Im fairly mechanicly inclined... took me about 35 minutes the very first time I did it..
J. |
Yeah you're right BTW I'm just joking with you doofy.
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Originally Posted by AzEKnightz
(Post 10116025)
Maybe it's his first time doing it and not having the right too =]. Not everyone is born to do handy work like some of us do.
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. |
so what IS the right size and combo for the socket and extension? Im heading out to Harbor Freight, and would like to know what the "secret" size is...
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
(Post 10014193)
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 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.:lol: |
5 Attachment(s)
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.. Attachment 712556 Attachment 712557 Attachment 712558 Attachment 712559 Attachment 712560 |
Great writeup
This worked perfect for me. It took about 30 minutes. Thank you soo much.
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Luckily the guy I got my car from relocated it and so now it shouldn't be too bad to change it. But the advice with the hose pliers and wd-40 will definitely be much appreciated. Thanks man!
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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. |
Took me less than an hour. I already had all of the tools mentioned earlier and the tips/instructions really helped.
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The right size setup for the wrench is a 3/8ths drive with a 3 inch extension and a 10mm 'short' (standard size, not deep well) socket...
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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: |
Dale, Next time you are at my place, I'm going to utilize your experience and your long ass arms to do my fuel filter :)
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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... |
Wish I could have some one do it and move mine to the sub frame or something
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Originally Posted by gracer7-rx7
(Post 10938562)
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... |
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. |
It was a super easy job with these tips
It would've been easier if my hose pliers weren't so long lol Thanks Dale |
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!
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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 |
Excellent tips in this thread! But.... FFFFFFF************KKKKKK this was a PITA. WD40 is the magic weapon here. Just spray that stuff on everything; the clamps, the hoses, the nipples of the new filter, everything.
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Originally Posted by prescription 7
(Post 11717791)
Excellent tips in this thread! But.... FFFFFFF************KKKKKK this was a PITA. WD40 is the magic weapon here. Just spray that stuff on everything; the clamps, the hoses, the nipples of the new filter, everything.
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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 |
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!
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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.
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