Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a hand primer and a disposable filter cartridge mounted to a header. The filter cartridge has a filter element which defines an interior chamber for receiving the filtered fuel. The hand primer includes a diaphragm which cooperates with the header to define a reservoir and a valve plate having a plurality of orifices and an axial opening for providing fluid communication between an exit passage of the header and the reservoir and between the chamber and the reservoir, respectively. A first check valve is mounted in the opening and a second check valve is mounted in an axial bore in the first check valve. The first and second check valves are moveable between an open position for allowing flow through the orifices of the valve plate and orifices in the first check valve, respectively, and a closed position for preventing such flow.

Abstract: An improved fuel filter cartridge comprises a housing which defines an opening, a filter element enclosed within the housing, and a flow-reversing insert disposed within the housing between the opening and the filter element. The improved filter cartridge is preferably used with a conventional header of the type having a fuel entry port, a fuel exit port, a central first conduit for interiorly defining a first axial fuel passage which is in fluid communication with the entry port of the header. Headers used with the improved filter cartridge also include a second conduit surrounding and cooperating with the first conduit to define a second axial fuel passage therebetween, the second fuel passage being in fluid communication with the exit port of the header, and a base for mounting the filter cartridge thereto.