Can you run a spin on fuel filter on its side?

[Pinchecharlie]

Just wondering. Thanks

[kipps]

My only experience with fuel filters is with diesel tractors. I assume this is similar. If the filter is full and never runs out, you'll be completely fine. It's just getting it bled of air and full of fuel that's going to be almost impossible. I'd guess that it might work if the outlet was facing up, but I can't say for sure without studying the filter and housing in person.

Look it over good, and figure out where the fuel flows. If you can arrange it so it's possible to thoroughly bleed the air out, it should be fine.

[kwmech]

Better off straight up and down for the previously mentioned air bleed. Also if any fuel is really dirty then the sediment will also settle to the bottom instead of on its side

[cadillac_al]

Many inferior vehicles mount the oil filters sideways. It doesn't seem to hurt anything other than making a mess every time you change oil. I still consider it sloppy engineering unless in a race vehicle where clearance just may not be available.

[Pinchecharlie]

Thanks guys ! I stopped crying about it and found a spot (had to cut and weld and "waste" some time lol) i mounted it the way it was inteneded to be mounted. Next time I think I'll use a different style filter just for ease of installation. There's not a lot of room back there when you start adding stuff that wasn't there to begin with. Thanks again

[mattfranklin]

Two issues:
1) Getting the air out, which might be less of a problem if the filter had a check valve (I didn't think Chevy's had them).
2) Changing the filter, which would dump all over the frame when you unscrewed it. And maybe worse with a check valve.

EDIT: The third thing is that when it's on its side you can't pre-fill the filter with oil before your screw it on, so there is a dry start for at least a few seconds.

[67 Burb]

Originally Posted by mattfranklin

Two issues:
1) Getting the air out, which might be less of a problem if the filter had a check valve (I didn't think Chevy's had them).
2) Changing the filter, which would dump all over the frame when you unscrewed it. And maybe worse with a check valve.

EDIT: The third thing is that when it's on its side you can't pre-fill the filter with oil before your screw it on, so there is a dry start for at least a few seconds.

You're right in what you're saying, but we're talking fuel filter here, not oil filter. And ya, think of the mess and dangerous situation changing that fuel filter that's on its side. Do you know the phone number for 911? Fuel spill + =