1997 Cherokee, fuel filter location?

[fotodude]

I've got a 1997 Cherokee SE 4 door, 4.0. It has 230,000 miles and the fuel filter has never been changed. My father-in-law suggested that I change it so I bought a filter and took the Jeep to my local quick lube place. They traced the fuel line from the engine to the tank and couldn't find the fuel filter. Any help is appreciated.

PS: I bought the Cherokee new in 1997 and have replaced the radiator, starter twice, alternator once and the water pump once. I'd say I got a pretty good deal.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by fotodude

I've got a 1997 Cherokee SE 4 door, 4.0. It has 230,000 miles and the fuel filter has never been changed. My father-in-law suggested that I change it so I bought a filter and took the Jeep to my local quick lube place. They traced the fuel line from the engine to the tank and couldn't find the fuel filter. Any help is appreciated.

PS: I bought the Cherokee new in 1997 and have replaced the radiator, starter twice, alternator once and the water pump once. I'd say I got a pretty good deal.

Whats the filter look like? Is it a canister or just a screen? Im not sure what year, but at some point the filter moved from the left frame rail to inside the tank. If its in the tank, it requires dropping the tank and pulling the pump. If its in the tank, I wouldnt worry with it until you have trouble.

[AlohaBra]

The fuel filter is a combination fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator located inside the tank. No external filter is used.

[fotodude]

Thank you for the information. I was having a little trouble starting the car with it not wanting to catch. My father-in-law thought it may be the fuel filter and recommended that I change it. Although I haven't had any trouble in the last five days.

[AlohaBra]

OK...you are probably loosing fuel rail pressure while the Jeep is parked.
Just turn the key on an wait for fuel rail to pressurize. Turn the key off and then retry the starting part. Otherwise check battery voltage and crank position sensor.