this old q-jet filter...

[jocko]

Out of curiosity - which filters do you all prefer; sintered bronze type or the paper element type? (talkin roch qjet inlet only, not the inline filter) I run both an inline filter and an inlet filter, but have never really resolved the pros/cons of the bronze vs paper other than the general observation that paper probably flows better but may not last as long. True? Old wives' tale? Just wondering....

While we're talking filters... for the inline one, I stay away from glass (fire haz) and plastic (afraid it will melt!) and generally use metal cased filters. But I sure like being able to see if I've got fuel in the line rather than disconnecting and seeing if my pump pumps some fuel into a bucket. Any see-thru options that won't melt and aren't glass? Probably not, so I plan to stick w/metal, but still.... Thanks all!

[Stocker]

I've used both bronze and paper in my Q-jet and never noticed any difference with one vs the other. I just use whatever the parts store has in stock. Seems like a bronze filter should last forever, though, and if you had to, you could soak it or swish it around in solvent, blow it out with air, and re-use it indefinitely.

Where is your inline filter located? If under the hood (where it probably shouldn't be, if it's connected with rubber fuel line) it should be away from hot exhaust no matter what filter you use. And if it's not near a heat source, a plastic filter won't melt from normal underhood heat.

If it's underneath the truck (like mine is) you can use metal or plastic. I usually use metal but have had plastic filters that never gave me any problem.

[LongBox]

My 69 with the 350 has a metal filter in line under the cab; then one of those glass bowl sediment traps under the hood between the fuel pump and the carb, and finally, a paper element in the carb inlet.

The previous owner did all this, I guess he was paranoid. All very nicely done, though, and like the OP, I do like to see in the glass bowl that I have fuel flow.

[Ironangel]

I use the little paper filter in both of 72 Quadrajets. I also run an inline steel canister filter right before the carb. I fasten it with stainless braided 3/8" rubber lines using clamps designed for that line. I route the line so that it is suspended between the steel line coming up from the pump and a steel nipple coming from the carb. No fuel lines touch the motor.

[jocko]

thanks gents. to the questions, my inline is between the pump and carb, not near heat. sits exactly where several factory gm filters have been sitting for eons, near the carb just above the manifold. I personally always put a filter between pump and carb in case an old pump sheds some of the diaphragm. Also note that factory replacement AC metal fuel filters come with short 1-2" rubber hose connections - so while a mile of rubber fuel line under the hood isn't advisable, an inch on either side of the inline is what GM devised for many car replacement fuel filters, so probably ok. Thanks all - great input - and appreciate the perf comparison Stocker, that helps a lot. I've never noticed a difference in the past either, but just wondered if I was missing something. Having said all that, an under-cab filter between tank and pump certainly is not a bad idea, and that is where my newer truck has it from the factory - but it is still between the pump (in tank) and the fuel metering device (i.e. fuel injection on the new truck, qjet on the old) - and that's what I thought the goal was - maintain a filter between pump and carb. So, if one is running only an under-cab inline fuel filter and a mech pump, there may be a missing link in the filter plan. I would personally recommend always running a filter between the pump and carb. An additional filter under the cab is ok in addition to the under hood one, but maybe not so much instead of - i.e. mimicking new truck placement of the filter by placing it under the cab INSTEAD of between the pump and carb will certainly work but I'd be concerned about not providing a filtering process post-pump. Perhaps the in-carb filter is sufficient for this, but I prefer an in-line filter after the pump even with the carb paper or bronze filter in place. My 2 cents only.

[geezer#99]

One more thing to consider Jocko is the ethanol in gas and it's effects on filters. Especially paper style filters. Ethanol attracts water which swells paper and degrades paper filters faster.

[100%Chevy]

Ethenol will dissolve the black rubber check valve in the paper filter!
It will also dissolve the glue that holds the ends on the paper filter,causing it to fall apart.
Mike.