2016 Ford Focus - Fuel Pump Strainer

What is a Fuel Pump Strainer?

Your fuel pump strainer is an important part of your vehicle's fuel system. The fuel pump strainer, often called a fuel sock, is a mesh filter fitted to the bottom of the fuel pump. The strainer covers the fuel pick-up tube, which the pump uses to draw in fuel from the tank. Your fuel pump strainer acts as a barrier against harmful debris, such as dirt, sand, water, rust particles, fuel deposits, varnish, and tank sediment, preventing damage to the fuel pump and other fuel system components that could be caused by pollutants and debris, while also protecting your engine from performance issues as a result of dirty fuel. Fuel strainers and filters are often confused with one another - while they both keep debris out of your vehicle's fuel, they are designed to filter fuel in different areas of the system. Fuel pump strainers can become clogged over time, which can result in poor or reduced fuel economy, or may suffer wear that can allow sediment through and damage your vehicle's fuel pump or other fuel system components. Though the strainer is not considered a routine maintenance item, it should be replaced at the same time as the fuel pump to ensure the longest possible life. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries fuel pump strainers, fuel filters, and replacement pumps for complete fuel system repair.