Fuel Filter replacement problem..
 

I need to change my fuel filter so I have been learning how to do it from Rob Robinette's website, now my problem is that before I remove my fuel filter I have to release the pressure from the fuel system and Rob describes doing this by starting the engine and then pulling the circuit relay which will cause the engine to stall.

Fine so far, apart from I can't start my car and wouldn't want to try because I don't want to suck the crappy old petrol from the tank....so my question is does someone know a procedure to do what I want without having to start the car?

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.

You should be fine if the car a sat for a lil while. Just losen the gas cap and that will relieve some pressure. I will say you will still have some gas spray out but it does not spray with any force. Just remove the hoses slowly and use a couple ink-pen caps to plug the rubber lines to keep anymore gas from running out and soaking you (gas will still be in the lines). The last time I changed my filter I did not depressurize the fuel system by removing the relay and all was fine.

I would highly recommend relocating the filter while you are doing this. It is such a PITA to get to.

you're gonna get gas on you. period. I've never seen/heard anyone doe this without a bit of gas on them when they're done.

if the car has sat for a bit, then the pressure would be minimum.. if at all. Just start taking the lines off, you'll be fine.

I work on cars for a living and the pressure held in the fuel system isn't going to hurt you. Pop the gas cap off and get wrenching.

triple ditto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wghgEinr7nE

because it is my personal vendetta against the oem fuel filter. lol

god it pisses me off...

+1 on relocating it... its in the most retarded location... good luck

ok guys thanks for the advice, I'll start wrenching and try to dodge the gas, mind you it does look like a bugger to get out so I will probably relocate it somewhere in the engine bay......so to put in the place of the filter, would a bit of gas pipe and some sort of connectors on either end be ok??

Where's the rest of the video??

Cheers guys, thanks for your time.:icon_tup:

LOTS of writeups on here on relocating the filter. Most popular is just relocating it close to its current location just a little lower. If you do get an aftermarket cleanable filter to relocate to the engine bay you can connect the two hardlines in the original location with a small bit of fuel injection rated hose. No reason to go all sophisticated with a hardline.

this is one of those jobs that is significantly easier if you have access to a lift. you have to work partially blind and will get soaked in gas, even with pulling the fuse and the gas cap. i'll never do it again will gladly pay an hour labor to have someone else get the gas bath.

That video was a one shot piece. took it on my iphone just to get people familiar with the location. I read robinettes instructions and sat under the car for 15 minutes searching lol.

I did analyze the situation for keeping it back there, but making it easier to access. Because i was having such a difficult time with the hard lines, i just hacked and slashed. not necessarily what everyone wants to do. :-)

Get an Aeromotive filter and mount it on the subframe behind the differential where it's easy to get to....putting it in the engine bay is risky, my old filter housing sprang a leak when I had it mounted there and I'm very lucky it didn't catch fire

not when an hour labour for a mechanic can set you back 150-200 dollars!!
in the UK anyway.

Thanks for all of your comments guys, I'm sure they will help.:icon_tup:

Yeah, the second beauty of relocating the filter is you do not have to be careful with the current rubber fuel lines. Just cut those things off and then slide the newer, longer ones on. Oh, and just to keep things easy I do recommend doing them one at a time as to not mix them up.

Remember to close your mouth while cursing at the lines, gasoline tastes horrible IMO...

it was on the firewall in the 2nd gens, near the framerail. It's not hard to get to in comparison.

where's this robinette writeup you guys mentioned?

thank you much sir