Reverse flow filter cartridge and method of filtering fuel

An improved fuel filter cartridge (12) comprises a housing (21) which defines an opening, a filter element (30) enclosed within the housing (21), and a flow-rever-sing insert (40) disposed within the housing (21) between the opening and the filter element (30). The improved filter cartridge (21) is preferably used with a conventional header (10) of the type having a fuel entry port (16), a fuel exit port (14), a central first conduit (22) for interiorly defining a first axial fuel passage which is in fluid communication with the entry port (16) of the header. Headers used with the improved filter cartridge also include a second conduit (24) surrounding and cooperating with the first conduit (22) to define a second axial fuel passage therebetween, the second fuel passage being in fluid communication with the exit port (14) of the header, and a base (20) for mounting the filter cartridge (12) thereto. When the filter cartridge (12) is mounted to the base (20) of the header, the insert (40), filter element (30) and housing (21) cooperate to define a first chamber (34) in communication with the first conduit (22) of the header and to define a second chamber (32) in communication with the second conduit (24) of the header. Fuel delivered to the exit port (14) of the header progressively flows through the second conduit (24), is guided radially outwardly by the insert (40), flows through the filter element (30), flows through the first conduit (22) and, finally, flows into the entry port (16) of the header. Methods of using the improved filter cartridge (12) are also disclosed.