Changing Fuel Filter

[rcecale]

Just received a new fuel filter from our host, today, and am planning on changing it out this weekend. Shouldn't be too big of a deal.

I've read several threads on the subject and think I have it down. (Should be even easier than an oil change with a 5 gallon drain pan. )

Items Required Before Starting:
Fire extinguisher
Fuel Filter
Two (2) 19mm Open-end or Flare Wrenches
Sharpie Permanent Ink Marker
Nitrile gloves (1 pr.)
Shop rags
Gas can
Drip pan underneath car
Beer (your preferred flavor)

Here's the way I understand the process:

1.) My car has not been started in over a week, so any pressure in the lines should be releived by now. Leave it sit for at least a full day to relieve pressure.

2.) Disconnect battery.

3.) Place some rags or shop towels underneath the filter to catch any fuel that may drip upon loosening the lines.

4.) Using two 19mm combination or flare wrenches, loosen the lines on the top and bottom of the filter. Remove the clamp securing the filter to the bracket.

5.) Wearing nitrile gloves and taking note of the directional arrow for fuel flow, remove top fitting first and immediately cover the bottom fitting to prevent fuel dumping out of it and making a mess. Remove the old filter and pour the contents into the gas can you use for your lawn-mower.

6.) Prior to installing the new filter, mark it,, with permanent marker, but preferably with an engraver/etcher with the current date as a reminder of when the filter was installed.

7.) Install the new filter, with the directional arrow pointing in the proper direction.

8.) Ensure the lines are tightened, being careful not to strip the fittings. Leaking fuel can cause a fire, something I (we) definitely do NOT want.

9.) Position my assistant at the rear of the car, at a location that gives him/her a clear view of the filter. Assistant should fire extinguisher in hand, ready to shoot.

10.) Turn the ignition on for a few seconds, letting the fuel pump operate, before actually trying to start it to "prime" the system. Assistant should be watching for leaks, with fire extinguisher at the ready.

11.) After confirming no leakage, turn engine over and start it, all the while, watching for leaks and or fire, securing both as quickly as possible, should they occur.

12.) Once you know the fuel filter is not leaking, secure your tools and then offer the passenger seat to your assistant...time to go for a ride...

13.) Upon return from a most excellent cruise....beer heavily!

Have I left anything out?

edit: I've added several of the suggestions posted here to the list to make for easy reading. Keep the ideas coming, guys!

Randy

[kqw]

Looks like you've got it covered pretty well.

Be aware that it takes a pretty good turn of the wrenches to get the filter tightened properly.

[KNS]

Sounds like you've covered everything. I like the idea of writing the date on it (with a marker not the engraver).

[imcarthur]

The reality:

1. 1 day
2. I forgot this one. Gas was spilled across engine & bumper to floor.
3. Check.
4. Nope.
5. Check.
6. Check.
7. HaHaHa. What assistant?
8. HaHaHa. What assistant?
8. (#2?) 10 seconds & shut down. Check.
9. Like the wind . . .

Ian

As usual, edited for spelling

[rcecale]

Originally posted by imcarthur
The reality:
...HaHaHa. What assitant?

Hmmmm, good point!

8. (#2?)

Ooops! Thanks....I've corrected my numbering.


Thanks for the input, fellas!

Randy

[FrayAdjacent911]

You forgot the celebratory beer when you're all done! Geeze.

[rcecale]

Those would come AFTER the drive...Step 11.

Randy

[FrayAdjacent911]

True, that's the most responsible sequence of events!

[rick-l]

That filter holds allot of gas.

Remove the clamp, take off the top fitting, break the bottom nut loose, hold the fitting against the filter while you spin the bottom nut off. Slide your nitrile gloved finger rapidly over the bottom hole as you pull the fitting away.

Drain filter into your lawn mower through the top hole.

[Ian Comerford]

I would have added 'disconnect battery' to the start of that comprehensive list, you never know when you might touch somethin electrical with that spanner.

Ian

[jbrinkley]

I don't know if it's easier, but you can run the fuel pump with a jumper at the dme relay plug harness, key or no key.
good for walking around car checking for leaks.

[Driver Ed]

One additional note. If you don't already have them, you might want to buy one or two 19mm flare wrenches. Those fittings are VERY tight and you don't want to mess up the fittings.

[vash]

Originally posted by FrayAdjacent911
You forgot the celebratory beer when you're all done! Geeze.

better than a celebratory cigarette!

[Zef]

Hey Rcecale..I love the number 13 step...this step has to be not forgotten...

[DavidI]

Have at it Marine.....You have it all covered.

David

[rcecale]

David,

Gittin' 'er done tomorrow!

zef,

Gotta give credit for step 13 to Matt (FrayAdjacent911). He seems to have the mind of a true professional!

Randy

[rcecale]

WOW!!! What a difference!!!!

My car had been having some problems running, lately. Had a hard time keeping her idling at 850 or so...she would prefer to drop to 500 or les...and then stall. Also, when gettin on her, especially 1st and 2nd, she would sputter, almost violently. Change the filter and all these issues have disappeared. Fuel starvation can be a reall killer!!! She runs great now! Thanks for the input everyone.

1.) The old filter.


2.) Time to drop the engine and yank the sound pad.


3.) Kinda difficult to breathe.


4.) All ready for the leak/functional test.


5.) Working on Step 13.


Happy New Year, everyone!

Randy

[FrayAdjacent911]

Randy, glad to have contributed to the official Fuel Filter Change Procedure!

I don't know what step number it will be, but once I get everything in Stinky, and get her running, that last step will be a nice tall cold one like that!

[Ray B]

Randy, I get the feeling you're just itchin' to drop that engine again.

[rcecale]

Itching, Ray? It feels more like hives!!!

I was concentrating so much on my transmission the last time (and only time) I had the engine out, that I overlooked several "while I was in there" tasks.

Just as soon as I get an ATV jack, down and out she's gonna come. I'll probably post in invite here on the BBS to any local Pelicans who may want to come by and share the fun...or just a few beers.

Randy