DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320FVisual Inspection of the Fuel Filter Cartridge [CFMI]
TASK 73-11-10-210-004-A
Visual Inspection of the Fuel Filter Cartridge
1. Reason for the Job
You must do this visual inspection after each removal of the fuel filter element (cartridge) related to an ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG", or when you find an important contamination at the bottom of the fuel filter cover during any replacement of the fuel filter, whatever the reason. This inspection will help to find any possible contamination of the Aircraft and engine fuel supply systems.
2. Job Set-up Information
A. Fixtures, Tools, Test and Support Equipment
B. Work Zones and Access Panels
C. Referenced Information
3. Job Set-up
Subtask 73-11-10-941-055-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
Subtask 73-11-10-020-055-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
Subtask 73-11-10-410-057-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
[Rev.10 from 2021]
2026.04.01 02:55:14 UTC
Visual Inspection of the Fuel Filter Cartridge
1. Reason for the Job
You must do this visual inspection after each removal of the fuel filter element (cartridge) related to an ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG", or when you find an important contamination at the bottom of the fuel filter cover during any replacement of the fuel filter, whatever the reason. This inspection will help to find any possible contamination of the Aircraft and engine fuel supply systems.
2. Job Set-up Information
A. Fixtures, Tools, Test and Support Equipment
| REFERENCE | QTY | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|
| No specific | AR | WARNING NOTICE(S) |
| ZONE/ACCESS | ZONE DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| FOR [1000EM1] (ENGINE-1) | |
| 437AL, 438AR | |
| FOR [1000EM2] (ENGINE-2) | |
| 447AL, 448AR | |
| REFERENCE | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|
| TASK 12-32-28-281-003-A | Sample Fuel for Microbiological Contamination Analysis |
| TASK 28-11-00-100-001-A | Cleaning of the Fuel Tanks |
| TASK 28-11-00-600-003-A | Removal of the Microbiological Particles |
| TASK 71-13-00-010-040-A | Opening of the Fan Cowl Doors |
| TASK 71-13-00-410-040-A | Closing of the Fan Cowl Doors |
| TASK 72-41-00-290-001-A | Borescope Inspection of the Combustion Chamber Liners, Dome Areas, HPT Nozzle Vanes and Shrouds (as far as visible through two opposite ports) |
| TASK 72-53-00-290-001-A | Inspection of the Stage 1 Low-Pressure Turbine Nozzle Assembly |
| TASK 72-54-00-290-001-A | Inspection of the Stage 1-3 Blades |
| TASK 72-54-00-290-003-A | Inspection of the Stage 2-4 Nozzle Segments |
| TASK 73-11-10-000-001-A | Removal of the Fuel Pump and Filter Assembly |
| TASK 73-11-10-000-002-A | Removal of the Fuel Filter Element |
| TASK 73-11-10-400-001-A | Installation of the Fuel Pump and Filter Assembly |
| TASK 73-11-10-400-002-A | Installation of the Fuel Filter Element |
| TASK 73-11-20-000-001-A | Removal of the Servo Fuel Heater |
| TASK 73-11-20-400-001-A | Installation of the Servo Fuel Heater |
| TASK 73-11-40-000-001-A | Removal of the Fuel Nozzles |
| TASK 73-11-40-400-001-A | Installation of the Fuel Nozzles |
| TASK 73-11-45-000-040-A | Removal of the Downstream Filter |
| TASK 73-11-45-400-040-A | Installation of the Downstream Filter |
| TASK 73-11-50-000-001-A | Removal of the Fuel Return Valve |
| TASK 73-11-50-400-001-A | Installation of the Fuel Return Valve |
| TASK 73-11-60-000-001-A | Removal of the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) Oil Cooler Assembly |
| TASK 73-11-60-400-001-A | Installation of the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) Oil Cooler Assembly |
| TASK 73-11-70-000-001-A | Removal of the Burner Selection Valve (BSV) |
| TASK 73-11-70-400-001-A | Installation of the Burner Selection Valve (BSV) |
| TASK 73-21-10-000-001-A | Removal of the Hydromechanical Unit (HMU) |
| TASK 73-21-10-400-001-A | Installation of the Hydromechanical Unit (HMU) |
| TASK 73-31-10-000-001-A | Removal of the Fuel Flow Transmitter |
| TASK 73-31-10-400-001-A | Installation of the Fuel Flow Transmitter |
| TASK 79-21-20-000-001-A | Removal of the Main Oil/Fuel Heat Exchanger |
| TASK 79-21-20-400-001-A | Installation of the Main Oil/Fuel Heat Exchanger |
Examination of the Fuel Filter Cartridge for ContaminationSubtask 73-11-10-941-055-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
A. Safety Precautions
(1) On the center pedestal, on the ENG panel 115VU:
(a) Put a WARNING NOTICE(S) to tell persons not to start the engine.
