is it?

 

I don't remember about the 3rd gen, but the 2nd gen is MOST DEFINATELY a pain in the ***, I think they relocated the fuel filter on 3rd gens though.

 

3rd Gen = Yes

 

I ran my car 1500 miles this weekend and a few miles from home the fuel light came on...I didn't know there was a fuel light (1/4 tank type of guy). Will this make it a little better?

 

If you don't know when the last time the filter was changed, it's a good idea to just get it done. It's one of the few things I let the dealership do...

 

LOL...sad but true.

Changing an FC fuel filters is COMPLETELY different than an FD fuel filter. I'd rather change 100 FC ff than 1 FD ff.

 

first time...yes...expecially if you don't have access to a lift...

 

the FD ff is not that bad. It's up under an aluminum scuff guard near the rear of the car. Follow the FSM, put your rear up on jackstands (Chok the front wheels so it doesn't roll off onto you), and you'll be okay. the filter is bolted to the chassis waaaay up, just in front of the rear suspension, IIRC. I think you'll want a bucket, 5 gal. style, to let the gas outta the line. don't forget to prime the system when you're all done changing it.

 

no.
Take off the gas cap to release some pressure and jack up the back side. Remove the passenger side shield at the rear wheels. Reach up there and pull the hose on the passenger side first. Fuel will spill so have a rag to catch most of it. Then pull the drivers side. Slide under the car facing the front and in front of the gas tank there is a little space so use a 3" extension and a 10mm socket. There are 2 bolts that need to come out then the old filter drops out. Switch the mounting bracket to the new filter and bolt it on. Then reattach hoses. All done!

 

huh?? I only had a little bit come out, no more than one small towel would soak up.

 

I think I'll just relocate the ff up front...steel braided hoses and AN fittings on the way!

 

Haha.. not that 5 gallons of fuel will come out... just a 5 gal. bucket has a big target and is tall. When sitting on the ground it'll be closer to the source of the fuel and easier to catch all the spill. Only a small amount SHOULD come out, provided you followed the FSM directions correctly.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Also, make sure you follow the fuel system depressurization procedure as outlined in the FSM. Basically, you unplug the fuel pump relay and run the engine till it dies.

I didn't do this and got my whole chest area soaked (twice). It sucks, and burns like hell.

Other than spilling fuel on yourself, the job is not bad at all. The lines are little hard to get to, but not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It took me about an hour, start to finish, to change mine for the first time.

 

Thanks guys...much good advice.

 

I paid to get mine done and I watched the mechanic as he cussed at it for a half hour and ended un covered with gas. I was glad I did not do it. :-)

 

In response to Van (Jspec):
"Note: Moving the fuel filter to the engine compartment may allow fuel vapor to develop in the fuel filter due to the high heat it is exposed to. Vapor lock might occur - it hasn't happened to me but it is probably the reason Mazda placed the filter where they did."

http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobi...ilter_move.htm

Not that it is a bad idea but just making everyone aware.

 

thanks for the info B!...I may just relocate it under the car...in an easier location to get to!

 

Yes, it sucks.

Big time.

I would rather do 5 downpipe installations than do the fuel filter.
It took me most of 6 hours or so to do the damned fuel filter, and it is just a pain in the *** as there is SO little room behind the differential and cross member, and you need to have just the EXACT right length of extension for your socket, and the lines are literally grown onto the filter if it has never been changed before.....grrrrrrr!

Now, having said all that, since I have now done it and know the "tricks", I could probably do one in an hour or two.....doesn't help the pain-in-the-*** aspect, but I know I can do it faster now.

 

I second that

that's why I bought a K&N washable filter and moved it to the engine bay, where it has happily remained for the last two years

 

Wow, everyone is making a mountain out of a molehill. It took me 45 minutes my first time. I used and FC and FD jacks in the rear.
I think I could get it in 20-30 minutes next time.
The part cost me $17.00, I'll be damned if I'm going to pay someone $70.00+ to do something like that.
If you think the dealer should do that, you should have the dealer change your oil, you spark plugs or fill up your gas.

Its really not all that hard.
Take off the gas cap.
Run the car and pull the fuel pump relay.
Get some cheap pens to plug up the lines, and have fun.

 

you're nuts....do enjoy sticking needles in your eyes for fun as well?

 

6 hours??? To do a fuel filter? Are you serious?

Assuming you have a good assortment of 1/4" drive ratchet extensions and a 10mm socket, the bolts are easy to get to. There's enough room under there to grasp the filter and the fuel hoses to pull them off. The main problem is that you can't see what you're doing, but there's more than enough room up there to get your hands in, and pulling off hoses isn't exactly complicated.

Glassman's absolutely right. It should take you around an hour the first time, assuming you're relatively mechanically inclined and nothing goes horribly wrong.

 

It's not horrible, but you do have to lay on your back.

fuel filter install instrucitons