I'm looking to replace the fuel filter of a 1978 244. It's the under-hood type.

I'm puzzled: Both the old filter and the new filter come with epoxied fittings that match the hoses. It definitely only goes one way. However, the OUT side of the filter connects to the line from the fuel tank.

The manual says "Refer to illustration for orientation" and this is the direction it shows - backwards, apparently.

Can anyone explain this please? Did they design it to use a backwards filter? Did they used to make a filter with the same body but opposite orientation? Am I missing something and/or going nuts??

 

flip that thing around
the smaller end should be words your left (passenger side)

 

Right, that's how it seems like it should be. But the fittings come epoxied to the filter and they are oriented the other way. I can try to find adapters, but it seems strange that it's an issue in the first place. And there's the fact that it's apparently been running with a backwards filter for quite a long time.

Thanks for the picture. What manual is that? I have the Haynes manuel for 240s, 1976-1993 and it shows the filter going the other way.

 

the Volvo dealer parts catalog

ensure that you got the right part, also make sure that the previous one was the correct part and they didn't swap the pater that you have on the outlet side already.

 

OK I'm confused . Why would you not replace it the same way the old filter is installed. Also are you sure you have the right Volvo filter. I don't understand the "epoxy" issue as the filter should have threaded female ends on both sides.

 

That's why I was questioning it - the older filter appeared to be on backwards. And on the filter I got, a nipple (part #3 on the diagram Nichals attached) was epoxied into one of the female ends.

Sounds like I probably just have the wrong filter. Looked up the part number from the manufacturer and I'll pick one up from a different parts store. Thanks for the help! I'll report back when I get the new filter.

 

Try the Volvo parts dealer.

 

Meh, the filter will filter either way.

 

unless there is a built in check valve or one-way valve
of it the filter element collapses
or if it ruptures
or if it pushes in a direction it’s not supposed to go and wads up
it may put extra strain on the fuel pumps

install it in the proper orientation every time

 

UPDATE: Sure enough, it was the wrong filter. Posting this here in case anyone ever has the same issue.

Again this is for a 1978 244. The NAPA, Autozone, and O'Reilly systems all pull up filters that do not work.

These do NOT work:
MicroGard 33566
Duralast FF600DL
NAPA FIL 3566 (looks exactly like the one in the manual but the orientation is backwards)

These DO work:
Volvo part # 1276050 (at least I assume it works)
Fram G3713

I searched the part # on rockauto and it pulled up a couple options, so there are others to try if you don't want the Fram. I went with it since it was cheap and this was an experiment, and it seems to be working just fine. Fittings and orientation were correct.

I guess that explains why it was still running with the old filter on backwards. Sure seems to be running better now though! Thanks for the help, everyone.