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Have you ever wondered if that fuel filter you just bought is junk or OK? You can't see inside so how would you know?
It seems that EVERYBODY makes fuel filters-even K&N. What's the real deal with these mysterious metal cans that our engines rely on for clean fuel?
Lets have a look inside!
First off, there is no high flow fuel filter, just filters with more filter media resulting from more pleats or a longer element. They'll all flow plenty of fuel. A filter with more filtering media means it will capture more dirt before it starts to restrict flow which simply means it will last longer.
All these fuel filters have the identical design and filter media. No screens, cotton, fiberglass cloth sheets, nothing that appears to be synthetic.
Left to right:
Fram: Has the least number of pleats.
ACDelco, identical to the Fram but with a few more pleats.
Wix/CarQuest: More pleats again but they seem to be better aligned, more precisely formed.
K&N: Even more pleats than the Wix, highest count of the test group BUT the filter media is shorter. Like the Wix/CarQuest, nicely folded and aligned pleats.
My verdict? Wix/CarQuest wins because with it's full length filter it probably has just as much filter media as the K&N's shorter design AND it's much more easily found and half the cost.
ANY of these filters will perform the same but their life use cycles vary because some will become clogged with dirt earlier than others.
The blue marks are from marking the pleats as they were counted.
Please note: Wix no longer makes filters for CarQuest HOWEVER Wix is now making filters for NAPA.
IMO, if you can afford the initial cost the get a Canton 25-909. It filters down to 1 micron, has twice the factory filtration, and out flows it. Replacement filters are no more than $15 ea.
I see your point, but it's almost the same as counting the wrinkles on a paper element filter from ac delco and fram for your engine air filter. It's probably not worth the gallon of gas to get one over the other
That does look very nice-and I mean the specs as well as it's build.
Will it directly replace the fuel filter on a F-body?
From a review on Summit, " It is bigger than the factory filters so some adjustment of the fuel lines is needed but it does fit."
Bluz what is the part number for the replacement filters? I see the initial cost will set you back $115, but it would be worth it if you need the extra flow.
The part number 26-000 is incorrect, it's even listed as the element on Canton's website as wrong.
I'm having another look at this filter. It's NOT pleated so it certainly has less media filtration area as the others. And as it filters down to 1 micron, it will catch more dirt and get clogged quicker therefore reducing flow.
But it will filter more-you'll just need to replace the element often.
As far as a fuel filter being "high flow", I'd say when new, all fuel filters will flow the same GPM given the pressures they work with.
The thing about high pressure fuel injection fuel filters is how well they filter and how quickly they get clogged then reduce flow.
I'd say to keep the stock filter and use the Canton as a secondary filter. This guaranties clean fuel to the injectors.
I'm glad to noticed it. I totally overlooked it; Thanks.
26-000 is for the 2-5/8" tall, 8 micron oil filter
The correct part number is 26-600 for the single fuel filter.
I ordered the wrong one, with a -8 inlet and -6 outlet. I need all -8.
I called them to ask for a swap and the guy asked for my address, he'd send the correct end cap out, no need to return the original, no charge whatsoever.
09-27-2015, 01:59 PM
Fuel filters examined 
