DaleClark's 20 minute fuel filter change
07-18-10, 03:37 PM
#28
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I've built LS1's and srt-4's from the ground up so I do have mechanic ability. Just a lot different working on a FD and not being at my dad's workshop where he has almost every tool known to man.
08-23-10, 06:54 PM
#30
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Hey guys -
Been saying for quite some time that it really isn't that bad to change an FD fuel filter. Well, today I had a chance to put my money where my mouth was, I took pics and got some hints that might make it easier for you guys.
I timed it - start to finish was right around 20 minutes. Went nice and easy.
First, what you're gonna need.
- Safety glasses. Fuel dripping in your eye is no fun, and you'll also be likely to get some dirt and junk dripping down on you as well. Safety first, kids!
- WD-40. This is the key here. You have to use it to lubricate the rubber fuel lines to easily remove them. If you try to remove it dry, you'll be there a long time.
- Small pair of needlenose pliers.
- Regular size pair of regular flat nose pliers.
- Hose pliers suitable for the FD fuel filter lines. These things are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Harbor Freight sells these as well, get a pair if you don't have them.
- 10mm socket and extension. I usually use 1/4" drive for most 10mm stuff. The 1/4" drive gives you more maneuvering room. If you don't have a 1/4" setup, go get it.
Let me know if you need clarification on anything.
Dale
Been saying for quite some time that it really isn't that bad to change an FD fuel filter. Well, today I had a chance to put my money where my mouth was, I took pics and got some hints that might make it easier for you guys.
I timed it - start to finish was right around 20 minutes. Went nice and easy.
First, what you're gonna need.
- Safety glasses. Fuel dripping in your eye is no fun, and you'll also be likely to get some dirt and junk dripping down on you as well. Safety first, kids!
- WD-40. This is the key here. You have to use it to lubricate the rubber fuel lines to easily remove them. If you try to remove it dry, you'll be there a long time.
- Small pair of needlenose pliers.
- Regular size pair of regular flat nose pliers.
- Hose pliers suitable for the FD fuel filter lines. These things are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Harbor Freight sells these as well, get a pair if you don't have them.
- 10mm socket and extension. I usually use 1/4" drive for most 10mm stuff. The 1/4" drive gives you more maneuvering room. If you don't have a 1/4" setup, go get it.
Let me know if you need clarification on anything.
Dale
I did mine last week and it was no 20 minute job and I've done it before
One thing I did this time was cut a hole in a trash bag so fuel would not burn my chest, and it worked great plus I'm pretty sure I lost a few pounds under the car wearing a trash bag in 90 degree temperatures.
08-23-10, 08:12 PM
#31
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
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Nice write-up Dale. You, as always, are a great asset to the Rx7 community.
I replaced my fuel filter awhile back and I had a hell of a time just because its so damn tight down there around the diff. and my arms are apparently too big.. Being 6'3" 260 lbs and wanting to drive little 2 seater Rx7's has its pitfalls...I did find taking off the cat-back gave me some more space to reach around the diff, but I still scratched up both arms quite a bit before I resorted to it. FYI gasoline does not feel good on abrasions. I also ended up replacing the rubber hoses from the tank to filter and from filter to hard lines with new quality Goodyear fuel hoses as a precaution because those stock rubber lines were looking old and I didn't trust them. I was going to keep the filter in the stock location, as I didn't want my filter in the engine bay, but in the end I relocated the filter to the rear sub-frame as it just made more sense for me.... and my arms. It works great, its easily accessible and most importantly its in a safe location where it wont be damaged by road debris, speed bumps, or bottoming out. Knowing that my future fuel filter changes will only take literally a couple of minutes makes me, and my over-sized arms very happy.
Here's a couple of pics of the final location midpoint on the rear sub-frame. The only thing needed was a hose clamp, I even used the stock bracket..
I replaced my fuel filter awhile back and I had a hell of a time just because its so damn tight down there around the diff. and my arms are apparently too big.. Being 6'3" 260 lbs and wanting to drive little 2 seater Rx7's has its pitfalls...I did find taking off the cat-back gave me some more space to reach around the diff, but I still scratched up both arms quite a bit before I resorted to it. FYI gasoline does not feel good on abrasions. I also ended up replacing the rubber hoses from the tank to filter and from filter to hard lines with new quality Goodyear fuel hoses as a precaution because those stock rubber lines were looking old and I didn't trust them. I was going to keep the filter in the stock location, as I didn't want my filter in the engine bay, but in the end I relocated the filter to the rear sub-frame as it just made more sense for me.... and my arms. It works great, its easily accessible and most importantly its in a safe location where it wont be damaged by road debris, speed bumps, or bottoming out. Knowing that my future fuel filter changes will only take literally a couple of minutes makes me, and my over-sized arms very happy.
Here's a couple of pics of the final location midpoint on the rear sub-frame. The only thing needed was a hose clamp, I even used the stock bracket..
