Fuel filter and pump location needed

Tiny
JESPERG
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MITSUBISHI SPACE WAGON
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
I need help finding the fuel filter and electrical fuel pump. Not the in-tank filter, and not the micro filter in the high pressure fuel pump, but the one that should be mounted on the rail. My fuel sender module in the tank does not have a pump, but I can hear that there is a pump working, need help finding that as well.
Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 AT 8:05 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

This vehicle isn't offered in the US, so my technical information is extremely limited. However, I believe it is the same as the Mitsubishi Mirage. I attached two pictures below for the fuel filter on the Mirage. See if it is the same on your vehicle. Picture 3 indicates the pump is in the fuel tank.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
JESPERG
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Thanks for the answer. Its not the same though. The "pump" inside the tank does not have a pump, its a net filter on a pipe that connects to a hose above the module and a fuel level floater next to it, I suspect the pump is mounted above the tank. But I can't imagine the filter to be so hard to access.

Another question though, the car starts fine but will give error code for low fuel pressure when I drive it uphill or pressure it a little. If o disconnect the fuel hose from the high pressure pump there should be a little fuel squirt, but there isn't. However there is a hissing sound from the pump, either letting out or sucking in air through the fuel intake, this is a new behavior. Also there is a ticking sound from the engine, maybe the pump, when running. Any idea what this could be?
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 3:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,068 POSTS
Hi,

A ticking could be an injector. Take a look through this link. Go to where the second pic is and it explains an easy way to determine if the injectors are working correctly. Also, if one is really loud because it is going bad, you can pin point it. That could be your tick. If it is not fully sealing and stuck partially open, that will lower fuel pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

I have to be honest. What you described sounds like either a filter or the pump is going bad. I wish I had the info specific to your vehicle. I do have a link that shows in general the replacement of a fuel filter (it discusses the type you have). It may be helpful.

Here is that link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

Now as far as the air noise, make sure there are no engine vacuum leaks. If the hissing sound is related to a fuel line leak, you should smell it. I suspect it could be a vacuum leak.

Take a look through this link as well. It discusses how to find and repair engine vacuum leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JESPERG
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  • 5 POSTS
Very good info, thank you.

I managed to find out that this car is special care with two connected tank modules one on each side of the tank, with one of them having a pump built in. I will add a picture if someone else have the same problem. So I found the pump, took it out and cleaned the filter bag, put it back. And now the car will only crank but not start. Guessing it was half-dead and didn't like to be touched. :/
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Are you no longer getting fuel pressure to the engine?

Joe
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
JESPERG
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  • 5 POSTS
Well, I removed the hose from the pump and cranked the engine, and it spit out fuel. I left the car standing for a day and then retried starting it again, after maybe 30 tries it started, and now it starts every time. But it dies if I try to move it more then a couple of meters. I bought a fuel pressure gauge and realized I don't have the Mitsubishi adapter, so have not been able to measure yet.
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 1:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Well, at least progress has been made. I suspect the pump is too weak to keep the engine running. Do you plan to get the adapter?

Joe
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Friday, April 24th, 2020 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
JESPERG
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I was, but some crack head crawl in under the car at night and sawed of the catalytic converter, apparently there is valuable metals in it. The insurance company will probably give me money for the car instead of paying for reparation. Thanks for your help though, I appreciate your service. Will add this page to favorites and come back if I need help in the future. :-)
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
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Wow! They cut off the catalytic converter? They have some value, but not that much. The only thing I can think of is selling it for scrap. That makes it worth about 5 dollars where I'm located.

Listen, you are very welcome, but I don't feel like I was able to help very much. If the insurance company doesn't pay for repairs, let me know. We'll get it up and running again.

Take care of yourself and I hope if you need help in the future, you come back.

Joe
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 9:03 PM

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