(2) Make sure that the engine 1(2) shutdown occurred not less than 5 minutes before you do this procedure.
(3) On the overhead maintenance panel 50VU:
(a) Make sure that the ON legend of the ENG/FADEC GND PWR/1(2) pushbutton switch is off.
(b) Put a WARNING NOTICE(S) to tell persons not to energize the FADEC 1(2).
Subtask 73-11-10-010-060-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL (1) On the center pedestal, on the ENG panel 115VU:
(a) Put a WARNING NOTICE(S) to tell persons not to start the engine.
(2) Make sure that the engine 1(2) shutdown occurred not less than 5 minutes before you do this procedure.
(3) On the overhead maintenance panel 50VU:
(a) Make sure that the ON legend of the ENG/FADEC GND PWR/1(2) pushbutton switch is off.
(b) Put a WARNING NOTICE(S) to tell persons not to energize the FADEC 1(2).
B. Open the fan cowl doors (Ref. AMM TASK 71-13-00-010-040):
(1) FOR [1000EM1] (ENGINE-1)
437AL 438AR
(2) FOR [1000EM2] (ENGINE-2)
447AL 448AR
4. Procedure(1) FOR [1000EM1] (ENGINE-1)
437AL 438AR
(2) FOR [1000EM2] (ENGINE-2)
447AL 448AR
Subtask 73-11-10-020-055-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
A. If not already removed, remove the fuel filter cartridge (10) from its housing on the fuel pump (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002).
Subtask 73-11-10-210-051-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL B. Do the inspection of the cartridge
(1) Examine the inner wall of the fuel filter housing (on the fuel pump) and the bottom of the fuel filter cover (20) to find out contaminants. For identification of the various types of contamination, see step C.
(2) Examine the removed fuel filter cartridge as follows:
(a) Take the filter cartridge (10) in both hands and put two pleats apart to show the contaminants at the bottom of these pleats. Do this at several locations around the cartridge.
(b) For identification of the various types of contamination, see step C.
Subtask 73-11-10-220-051-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL (1) Examine the inner wall of the fuel filter housing (on the fuel pump) and the bottom of the fuel filter cover (20) to find out contaminants. For identification of the various types of contamination, see step C.
(2) Examine the removed fuel filter cartridge as follows:
(a) Take the filter cartridge (10) in both hands and put two pleats apart to show the contaminants at the bottom of these pleats. Do this at several locations around the cartridge.
(b) For identification of the various types of contamination, see step C.
C. Identification of Various Types of Contamination
(1) Contamination by solids in small amounts (dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles):
(2) Contamination by solids in large amounts such as dirt, sand, sealant, metallic particles or sealant particles (no visible bronze particles):
(b) Do a check of the fuel filter element on the opposite engine.
(c) If you find contamination, do a check of the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-100-001).
(d) Install a new fuel filter cartridge on both engines (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
1 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" did not come into view:
a After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002)>.
2 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
a Do a borescope inspection of the combustion chamber liners and high pressure turbine nozzle vanes (Ref. AMM TASK 72-41-00-290-001).
b Do a borescope inspection of the stage 1 LPT nozzle assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 72-53-00-290-001).
