[TH-07]

I recently had a mechanic (non-Subaru specialist) change out my fuel filter for me. He said that it didn't really have a fuel filter that can be replaced, only a "sock" type of screen in the fuel tank. Searching around, I'm starting to suspect that this isn't the case and that there is actually a cartridge type filter that should have been replaced (and that the "sock" is a "pre-filter"). Can anyone comment on this? The vehicle is a 2007 N/A.

Thanks

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Your '07 has an in tank fuel filter. Due the hassle of getting into the tank to change this filter, most don't mess with it, unless they have problems. :wink:

The replacement fuel filter PN is 42072FE020 & it's on the spendy side. I'm going to replace mine, but only because I'm going in there to install a Walbro fuel pump upgrade. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[TH-07]

...but the owner's manual says to replace it at 60K (which is where I'm at now). Don't I run the risk of ruining the fuel pump?

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The fuel filter costs around $80 list, but you should be able to get it for $60. If you want to replace the prefilter sock, you have to buy a fuel pump installation kit & that'll run you another $20. :smile:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[erikwi]

The fuel filter costs around $80 list, but you should be able to get it for $60. If you want to replace the prefilter sock, you have to buy a fuel pump installation kit & that'll run you another $20. :smile:

Bobby...

My MODding Journal

Where is the fuel filter at on the 06 NA? I haven't been able to find it and the dealer says there's no external filter on the car.

 

[vintage42]

Where is the fuel filter at on the 06 NA? I haven't been able to find it and the dealer says there's no external filter on the car.

According to this article, it's in the tank for 06:
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...8161303-fuel-filter-location-fuel-filters.jpg

 

[Peaty]

if you look here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/fuel-filter-replacement-t3645.html?t=3645

You will see that subaru went from a fuel filter in the motor bay by the strut tower to in the tank which you are supposed to change. it's just a lot more expensive and harder to do. One of the worst things they have done in a while IMHO.

 

[erikwi]

if you look here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/fuel-filter-replacement-t3645.html?t=3645

You will see that subaru went from a fuel filter in the motor bay by the strut tower to in the tank which you are supposed to change. it's just a lot more expensive and harder to do. One of the worst things they have done in a while IMHO.

Oh crap! Dealer said there was no inline filter to change and they don't even show a part number for a filter. Bet they want to sell the entire assembly for some serious $$.

 

[greentrees]

Hey, I have an 05 and I think it's the same as your MY as far as the fuel filter, I changed mine out a week ago, here's my thread:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/diy-60k-service-write-up-pics-05-xt-68582/index2.html

...and there's a pic below of the old filter disassembled. You definitely have a fuel filter that can be changed, $80 retail as others said below. There are some wonderful "how to" threads on this forum that give detailed pictures and make it pretty easy. Worst thing is the smell really. You just need an 8mm, 7mm and a phillips head, that's about it...and some pliers too.

I think you could probably stretch it a bit past the recommended 60k, mine wasn't real dirty at all, I saw zero particles etc. in there, it was just discolored.

Good luck!

PS FWIW I have also had mechanics look up my car on their computer and tell me that there is no filter to change.

 

[SubTech]

Replacing the in tank fuel filter in your Forester is very do-able. If you do, you should also replace the fuel pump gasket.

I will tell you, after doing all the fuel pump housing recalls on the Baha's, I saw very little sediment or discoloration of the fuel filter element. So, is it worth it to replace it?..................its your call.

 

[FPT_RAIDER]

Replacing the in tank fuel filter in your Forester is very do-able. If you do, you should also replace the fuel pump gasket.

I will tell you, after doing all the fuel pump housing recalls on the Baha's, I saw very little sediment or discoloration of the fuel filter element. So, is it worth it to replace it?..................its your call.

it can depend on the gas you use and just because you cant see it doesnt mean its not there, the sock is for the big stuff, the other filter is for the smaller stuff

 

[erikwi]

Replacing the in tank fuel filter in your Forester is very do-able. If you do, you should also replace the fuel pump gasket.

I will tell you, after doing all the fuel pump housing recalls on the Baha's, I saw very little sediment or discoloration of the fuel filter element. So, is it worth it to replace it?..................its your call.

I did a work order on a BMW many years ago for a no run condition. When I got it in the shop, the first thing I checked was fuel pressure and it had none. Long story short, owner hadn't maintained the car and a clogged fuel filter toasted both the in tank pump and the external pump. I had to replace both and install a new filter before the car would run. I took the old filter and reverse flushed it using the parts washer. You wouldn't believe the amount of silt that came out for a solid 2 minutes.

A clogged filter will burn up a fuel pump by making it work harder so about 100k, I'll dive in there and replace the filter. Gas smell doesn't bother me, as long as I have a fire extinguisher nearby.

 

[GRETSCH43]

2004 fORESTER

Is the fuel filter on the 2004 under the hood or in the fuel tank?

 

[Peaty]

Look at my link, it's under the hood in the Forester and easy to get to.

 

[Elmy]

For clearing up the confusion. It's supposed to be under the hood for all foresters up to 2004. From the 2005 models and up it's in the tank.
That's how I understood it from earlier readings :icon_wink:

 

[Peaty]

I think the only 04 that had it in the tank was the 04 Impreza WRX STi, in 05 I think they all when that way.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

IIRC, there is a member here on the forum that has an early '05 Forester & the fuel filter was still in the engine compartment! Needless to say, it made his day! :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[sean85]

Is the fuel filter on the 2004 under the hood or in the fuel tank?

In the engine bay, near the window water "container"

I just got mine replaced Made a big difference I noticed :woohoo:

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

In the engine bay, near the window water "container"

I just got mine replaced Made a big difference I noticed.

How many miles did you have on the fuel filter?

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[spirilis]

Resurrecting this, I have a 2008 non-turbo forester and I tried to buy the fuel filter at the dealer once, the guy told me it doesn't have one. The shop manual PDF clearly shows it does have an in-tank fuel filter. Car's been showing some signs of knocking under heavy throttle/load, sometimes just feels like the engine's missing something (though works great at lower speed/load). It has 105K on it, ready for the timing belt in fact, but I'm thinking I should take a 2nd look at this...

Anyone have the part# for the 2008's fuel filter?

I can tell you on my previous car, a 2000 Nissan Maxima, it had a similar "in tank fuel filter" and by 50K miles I took a peek it was dark grey... changed it, then changed it again at 100K miles and it was clear, so I dunno, sounds like it can be hit or miss. But with 105K on my fuel filter I'd be almost certain it's clogged...