Fuel Filter. When to change?

[RandallNeighbour]

Jim, I saw a comment you made on another thread about changing out the fuel filter. How often should it be changed? What are the signs of a clogged fuel filter? What pleasant surprises might one expect after a clogged one is replaced with a new one?

Then, please tell us how to find it and how to replace it if you can do that without pictures. Thanks!

From the 2 Porsche Maintance Schedules I have, the service interval is 60,000 miles or 6 years. Seems kinda long!

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

As bmussatti said, 6 yrs. or 60k mi., but only for '97-'01 Cars. Beginning in '02, Porsche switched to an intergral Filter which lives in the Fuel Tank, due to the changes in the Fuel System (non-return system), and less volume through the filter, Porsche specs it as LifeTime. Should it ever go on a later model Car, you're replacing the Fuelpump, Sender Unit and Filter as it's all one unit.

For the earlier Cars, the Fuel Filter is external and mounted under the plastic underside cover, approx. just behind and between the seats. The Filter is PN # 996.110.253.01 and goes for between $20 & $30.

To change it, you need to:

• Raise the Car safely
  
  Loosen the Fuel Cap
  
  Remove the Underside Panel
  
  Disconnect the Ground Wire to the Filter (8mm?)
  
  Disconnect the Front Hose - Worm Clamp (Fuel is under pressure, so wrap Hose in a Towel to prevent being sprayed and have a catch container for any dripping fuel)
  
  Disconnect Rear Hose by squeezing the retaining collar and pulling straight back.
  
  Undo Mounting strap and remove Filter.
  
  Replace New Filter, taking care to orient it in the direction of the Arrow painted on the Filter.
  
  Remount Filter
  
  Reconnect Front/Rear Hoses
  
  Re-attach Ground Wire
  
  Replace Underside Panel
  
  Lower Car
  
  Tighten Filler Cap

Personally, I would also disconnect the Battery before doing the swap to eliminate any possibility of creating a spark when the system is open, but this is not in the procedure, just me - Safety First! Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[RandallNeighbour]

Thanks, Jim!

FYI. I just got the new 997 & 987 Porsche Service Schedule on Tuesday. It still lists a fuel filter change for the 911 Turbo. I know this was not Randall's question, but an interesting side-note.