(3) Contamination by black sludge or slimy materials (biological contamination):
(b) Do a check of the fuel filter on the opposite engine.
(c) If it is found contaminated, check the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 12-32-28-281-003).
(d) After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
(b) Do a borescope inspection of the stage 2 LPT nozzle segments assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 72-54-00-290-003).
1 If the borescope findings are unserviceable, remove the engine.
2 If the results of the borescope inspection are in the specified limits, replace the engine fuel system components which follow:
b Replace the HMU (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-400-001).
c Replace the fuel pump and filter assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-001) with a new fuel filter cartridge.
d Replace the fuel flow transmitter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-400-001).
e Replace the servo-fuel heater (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-400-001).
f Replace the main oil/fuel heat exchanger (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-400-001).
g Replace the IDG oil cooler (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-400-001).
h Replace the fuel return valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-400-001).
i Replace the burner selection valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-70-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-70-400-001).
Subtask 73-11-10-220-051-B ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL (1) Contamination by solids in small amounts (dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles):
NOTE: This can be considered as normal contamination of the engine main fuel filter.
(a) Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (2) Contamination by solids in large amounts such as dirt, sand, sealant, metallic particles or sealant particles (no visible bronze particles):
NOTE: Possible causes are contaminated fuel, contaminated aircraft fuel tank(s), damaged aircraft boost pump, damaged engine LP stage fuel pump, foreign material, etc.
(a) Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (b) Do a check of the fuel filter element on the opposite engine.
(c) If you find contamination, do a check of the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-100-001).
(d) Install a new fuel filter cartridge on both engines (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
1 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" did not come into view:
a After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002)>.
2 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
a Do a borescope inspection of the combustion chamber liners and high pressure turbine nozzle vanes (Ref. AMM TASK 72-41-00-290-001).
b Do a borescope inspection of the stage 1 LPT nozzle assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 72-53-00-290-001).
- If borescope findings are unserviceable, remove the engine.
- If borescope findings are within the limits, repeat the borescope inspection as above after 100 hours of engine operation.
- If the borescope findings did not change since last inspection, resume normal inspection schedule.
- If the borescope findings are unserviceable, remove the engine.
- If the borescope findings show a deviation since last inspection but are still within the limits:
Replace all fuel nozzles (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-40-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-40-400-001).
Replace the fuel nozzle manifold.
Drain all disconnected fuel lines and blow dry air inside to remove any contaminant that could be left.
(3) Contamination by black sludge or slimy materials (biological contamination):
NOTE: This contamination can be due to fungus growth.
(a) Replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (b) Do a check of the fuel filter on the opposite engine.
(c) If it is found contaminated, check the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 12-32-28-281-003).
(d) After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
CAUTION:
THIS KIND OF CONTAMINATION CAN POTENTIALLY PARTIALLY OR TOTALLY CLOG THE ENGINE FUEL NOZZLES THUS LEADING TO AN ABNORMAL FUEL SPRAY AND CONSEQUENTLY CAUSE EXTENSIVE ENGINE HARDWARE DAMAGE. THE FOLLOWING TROUBLESHOOTING SHALL BE STRICTLY APPLIED TO AVOID FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE.
(4) Contamination by bronze particles: NOTE: Evidence of bronze particles in the main fuel filter is indicative of a main fuel pump HP bearing failure.
(a) do a borescope inspection of the stage 1 LPT nozzle assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 72-54-00-290-001). (b) Do a borescope inspection of the stage 2 LPT nozzle segments assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 72-54-00-290-003).
