Fuel Filter Replacement on a 'vert
 

Okay... I've got an '89 vert that I want to replace the fuel filter on. First off... I can't find the fuel pump disconnect. According to the FSM its behind the left rear strut tower, but I can't seem to find it. Second, what kinds of ungodly contortions must one go through to get the actual filter out and the new one reinstalled? It looks like the bolts and fittings are impossible to get to w/o removing lots of stuff, which I don't really want to do.

Any tips here would be very helpful! Thanks!

-- D
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Re: Fuel Filter Replacement on a 'vert
 

ok first off disconect the battery, u don't need to disconect the fuel pump (if u want to though its under the carpit in the trunk i think on the left side) pull the egi fuse (located in engine bay), crank the engine for a little while and it will do the same (relive the pressure) then get a jack r a lift (if u acess to one) jack the car up, undo fuel lines (might be easier to undo the one that goes to the engine on top, r u could just undo it where it conects to the fuel rail on the engine) cap the bottom one with something, pull the hole filter assembly out (two bolts) take fuel filter out and put on new one the same way the old one was on, put fuel filter assembly back on, reconnect lines, put egi fuse back in reconect battery, and crank (might take awhile to start) and your done

-Shawn

Re: Re: Fuel Filter Replacement on a 'vert
 

That's going to make your next step very difficult... ;) That disables the injectors, so the engine won't even run and fuel pressure won't be relieved. The engine has to be running when the fuel pump is disabled so the fuel in the lines is used up.

On a 'vert if you pull back the trim at the front of the boot, the fuel pump plug is staring you in the face. Just unplug it with the engine running and wait for it to die. Or you could look under the steering column and find the relay with the yellow plug (you can't miss it), which is the fuel pump relay, and do the same.

newbie question
 

I too am about to do my fuel filter on my convertible. I tried to located the plug for the fuel filter. I went into my trunk and pulled the trim on the passenger side. I found underneath the trim a white plug attached to the side of the trunk wall. The wire leads down an opening. I see some ground wires as well. Is this the fuel pump plug I am supposed to unplug? Thanks.

This may be incorrect to do it this way but here is what I do.

Start car, pull fuel pump relay (under driver's dash). Let the car die, remove key. Disconnect battery. Change fuel filter. Filter is on driver's firewall in engine compartment toward bottom. If I remember it is one 10mm bolt/nut that hold the filter clamp, and 2 hose clamps. You will have some fuel leak from hoses, place a pan under filter to catch it.

Dumb question but I have never done any of those procedures when changing the fuel filter. Why is that needed?

The relay/pump disconnect is to relieve the pressure in the fuel line. Less spray when you disconnect the fuel lines to/from the filter. Battery cable is for safety, no sparks when playing with fuel.

Well the battery is understandable, but the rest is too technical. I bet they don't even do that at the dealership....

Doesn't really make a difference.. it's just whether or not you wanna spray gas on you're engine..

After the car sits for a period of time e.g. overnight, you'll find that the pressure in the system has fallen off, and when the lines are disconnected it won't "spray" all over. You'll get the normal small amount of gas that runs out of the filter and lines. Done it a dozen times.

yeah, i've never had any fuel anywhere at all. Replaced FPD, fuel lines, whatever. My dad told me just to open up the gas tank in hole. Dunno if it does anything, but everything's always been perfectly dry.