Fuel filter

Fuel filters protect the fuel system and prevent contaminants (dirt, rust, scale and water) in the fuel from plugging the carburetors or the fuel injectors. All 3 variants spin on, eco and inline are covered by Reisse.

The type of engine will predominantly dictate which type of filter is used. Typically, carburetor engines are fitted with in-line small filters, usually made of plastic, with pleated paper filter media. Injection engines can be fitted with metal or plastic filters with either a pleated or a rolled paper filter media. Diesel engines are fitted with cartridge or spin on filters; rolled paper or pleated paper can be used for both types of filter.

The filter will eventually clog if it is not replaced at regular intervals. Signs of a clogged fuel filter include:

• the engine runs well when idle or in low gear but is erratic when the speed or loads increase.
• engine performance is erratic at high speed
• the engine may not start, or may start immediately, stall and then stop running

If the filter is fitted with a bypass valve the filter will allow fuel to pass without being filtered. This will prevent the engine from cutting out, however un-filtered fuel can cause damage to the carburetor and fuel injectors.

If the filter is not equipped with a bypass valve the engine can shutdown when the fuel filter clogs up completely.