496-5 Fuel Filter Element 30 Micron — Replacement for 496 Assembly

496-5 Replacement Filter Element — Keep Your Fuel System Flowing The iFJF 496-5 is the exact replacement filter element for the 496 and 496-3/4 fuel filter assemblies. When your filter loads up with rust, sand, and tank debris — swap in a fresh 496-5 element and you're back to full flow. The 30-micron cellulose/synthetic blend media provides high dirt-holding capacity without excessive restriction, and the anti-collapse reinforced center plate prevents the element from crushing under pressure — a common failure point in cheap replacement filters. Key Features Direct Replacement — No Mods: Exact fit for the 496 and 496-3/4 fuel filter assemblies. Drops into the housing in seconds — unscrew the bowl, pull the old element, push in the new one, reinstall the bowl. 30 Micron Filtration: Captures rust particles, sand, dirt, pipe scale, and tank debris down to 30 microns. Protects downstream injectors, carburetors, and fuel pumps from abrasive wear. Anti-Collapse Reinforced Plate: A common failure with cheap filter elements is the center tube collapsing under high vacuum when the filter loads up — cutting off fuel flow entirely. Our 496-5 features a reinforced anti-collapse center plate rated to withstand full 150 PSI differential pressure without deforming. High Dirt-Holding Capacity: The pleated cellulose/synthetic blend media provides a large surface area for dirt loading. You get longer service intervals between element changes compared to economy filters with fewer pleats. Multi-Fuel Compatible: Rated for unleaded gasoline, diesel #1/#2, biodiesel blends up to B20, and fuel oil. One element type covers all your fuel filtering needs. Protective Sheet Included: Each element ships with a protective sheet to keep the media clean during storage. When you stock spares on the shelf, they stay ready to install — not covered in shop dust. Compatibility — Fits These Assemblies Assembly Part Number Compatible 496 Fuel Filter Assembly (1" NPT) 496-ZH ✅ Direct Fit 496-3/4 Fuel Filter Assembly (3/4" NPT) — ✅ Direct Fit 497 Fuel Filter Assembly — ✅ Direct Fit 497-3/4 Fuel Filter Assembly — ✅ Direct Fit Specifications Specification Value Part Number 496-5 / 496-LX Filtration Rating 30 Micron (Nominal) Filter Media Cellulose/Synthetic Blend, Pleated Center Tube Reinforced Anti-Collapse Plate Max Differential Pressure 150 PSI Outside Diameter ~3.15" (80mm) Height ~4.7" (120mm) Center Hole ~1.1" (28mm) Fuel Compatibility Gasoline, Diesel, Biodiesel B20, Fuel Oil Recommended Change Interval Every 500-1,000 gallons or when flow decreases When to Replace Your Filter Element Reduced Flow Rate: If your transfer pump is taking longer to fill the same tank, the element is loading up. Don't wait until flow stops — swap it at the first sign of slowdown. Visible Loading: If you can see the element through the clear hyaline bowl and it looks dark brown or black (instead of white/light tan), it's time. 500-1,000 Gallon Interval: Even if the element looks clean, change it on a schedule. Rust and fine silt invisible to the naked eye build up in the media and gradually increase restriction. After Water Contamination: If your bowl ever fills with water (from tank condensation), replace the element. Water-saturated filter media loses efficiency and can promote bacterial growth. Installation — 60 Seconds Shut off fuel flow to the filter assembly. Use the 491 bowl wrench to unscrew the hyaline bowl. Pull the old element straight down off the center post. Remove the protective sheet from the new 496-5 element. Slide the new element onto the center post until it seats against the cap. Reinstall the bowl — hand-tighten, then 1/8-1/4 turn with the wrench. Turn fuel flow back on and check for leaks. Related Products Complete 496 Fuel Filter Assembly Replacement 495-4 Hyaline Bowl 491 Bowl Wrench Frequently Asked Questions Q: Does this element fit my 496 fuel filter assembly? A: Yes — the 496-5 is the exact replacement element for the 496 (1" NPT) and 496-3/4 (3/4" NPT) assemblies. Also fits 497 and 497-3/4 assemblies. Q: How often should I replace the filter element? A: Every 500-1,000 gallons of fuel throughput, or sooner if you notice reduced flow rate. For a typical farm fueling station processing 200-300 gallons per month, this means changing the element 2-4 times per year. Keep a spare on hand. Q: What's the difference between this 496-5 element and a generic 30-micron filter? A: The 496-5 is purpose-built for the 496/497 assemblies. It has the correct OD, ID, height, and center hole diameter for a drop-in fit. Generic filters may be "close" in size but won't seal properly — leading to unfiltered fuel bypassing the element entirely. The reinforced anti-collapse plate is also a feature most generics skip. Q: Can I clean and reuse this filter element? A: No. The 496-5 is a disposable filter element. Attempting to clean it (blowing compressed air through, rinsing with solvent, etc.) damages the filter media and reduces filtration efficiency. Always replace with a fresh element. Q: What's the protective sheet for? A: It keeps dust, dirt, and shop debris off the filter media during storage. Remove the sheet before installation — it's not meant to stay on the element in service.