Cleaning a Dirty Fuel Filter Canister

[Kevkeller]

I have driven my car less than 10,000 miles since I bought it 20 years ago. In that time I think I’ve only changed the fuel filter once. I took it apart yesterday and the filter was pretty ugly.

I think it did it’s job well but it looks like there has been water and rust coming from my tank.  The center tube (steel?) is pretty rough from rust and it looks like there is hardened rust deposits on the bottom of the canister. I didn’t spend too much time inspecting it yet but does anyone have a good method to clean this?

I thought about using CLR, I’ve seen it been recommended in the Internet but according to CLR’s website they don’t recommend using it on aluminum.  I believe the canister is made of aluminum.

[mrfatboy]

Dont use CLR.  I recently cleaned mine up with Barkeepers Friend and a kitchen sponge with the green coarse pad on one side.  Looked like new when I finished.

[Kevkeller]

We’re you cleaning the inside or the outside?

[mrfatboy]

Both.  But mine was not as bad as yours from the sound of it.  I would try.  It might take some time.

[mrfatboy]

Here are my before and after.  Inside was just as clean after.

[Kevkeller]

Thanks Fat.  It’s just a little difficult to reach the bottom. I was hoping I could soak it in a chemical to clean it. But whatever it takes.

[Kevkeller]

That is pretty!

[mrfatboy]

You might want to try zip tieing the sponge on a stick or 1"x1" wood or similar.  Put that in a vise.  The put the canister over it and start spinning and twisting.  It might be easier to work with.