I have gained access to my fuel sock, but how to i remove it to clean or check it for sediments. i really dont want to get sprayed in the face with gasoline again...

 

Some high pressure water would probably knock loose anything that's built up inside it.

 

ive read that people usually use water, or gas to clean it.

if you use water, make sure its dry before putting it back into your gas tank.

 

Yea but you don't wanna do that with it still in the tank, for obvious reasons.

I don't remember how to do it, it's been a while. But the FSM has this to say:

 

Replace the sock. The pores are so small it is difficult to clean it. And like the FSM page says, replace the clip at the same time.

 

A new sock is $16 from Napa for a bosch replacement, why bother trying to clean the old one?

 

+1. replace it.

 

And while you are there, replace all the screws retaining the fuel pump flange to the tank with stainless hex head bolts. It will make removal much easier next time.

 

i just did that and must say its a great investment. having to dremel/drill those little screws is a nightmare.

 

ok but what is the best way to relieve fuel pressure??

 

if the car has been sitting for a day, the 2 lines should come off the sending unit without spilling much/any. just put a rag under the lines before you pull them off.

 

Run the car (warm it up obviously) and before you start to remove the fuel pump, disconnect the connector and let the engine stall. You will still have some residual pressure in the lines so as others have said, wrap a rag around the end of the hoses as you pull them off.

 

I've never bothered with letting the engine stall before disconnecting the fuel lines. If it's sat for a few hours at least, the fuel pressure in the lines will be minimal. I just had my fuel pump out this weekend, and barely lost any fuel when I took the lines off.

Also, removing the fuel pump assembly, then pulling the fuel sock off is a very easy job, as long as you are careful with the small phillips head screws. It's about a 30 minute job really.