Maintenance Free Fuel filter 2000 I30?

[dabral]

Hello everyone,

I was browsing through the 2000 I30 owner's manual and I come across a statement that says that the fuel filter is maintenance free. What on earth does that mean? Does this imply that the filter does not need to be replaced? That is highly unlikely. I thought some of you experts could elaborate this. Also, what is a good interval for replacing the fuel filter.

Thanks,dabral

[elwesso]

It means that the filter doesnt need to be cleaned or serviced in between intervals....

60k is the MFG suggested, we say about 15-30k... Its only $10, so you might as well

[dabral]

Yes, you are right the filter is only ten bucks. But as I found out the fuel filter in the 2000 I30 is in the fuel tank! This means emptying the tank and dropping it. The labor on that is going to be 3 to 4 hours.

Now I understand what they mean by service free fuel filter. Basically, wait for the filter to clog and let the delta P rise and cause the pump to fail. This I am assuming will happen around 100,000 miles at which time I will replace the pump and the filter. This is my take home message. When did Nissan change this? I think this is also the case with the new G35 and M45. The older Q's have an easier access to the filter.

If any of you experts have another suggestion, please let me know.

I try not to let the fuel gauge go below quarter, because the pump is kept cool by the gasoline.

I don't see any sense in replacing the fuel filter every 20,000 miles.

Any comments would be appreciated.

dabral

[DAEDALUS]

A lot of new cars have "lifetime" filters now. Basically, the maker figures that if a replaceable filter lasts 60k miles, then just give the darn thing 4x as much surface area and put it in the trunk. Should be good for 240k. That's the logic anyway. I kind of doubt the pump's life will be affected too much by it, so just plan on replacing it when you do the pump. Looks like you only drive 7k/year anyway! The notable downside I've heard about is that the elements don't hold up too well to water. If you start having problems with injectors replace the filter.

[autotech43]

If you need to change the fuel filter, the access panel to the pump/filter is underneath the rear seat bottom. Just remove the rear seat bottom. Remove the three retaining screws for the plate. Don't forget to start the engine and then remove the fuel pump fuse to relieve the fuel pressure before removing the lines. (or use consult if you have one). Removing the fuel filler cap is also a good measure. Remove the two lines and the screws that secure the pump to the tank and your there. ALWAYS replace the O'ring after you replace the filter.

[Q45tech]

Newer returnless fuel systems only have to filter 1/3 the fuel per mile as 2/3 is not passed thru filter and returned to tank. So the same filter SHOULD last 3 times as long.

Most systems are now tested [or at least designed] to last the legal life of the car ~~ 100,000 miles.

Based on cost controls and passed errors by engineers in adapting Japanese designs to US garbage fuels.........30,000 miles might be long enough for safety.

But then again it only takes one tankful of bad gasoline to fail the filter.