "lifetime" protection. There was no reason for me to spend the ~$25 to change the filter, so I'm going to go with Nissan and agree that it's a lifetime filter.

huzzaj

what made u want to do this?

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

PrinceOfPal

I am actually getting 20mpg on the highway with my 01 maxima. I was told to change the fuel filter. I will give it a go today and I'll see if it makes any difference. I'll post again.

locknuts27

iTrader: (2)

I think I may have found out why they may say that filter is "Life Time!"

Well last weekend I had oil changed and fuel system cleaned. Following day it ran good for a bit than she bogged out and when we got home wouldn't start! So I jumped to order Walbro fuel pump and oem fuel filter.
Yesterday, I took apart the fuel pump, and cleanded out the fuel filter. Holy crap I have never seen anything like it, so freaking dirty. I am amazed how my car was even running?!?! Reassembled and re-installed the fuel pump system and gave it a go. At first she wouldn't start and then on the second try she fired right up!

Now I have a back up fuel filter and fuel pump! (I did try to buy one at Auto part store but they told me it is inservice part. So had to order it!)

I might be reaching here but maybe fuel filter needs to be cleaned out every now and then rather than being replaced? I learned something new!