I had a problem back in Dec,the car would not start ,just cranking and cranking. I checked over everything,stumped,I figured it cant hurt to change the fuel filter(fun job),car started right up after priming. Car did have 1/4 tank, and was moved to different side of driveway that morning.
2000 miles later,two weeks ago, car wouldnt start again,same 1/4 tank,same situation,moving car to side of driveway that morning. Without any further looking,changed the fuel filter,and fine again.
I have used the same Chevron gas station since I bought it(9 mths ago). Never again,crap gas or weak fuel pump?
BTW I use wd40 on the inside of the fuel lines,removing them is a breeze now.
Anybody have this problem?

 

It would be instructive to take the clogged filter and carefully cut it open. Examine the filter media to see what is in there. If you find rust flakes, brick dust, sand, or vegetable matter you have garbage in the tank. If you find only greasy-looking black grime, that's the "guts" of a fuel pump which is on the verge of failure. You can make a fuel pressure test to evaluate the pump condition.

 

Thanks for the help, I already threw the filter out. Is there a hookup on the fuel rail for a gauge(already have). What is fp at idle?
I will note that I changed the filter on my buick (same gas),and it barks the tires much easier at decent speeds. New pump on that car.

 

How about this pic? I just changed my fuel filter today. Boy, it wasn't easy cutting that thing apart.

BTW,
I was thinking about getting a tranny cooler. I found one at my local car parts place that is a Maxi-Kool XL made by imperial (?). It is gm, ford, and dodge approved. In fact, it looks exactly like the one on my wife's dodge intrepid. Thoughts? If you aren't familiar with it, I can probably get a pic of it.

 

I've never cut open a brand new filter but I believe the media is tan, similar to a new air filter element. Your used filter looks like it trapped a lot of nasty stuff! I can't tell from the photo whether you found grit or just slime. You would have to rub your fingers on the used element to know that.


A transmission fluid cooler is needed if you drive aggressively, tow a trailer, travel in mountainous terrain or extremely hot climates.

Even in normal driving it will probably help your transmission last longer. You would have to find a mounting location which is
1) relatively safe from road hazards
2) going to get plenty of cool air
3) does not obstruct the air flow to other heat exchangers (A/C and radiator)

My own Maxima is a 5-speed so I haven't researched these aftermarket accessories. "Imperial" sounds like Imperial-Eastman, a respected name in tools and components for refrigeration and air conditioning. They merged with ITE and are now known as ITE Imperial, and sold off their hand tool line to Stride Tool.

 

That picture was taken last night is some rather bad lighting. The filter also still had some fuel trapped in the filter material. I checked it this morning and it had lightened up in color. It isn't slimey nor is it gritty feeling. It just looks used. My car has 45k and to my knowledge this is the first fuel filter change. The engine does seem slightly smoother and I noticed that at highway speeds that the rpms seem to be about 200 rpms slowers. Highway speeds for me are around 80mph and before the filter change it was running around 2900-3000 rpms. It is now 2700-2800. I may try to take another picture to show what the filter looks like now.

 

I would not expect a new fuel filter to make any change of this nature. The relationship between engine speed and vehicle speed is determined by the gear ratios in the transmission and differential. At 80mph the torque converter should be locked, so fluid-coupling slippage would not be a factor.

 

*shrugs*
I knew it sounded weird when I wrote it. Maybe I was getting the intrepid and the maxima mixed up. The maxima does seem to run smoother though.

At least I didn't make some claim that it will now beat a camaro ss when mine is close to bone stock. I just laugh my butt off sometimes when I read some of the ridiculous claims people make with their "road kill" stories.