Proper way to replace a fuel filter?
 

How should I have done this. I had the car parked. I had just washed it and I decided to replace the inline Mahle fuel filter with a new one.

So, I loosened the clamps. Then I pulled one side of the filter out of the hose and then started on the other side. Of course, the POS plastic nipple broke off in the hose. Now, I have a slow flow of gas coming from the supply side hose. In my mind, I was going to be F1 pit crew fast on putting the new one in so I didn't clamp the line. In retrospect, I'm an idiot. It took me a few minutes to get the old plastic nipple out and then get the new filter on. In those few minutes, I spilled some fuel.

How would you have done this better?

Hey Paul, I think you know, but this is the trick that I use.
I use a set of small needle nose vise grips on both lines at the filter.

Yup clamp the hoses. if you end up damaging the hoses you needed new ones anyway.

Lesson learned.

What kind of clamps are you using?

I think that I'll end up using AN lines and Canton filters with a removable element. Seems cleaner and better.

"Fuel injection clamps". They are shaped like a letter Omega (kind of horse-shoe with the ends of the 'U' bent in) with a screw through the ends. The sides of the clamp have rolled-up edges so the clamp does not cut into the hose.

Those are the original style clamps; they are available a wide variety of places. Using the common worm-screw type clamps is not recommended; they will cut into the hose (they are designed to!) and typically don't help high-pressure hose last very long.

--DD

Does Pelican sell them?

I suspect that this is an appropriate one. The part number cross-references to this clamp, though.

--DD

OHHHH. I thought you were talking about something completely different.

I thought you were talking about a clamp so that fuel didn't flow out while you were changing the filter. I have normal hose clamps to hold the hose on the filter.

"Normal hose clamps"--the worm-gear type that is common in the US--cut into the hose. Not so good on a hose that carries high pressure toxic flammable liquid. The FI hose clamps have rounded edges and do not have the "slices" in the middle for the threads on the worm-gear. No hose slicing, so the risk of leaks is reduced.

I recommend using the "proper" clamps. (You can find them at some FLAPS, too.)

--DD

The lines to-and-from the fuel filter aren't under high pressure. You should, however, use the correct hose clamps.

The Cap'n