Help installing a fuel filter
 

This must be a very dumb question, but how do I install a Great Planes fuel filter? No instructions come with it. I know it goes between the fuel tank and the engine fuel inlet, but how should it be oriented? One side of it has one black strip and I guess it is to diferentiate both ends, then which end goes to the tank and which one goes to the fuel inlet? Thanks!

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

Don't think it matters. It's just a little hollow with a screen in the middle. I usually but the wider end towards the tank, just so if gunk collects, it's got more room. Lol... I think you would be in trouble long before u used up the room on either side though:)
-John

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

Thanks! I was just concerned about installing it backwards or something...

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

Don't install it. Filter your fuel with a klunk and inline filter in the fueling can. Adding an inline filter to your plane adds 2 places for a leak to develop, and may restrict fuel flow.

Dr.1

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

I use a fuel filter in my can as a clunk and use a fuel filter to connect the fuel line from the fuel pump to the input line on the tank. I earned a reputation for poorly plumbed fuel tanks from my instructor because every time I even look at one, it leaks and air enters the fuel lines. :eek: To avoid another leak possiblity as Dr.1 said, I don't run a fuel filter in the fuel tank system.

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

Absolutely leave it off. They clog up too easily and then your engine dies in the air. Filter the fuel as it goes into the fuel tank and you won't have any problems at all.

Ken

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

A fuel filter that is close to the carb can often give you better, smoother engine runs.

Back when almost all fuels had 100% castor, filters where just about required. Cheap castor would "flake" and that crap would accumulate where the tubing went over a fitting.

A lot of filters have their trap area in the center of their body and have the filter screen toward one end. Those filters can be trouble if you don't have them oriented. Not much trouble if you check the filters every so often, but will "fill up" quicker. Most filters that have an enlarged trap area come apart for cleaning and it's obvious which end has the screen. The screen goes toward the carb. That way, you won't have to check the filter as often.

You do need to check the filter every so often. No big deal.
And you do need to be able to put a fuel line on a fitting well enough that it won't come off. (Not making fun, there are people who can't.) This is simple. Just have the line completely on the fitting and not under tension. It's a duh, right.

Filters are worth the miniscule effort they take.
The people who've had them cause engine outages in the air really shouldn't be using them. The amount of crud to plug a filter and shut down an engine would have plugged the needle valve SOLID sooner than it plugged the larger trap area. So use a filter and check it and you'll catch that engine shut down before it happens.

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

On glow engines, I would recommend not to install a fuel filter.
On gas engines, I recommend that you add one to filter the fuel.

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

First time a filter stops your needle valve from clogging, it will have paid for itself many times over. Filter your fuel out of the jug, have a clunk filter in your tanks, and another filter before your needle valve. Can't have too many filters.

RE: Help installing a fuel filter
 

I'm kind-of against the grain here.... But I use a fuel filter on my fueling line and a screened
clunk in the can to the tank and also a double screened clear filter from, tank to carb.. And
on my YS engines I use a filter on the pressure line also.... Heck I feel if the filters are
working..... The others won't plug..... And if they do???????????????????????... JMO.....