08-24-10, 10:03 AM
#34
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I ended up not needing the hose grip pliers or WD-40...both hoses slid off with minimal effort.
One thing I did need, however was a pair of side-cutters. Due to space constraints, the only way to grab ahold of one of the clamps was to grab it perpendicular to the hose. The other clamp I got with a small pair of needlenose pliers, gripping parallel to the hose.
While it isn't super convenient to do, it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I feel that relocation is unnecessary, and totally inappropriate since, in the event of a major rear end collision, the filter would be crushed between the fuel tank and subframe, and would likely puncture the tank. I don't wish to be trapped inside a burning car if at all possible.
One thing I did need, however was a pair of side-cutters. Due to space constraints, the only way to grab ahold of one of the clamps was to grab it perpendicular to the hose. The other clamp I got with a small pair of needlenose pliers, gripping parallel to the hose.
While it isn't super convenient to do, it isn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I feel that relocation is unnecessary, and totally inappropriate since, in the event of a major rear end collision, the filter would be crushed between the fuel tank and subframe, and would likely puncture the tank. I don't wish to be trapped inside a burning car if at all possible.
09-21-11, 07:35 PM
#37
I changed my fuel filter today, and I wanted to pass on a few tips, here in this excellent write up.
1) make sure you have 90* tip pliers
2) make sure you have hose pliers.
3) lube the new filter with wd40 before you put it back in
All I had was some needle nose pliers and the stock hose clamps are such that it's nearly impossible to pinch them with needle nose from straight on. It took me 2 hours to change mine. Next time it will be much easier. I was this [ ] close to walking to the hardware store to get the right tools.
My car immediately idled better. I suspect the previous filter was installed 157,xxx miles ago in Japan. :smh:
1) make sure you have 90* tip pliers
2) make sure you have hose pliers.
3) lube the new filter with wd40 before you put it back in
All I had was some needle nose pliers and the stock hose clamps are such that it's nearly impossible to pinch them with needle nose from straight on. It took me 2 hours to change mine. Next time it will be much easier. I was this [ ] close to walking to the hardware store to get the right tools.
My car immediately idled better. I suspect the previous filter was installed 157,xxx miles ago in Japan. :smh:
01-15-12, 10:28 PM
#39
20 minutes eh....
Just did this for the first time since owning FDs. I usually take it to the local rotary shop and let them earn their money. Took me 2 hours and I took a nice shower in fuel. If I were to do it again, I think it would still take me 2 hours.
I just don't see how you can do it so quickly but am envious...
Just did this for the first time since owning FDs. I usually take it to the local rotary shop and let them earn their money. Took me 2 hours and I took a nice shower in fuel. If I were to do it again, I think it would still take me 2 hours.
I just don't see how you can do it so quickly but am envious...
01-19-12, 04:53 PM
#41
20 minutes eh....
Just did this for the first time since owning FDs. I usually take it to the local rotary shop and let them earn their money. Took me 2 hours and I took a nice shower in fuel. If I were to do it again, I think it would still take me 2 hours.
I just don't see how you can do it so quickly but am envious...
Just did this for the first time since owning FDs. I usually take it to the local rotary shop and let them earn their money. Took me 2 hours and I took a nice shower in fuel. If I were to do it again, I think it would still take me 2 hours.
I just don't see how you can do it so quickly but am envious...
01-20-12, 05:43 AM
#42
20 minutes just the get the car on jack stands and have a barley pop. What's the rush? Good info! I am doing mine soon with the rear diff replacement.
I don't think I am going to relocate though. Gas is not something to put in harms way.
Thanks for posting.
I don't think I am going to relocate though. Gas is not something to put in harms way.
Thanks for posting.
11-30-13, 01:23 PM
#44
Bucky
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I used Dale's instructions and start to finish in under an hour. I used a lift at the auto craft shop on a military base. I even fixed an exhaust leak and was out under 1.5 hours. Thanks for this awesome right up!
12-02-13, 11:38 AM
#45
RX-7 Bad Ass
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Glad to help! I'm just trying to get the word out that this isn't some crazy impossible task like people make it out to be.
Dale
Dale
04-18-14, 11:11 AM
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Good tip. I'm going to tackle this on Saturday. I guess I should spray WD40 the night before to soak it in. I looked at my FF and it doesn't look like its ever been changed! We'll see tomorrow.
04-18-14, 11:15 AM
#48
RX-7 Bad Ass
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You don't really need to let it soak in, you really want to work when the WD-40 is still wet.
Dale
Dale
04-19-14, 08:54 AM
#49
Constant threat
I'd still rather have fire ants invade my privates than change the friggin' fuel filter! Dale, you must be double-jointed or something or just 'right sized' for the job to be able to do it so "easily"...lol!
04-19-14, 11:23 PM
#50
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When I changed mine I was doing other maintenance (diff + tranny fluid change). I had a tough time getting the fuel filter out cause of the hoses. Putting the new one in I prepped myself for a long battle. Went back on in like 5 minutes. I was surprised.