Which way to install Fuel Filter?

[hobieboy]

Hi,

Another newbie tuneup question - trying to replace the fuel filter.
Took the old one out of the car then I noticed the new one has everything completely "upside down" than the old one.

As shown in the picture, for the text AND arrow to line up between the 2, the connectors are in opposite end of the filter. And you can see the one of the left in the picture has the "lip" at the bottom, while the one on the right has it at the top.

I'll have to install the new one with the arrow pointing the "wrong" direction - I assume it shows fuel flow direction (from fuel supply towards accumulator)?

So... what to do? Trust the connectors? Don't think I can swap the connectors between the 2 ends though I haven't tried.

Comments & experience like this from anyone?

[hobieboy]

Oops... forgot the picture

[RickM]

I'll bet those connectors are on wrong from the factory.

But someone here will know for sure.

[MotoSook]

If I recall correctly, there is a deflector on the inside of the filter that you can see on the inlet side...look at the old filter and see if you see filter element or metal...

I'm always worried that the factory puts the stickers on wrong...

the fittings can be swapped...

[Gunter]

Confirm with a Porsche shop, then swap the fittings but keep the old ones, they come in handy sometimes.

[TerryH]

Gut instinct says to just use the arrows, but the more you look at it, the more the arrow appears to be wrong. I would think the manufacturing lip on one end would give it away, then again..... I dunno. Maybe flow direction isn't critical, but I wouldn't bet on that either.

Heck, maybe the old one is the anomaly. Get another new one and go with the majority?

EDIT: If it's any consolation, I have a new filter in hand and it matches the picture on the right.

[MotoSook]

Just take a peek inside it!

[RickM]

I sent an inquiry to Mahle...let's see what happens.

[chrisp]

Just put one in. Didn't compare old vs. new. Interested to see what response you get.

Maybe the arrow is on there just so if you take it off and put it back on you don't flip it and dump the crap into the motor...but then the fittings would self police that.

[MotoSook]

Originally posted by Souk


the fittings can be swapped...

I take this comment back..I now recall that when Iwas fooling around with some old fuel filters (no on my curent car), the fittings wer not interchangeable...look at the picture...cripes..go plate with the thing..you'll find out

[MotoSook]

It bothered me to me unsure so I rushed home and had to verify my earlier thought....

The deflector IS on the inlet side as it would be sensible to divert the flow to the perimeter of the filter element. On the 76 filter (left) the the outlet has a metal block too, but it is not curved like that which is on the inlet side. The filters appear to flow from the outside to the inside of a cylindrical element, then out the inner annulus...typical of other filters I have seen/used.

[hobieboy]

Souk,
Thanks for "verifying" - I'll take a look per your suggestion.
A few "research results" I found digging up info on this...
a) My old filter (actually its one on left in picture) is the same as others that another shop carries,
b) The flow direction seems to be from the end with the lip to the smooth end,
c) Mahle makes another model KL-21, for earlier Porsche, that is IDENTICAL to this KL-22 in looks EXCEPT the direction of flow - its reversed.
d) Fittings on the KL-21 is same as mine.

So... mine could have the label wrong. Or it might have been a KL-21 with a wrong label printed Guess the peek-test per Souk might be the answer after all...

Or I should simply take it to a Porsche expert shop & ask (& pay). Its supposed to be easy, isn't it

[aigel]

Why bother. Just exchange it for a new one. I am sure PP will take it back and send you a new one at no charge.

George