1 If the borescope findings are unserviceable, remove the engine.
2 If the results of the borescope inspection are in the specified limits, replace the engine fuel system components which follow:
NOTE: When the components are disconnected, their tubes must be fully drained and blown clean with dry air to remove any bronze particles left.
a Replace all fuel nozzles (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-40-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-40-400-001). b Replace the HMU (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-400-001).
c Replace the fuel pump and filter assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-001) with a new fuel filter cartridge.
d Replace the fuel flow transmitter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-400-001).
e Replace the servo-fuel heater (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-400-001).
f Replace the main oil/fuel heat exchanger (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-400-001).
g Replace the IDG oil cooler (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-400-001).
h Replace the fuel return valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-400-001).
i Replace the burner selection valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-70-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-70-400-001).
C. Identification of Various Types of Contamination
(1) Contamination by solids in small amounts (dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles):
(2) Contamination by solids in large amounts such as dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles (no visible bronze particles).
(b) Do a check of the fuel filter element on the opposite engine.
(c) If you find contamination, do a check of the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-100-001).
(d) Install a new filter cartridge on both engines (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
1 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" did not come into view:
a After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
2 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
a Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
b Do a check of the fuel filter on the oppposite engine.
c Do a check of the aircraft fuel tanks and clean them (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-600-003).
d Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
e After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
(3) Contamination by black sludge or slimy materials (biological contamination):
(b) Do a check of the fuel filter on the opposite engine.
(c) If it is found contaminated, check the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 12-32-28-281-003).
(d) If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
1 Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
(e) After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
(4) Contamination by bronze particles:
2 Replace the fuel pump and filter assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-001).
3 Replace the fuel flow transmitter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-400-001).
4 Replace the servo-fuel heater (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-400-001).
5 Replace the main oil/fuel heat exchanger (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-400-001).
6 Replace the IDG oil cooler (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-400-001).
7 Replace the fuel return valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-400-001).
8 Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
5. Close-up(1) Contamination by solids in small amounts (dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles):
NOTE: This can be considered as normal contamination of the engine main fuel filter.
(a) Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (2) Contamination by solids in large amounts such as dirt, sand, metallic particles or sealant particles (no visible bronze particles).
NOTE: Possible causes are contaminated fuel, contaminated aircraft fuel tank(s), damaged aircraft boost pump, damaged engine LP stage fuel pump, foreign material, etc.
(a) Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (b) Do a check of the fuel filter element on the opposite engine.
(c) If you find contamination, do a check of the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-100-001).
(d) Install a new filter cartridge on both engines (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
1 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" did not come into view:
a After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
2 If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
a Replace the fuel filter element (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
b Do a check of the fuel filter on the oppposite engine.
c Do a check of the aircraft fuel tanks and clean them (Ref. AMM TASK 28-11-00-600-003).
d Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
e After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
(3) Contamination by black sludge or slimy materials (biological contamination):
NOTE: This contamination can be due to fungus growth.
(a) Replace the fuel filter cardridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002). (b) Do a check of the fuel filter on the opposite engine.
(c) If it is found contaminated, check the fuel tank for contamination and follow recommendations included in (Ref. AMM TASK 12-32-28-281-003).
(d) If the ECAM warning "FUEL FILTER CLOG" came into view:
1 Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
(e) After 24 hours in service, examine and replace the fuel filter cartridge (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-002) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-002).
(4) Contamination by bronze particles:
NOTE: Evidence of bronze particles in the main fuel filter is indicative of a main fuel pump HP bearing failure.
(a) Replace the engine fuel system components which follow: NOTE: When components are disconnected, their tubes must be fully drained and blown with dry air to remove any bronze particles left.
1 Replace the HMU (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-21-10-400-001). 2 Replace the fuel pump and filter assembly (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-10-400-001).
3 Replace the fuel flow transmitter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-31-10-400-001).
4 Replace the servo-fuel heater (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-20-400-001).
5 Replace the main oil/fuel heat exchanger (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 79-21-20-400-001).
6 Replace the IDG oil cooler (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-60-400-001).
7 Replace the fuel return valve (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-000-001) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-50-400-001).
8 Replace the downstream fuel filter (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-000-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 73-11-45-400-040).
Subtask 73-11-10-410-057-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL