Attempted fuel filter swap today. I need help please.

[352pro]

Hello,

I attempted to change out my fuel filter today, but I hit a road block. I tried loosing the lines from the filter at the points I circled in red, but the lines did not want to give. I didn't want to do something stupid, so I reassembled it and came here.

My question is, 1) is this the correct procedure? 2) Will a bunch of fuel come out after removing these lines, or is it just a small amount? Any advice/tips are highly appreciated!

Cheers

[rumb]

Make sure you put a 2nd wrench on the ''nut' behind the main one in the second picture. I cant see if there is one on the filter housing. Just use a longer breaker bar and pull steady. There will be some gas come out. Best if you replace the 2 metal washers on the banjo fitting though they can be reused if look ok. "lefty loosy" - when upside down can get confused. a little kroil never hurts either.

[mclare]

You need to clamp off the line coming down from the tank or it will all leak out onto you.

You need to be careful not to pinch or damage that line either or you will ruin it and have leaks there too.

The best procedure is to drain all of the fuel out of the tank by siphoning it all out, then loosen the line coming down from the tank and drain the rest of it out into a pan, then proceed to rebuild the fuel filter assy and pumps. I would do it all and do it right by also replacing the fuel regulator also (The one by the filter, not the one under the hood. That will help with starting up, as it's a one way check valve with a rubber diaphragm that goes bad).

Do it once, Do it right! I think I did a whole thread on R&R the fuel system.

[ABQ450SLC]

Just did this. No need to drain all gas or clamp any hoses. Remove the cap to relieve pressure. Only gas that will come out is the gas in the filter itself. Mine was completely full and about 2 cups came out.

[luckymike]

I would add a caution to be careful with the metal line in your first picture. I accidentally scored the surface of mine where the copper washer fits against the banjo. Got a nice fine stream of fuel shooting right through that tiny score mark!

I had do very carefully file the surface flat again. It was a real pain.

[mclare]

Originally Posted by ABQ450SLC

Just did this. No need to drain all gas or clamp any hoses. Remove the cap to relieve pressure. Only gas that will come out is the gas in the filter itself. Mine was completely full and about 2 cups came out.

This is true only IF you are only doing the filter itself. If, as I did, you do everything, (Filter, pumps, and regulator) then you need to either drain or clamp.

When I do a job, I do all of the components at once because I do not like to go under and do it twice. I have learned the hard way.

[slow&rusty]

I found it was much easier to do this with the entire fuel block (pumps, associated lines and filter) removed from the car working on a bench and I could inspect everything that needed to be replaced rather than being on the concrete floor on my back.

[reno4u2]

Originally Posted by rumb

a little kroil never hurts either.

+1 Great product. Glad to see others have picked up on it.

Penetrating-Lubricating Oils

[VaiFanatic]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

I found it was much easier to do this with the entire fuel block (pumps, associated lines and filter) removed from the car working on a bench and I could inspect everything that needed to be replaced rather than being on the concrete floor on my back.

This is probably the most brilliants approach I've seen. I must pay you homage with a case of beer of your choice.

[352pro]

Thank you, everybody! While it certainly makes sense to do all of these at the same time, I'm just going to swap out the fuel filter at the moment. Perhaps in the next few months I will swap out the rest, but at the moment I am trying to minimize costs (per trying not to upset the wifey) and focus on the main areas of concern, particularly since I'll be getting the timing chain replaced soon. Thanks for all of your pointers! I will be referencing these tips in the very near future.