The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How many fuel filters

I would like to get your opinions on fuel filters in AD trucks. I have researched the subject on this forum and others.

Currently, I have a filter that is part of the fuel pump and everything appear to work fine. Some of the threads I have read suggest that I need another filter between the pump and carburator. What do you think??

Dale

I ran just the glas bowl pump filter on my 235 and had no problems.
I did however have problems with no filter at all, occasionally a piece of trash in the float valve. Swapping the pump for one with a filter solved the problem.

One good one is all you need.

part of the fuel pump? never seen a fuel pump that had one built in, AFAIK the only accessory filter ever offered from the dealer or factory was right at the carb inlet, where it could be easily seen and checked - maybe someone put the factory [glass bowl] filter down at your pump instead?

some folks like to put one at the tank outlet, but that's not really where it's needed as the fuel pump can pass pretty large pieces without problem, it's the carb that needs protection, and if you need 2 filters it's time to fix the tank or get a locking gas cap to keep the kids out

Bill

As long as the system is clean.
If you are bringing a truck back to life that has been sitting for years, fuel filters between all the major components is cheap insurance. For that situation I would put one between the tank and fuel pump and between the pump and carb.

I too have never seen a fuel pump with a filter built in, but I'm interested in getting one! My 216 is down right now with a bad fuel pump.

You guys are pulling my leg.
The stock 53 GMC fuel pump.
That's the one for your 216 Green_98.

Here is the fuel filter/pump I was talking about.

Thank-you everyone, for your help.

Dale

Interesting. I would consider buying one, however it says that 53 models (like mine) came with the dual action fuel pump. Dual action meaning that it also supplies extra vaccum for the wipers. So I dont think this is the one I need.

I think the little filter I have by the carburator seems to be working just fine anyways.

Those are a little harder to find but they are available. Try Kanter. or Jim Carter, page 108.
American Classic shows them "out of stock"

I don't know about Chev, but I don't remember seeing a GMC in the 50's without a glass bowl filter. Many aftermarket filters had a metal top, and of course very few 50+ vehicles still have the original pump.

The dual-action fuel pump (47-55) was a factory option (and could also have been added/changed later).

Both styles of fuel pumps came with a glass bowl filter on the top of the body. A GM (AC) accessory gasoline filter was available for attachment to the inlet of the carburetor (the fuel line was bent to clear the earlier horn and/or to keep from having to cut/fit the end of the fuel line).

Those glass bowls served two purposes - to filter particles and to allow you to see if you have water in the fuel (at least that is what I found them to be good for).

Great info. Carter's is where I'm planning on ordering our new pump

In the past I have bought a new fuel pump from NAPA without the glass bowl, but same style pump, and simply unscrew and swap the top housing with the glass bowl from the old pump.
No need to spend the big money for a complete new glass bowl filter pump when you've already got one and just need new lower half.

Which brings up another good question, where, or why can't you buy just the rebuild kits any more??

Grigg

So, Grigg, Tim and all, how many fuel filters are on your trucks?

One on my gas truck as previously mentioned.
Two on my diesel as the engine manufacturer recommends.

Grigg

With a Rochester (standard) carb, an AC bowl filter at the carburetor

With Rochester (standard) dual carbs, one AC bowl filter before the fuel-line split to the carburetors.

The fuel pump may or may not have the glass bowl filter (depending on what I have at hand).

On a Fenton dual-carb intake, I have a modern in-line filter in the line from the fuel pump to the Carter-Weber carbs. There is not enough space to mount an AC bowl filter in this set-up. Also, I use an inlet filter on each carb (I do not want to have to take these carbs apart to clean our crud).

A filter inside of the carb was an option on Zenith carbs. AC made a porous filter for the fuel pumps that we called stone filters. I use them on the ones I have and put an inline filter between the carb and fuel pump on the ones that don't have one at the pump. I don't have much trouble with trash because when I get another jalopy, the first thing I do is put a new Spectra Premium tank in it.