NAPA 3003 Fuel Filter as PS Filter

[MonumentOiler]

I just installed the 3003 filter in my 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser.

I just cut into the return hose in a nice straight area and removed a section the length of the filter body. The quality and the thickness of the filter body seems comparable to the plastic reservoir.

When I first installed it the fluid was red but not clear and had the look of a used engine oil. Once the fluid filled the filter the media could not be seen. When I checked my connections for leaks after errand running about 20 miles I was surprised to clearly see the ridges of the filter media Through the fluid. It's definitely removing something.

I noticed that my local Walmart had a Fram Fuel filter in the same form-factor for $2.84. It looked to be built with a quality poly body and included hose clips and two small hose sections. The filter body said "Made in Israel". Another option for those who don't want to wait for shipping.

 

[Gary Allan]

If I were to use a fuel filter for PS, I'd select the metal one. I would change it out fairly soon. The lack of a bypass valve would be my greatest concern. After the initial cleaning, then I wouldn't worry so much.

I like the novelty and ingenuity of this. It's "uniquely BITOG".

 

[Herz]

I did it once in my 94 pontiac sunbird with a ACDelco filter(same one the car took.) that had a similar design. Plastic see through etc. Just smaller, well the chemicals in the ATF ate the plastic around 20k miles and caused a leak.

Go with the metal one, the plastic could be damaged by the additives in the ATF fluid that are not common in gasoline.

Either that or it was a defective filter.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: Oldwolf
Would this type of a filter also work as a coolant filter? My thinking is that if it will work for P/S filter and fuel, it should be OK with coolant. I wouldn't think the coolant would be any hotter than the P/S fluid. Pressure would be higher though, about 15-16 psi. What do you think?
If you want to try this use a fuel filter for a fuel injected vehicle. Those typically run 40 psi or more.

 

[MonumentOiler]

This filter is a WIX unit.

WIX #33003

UPC Number: 765809330030
Principal Application: Plastic In-Line Fuel w/ 3/8" Inlet & Outlet - Metal Version is 33033 w/Hoses and Clamps
All Applications
Style: Fuel (Complete In-Line) Filter
Service: Fuel
Height: 3.543
Outer Diameter Top: 1.826
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Nominal Micron Rating: 20

 

[Audi Junkie]

It probally won't come apart at the seams, but maybe someone should call them.

 

[Oldwolf]

Any reason why this filter would not hold up too coolant? I have a 3/8" venting hose to the overflow reservoir that would be perfect for this application. Evey so often there is brownish residue when I flush the radiator. This might pick up some or most of it on an on going basis.

**Oops**
I see I asked this question already a few threads above.

 

[Herz]

The metal one should stand up to coolant pretty good.

 

[MonumentOiler]

Originally Posted By: Oldwolf
I have a 3/8" venting hose to the overflow reservoir that would be perfect for this application.


If this hose flows both ways it will just backflush the debris back into the radiator. It would be better to just let them settle into the overflow.

 

[Oldwolf]

No, it flows one way, from the engine to the expansion tank.

 

[Audi Junkie]

An expansion tank goes 2-ways, but definition. I dunno what good filtering that would do anyway.

 

[chevrofreak]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
An expansion tank goes 2-ways, but definition. I dunno what good filtering that would do anyway.


Most have an inlet hose and an outlet hose. I've seen some that used a combo, but not as many as the separate ones.

 

[Gary Allan]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
An expansion tank goes 2-ways, but definition. I dunno what good filtering that would do anyway.


You're not confusing this with an overflow tank, are you? Some expansion tanks are like the old ones on 60's engines before overflow tanks became popular.


They're more like power steering reservoirs with pressure capabilities.

 

[wander2039]

If his is like mine no he's not. You can pull the hose off and there will be a constant flow. I haven't figured out our Escape yet as it's different from the Ranger. The Ranger has the 3/8 return hose on top 1 inch on bottom where the Escape has the 3/8 on bottom and the 1 inch hose on top. I guess the only real difference is which way the "in" on the filter is orientated.

BTW the OReilly's part number for the metal fuel filter is 33033 for the 3/8 and 33031 for the 1/4. Wix is also the same. I may stop going to OReillys though I used to be able to just go in there and tell em what I want and they could find it.. now I don't think they could find their hindquarters without a map I'm disappointed.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I thought I'd bump my own thread since there are a lot of PSF flush threads going and I see a lot of new names.

The units I installed are working just fine still. No fluid loss, leaks or problems.