This came up over on the Cobalt SS message board; it seems there is no specified change interval for the fuel filter on these cars. I remember 30,000 miles being fairly standard among GM cars in the 80s and 90s, but with the trend towards longer service intervals I wouldn't be surprised if they extended this one to, to perhaps 50,000 miles or even longer. The owner's manual has no mention of the fuel filter (although it mentions other more esoteric items such as the cabin air filter). Its such an easy swap that I don't mind doing it early, but it would be interesting to pin down what exactly is GM's recommendation. Anyone know?
Fuel Filter Change, How Often?
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I typically do mine around 50K and turn them end-up to see what it looks like. After 50K I consistently get dirty brown gas pouring backwards out of the filter. Just an FYI, I fuel up at a variety of stations including Chevron, Texaco, Exxon, QT and Racetrack. I think this is a good interval to keep from stressing out the fuel pump, especially on GMs 'death whine' fuel pumps.
I change them out every 40-50,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.
I change the trucks closer to 40,000 miles, and the cars closer to 50,000 miles... since the trucks tow, and it is misery to have one start restricting the fuel flow while towing something.
A truck will run fine, until you get it towing an 8,000# camper...
I change the trucks closer to 40,000 miles, and the cars closer to 50,000 miles... since the trucks tow, and it is misery to have one start restricting the fuel flow while towing something.
A truck will run fine, until you get it towing an 8,000# camper...
Modern fuel filters are large - actually oversized.
They go a long way, but it's cheap to replace them at 50,000 miles or so.
Sure you can go much longer with good conditions, but this round number is safe and sane.
They go a long way, but it's cheap to replace them at 50,000 miles or so.
Sure you can go much longer with good conditions, but this round number is safe and sane.
I have mine changed every 60,000 miles.
The info from other posts is that the fuel filter nor how much fuel one has in the tank has anything to do with a failing pump unless you actually run out of fuel. The pump is cooled by fuel running through it, not by having it sit in a tank of cold fuel and as long as there is some fuel running through it the pump will be fine.
Some GM pumps whine and run fine for years and others do not. I do not mind the pumps failing as much as I mind the work involved in getting to the pump. And in many cases you will be replacing the fuel sender assembly also as things are too rusted to get the lines apart and that assembly is much more expensive than the pump.
Can anyone say mechanical fuel pump bolted to the engine?
css9450, are you sure you even have a replaceable fuel filter on that car? I can't find any information on it having one.
There is no replaceable fuel filter on a Cobalt.
I have the so called "sock type" filter in the tank of my 2001 Civic. You probably have the same type filter. After passing 250,000 miles some months ago, I decided to replace the filter and pump.(wasn't having any problems) After pulling the filter and pump from the tank, I can tell you don't worry about it. I felt after replacing it, it was unnecessary. The filter itself looks like an over size fine mesh screen. I think your pump will go long before the filter will get clogged. Trust me, I had 250K without the first problem. It's designed to last the life of the internal pump. When the pump dies, then replace it.
I've always changed them every 30,000
just changed mine on my '05 Classic with the ecotec, about 58K miles, but new to me this year. The filter did not seem to be all that dirty, no brown backflow. Also changed the filter on my wifes '01 Focus - filter was filthy at 85K miles.
I used to change the filter on my '02 Accent every 30K miles, and testing by blowing through the filter there was always a significant restriction in the used filter when dried as compared to a new filter.
I lost a fuel pump in a '94 Merc Sable due to a clogged fuel filter at about 60K miles. I'm a firm believer in this little bit of preventative maintenance.
I used to change the filter on my '02 Accent every 30K miles, and testing by blowing through the filter there was always a significant restriction in the used filter when dried as compared to a new filter.
I lost a fuel pump in a '94 Merc Sable due to a clogged fuel filter at about 60K miles. I'm a firm believer in this little bit of preventative maintenance.
Most gas these days come with 15% ethanol which is an excellent cleaner in itself. I replaced mine at 100K, the filter on my maxima was brown but nothing that alarmed me.
I delayed it so long becoz the filter was in the gas tank with quite many articles detailing the complexity of the task. When I did it it was pretty simple, on hindsight must have done it earlier.
I would recommend 60-80K miles.
I delayed it so long becoz the filter was in the gas tank with quite many articles detailing the complexity of the task. When I did it it was pretty simple, on hindsight must have done it earlier.
I would recommend 60-80K miles.
Those coarse in tank sock filters don't plug up, unless there are extreme fuel problems.
They will stop small rodents from passing through the system, however.
They will stop small rodents from passing through the system, however.
I change it every 30k like the manual says.
I believe both my 96 Ford Contour Zetec 4 and 2002 F-150 4.6 V-8 require fuel filter changes every 30,000 miles according to the owner's manual maintenance schedule. I've done the Contours every 30,000 miles but I'm about 6,000 overdue on the truck.
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