Fuel Filter question

[vetteboy86]

I figured I should replace the fuel filter on my 73 trans am. Dont know when the other one was changed but figured I would do it anyways.

Bougth a new one, that looked okay. Took the old one out of the fuel inlet on the carb and noticed it was missing something that the new one had. In the inlet side of the filter there is a rubber insert, that holds a white spring tensioned plunger. I assume as the fuel is pushed in the plunger moves down to accomadate more fuel.

Well the old filter did not have this. Why didn't it, and what are the advantages or disadvatages of having this plunger on your filter?

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Jack]

Is this a Qjet with a paper element just inside the carbs fuel pipe inlet? If so, the element should have a hole in one end (with a gasket there) ... the spring goes inside the carb first ... followed by the element ... with the hole and gasket pointing AWAY from carb. The spring keeps the element seated.
JACK:gap