Well that was a fun way to spend 4 hours.

Just got done replacing the fuel filter and oooooh boy did I suck at it.

Everything went just fine until it came time to pull the 2nd hose off of the old filter. This hose being the one on the "pipe" that bends twice and runs parallel to the filter at the top. I could not get that damn thing off! It took, with both me and my dad working on it, over AN HOUR AND A HALF to work that m$#@$r f$#@$r off of there. The first one just slid right off with a little twisting but THIS son-of-a-bitch, let me tell you! We could barely twist it and when we could, it would only move like a millimeter.

I don't know if there was something wrong with the old filter or maybe this line, but there's no way it should have taken this long to get one damn hose off, is there? The rest of the operation went ok (except for the last clamp which took forever to slide back in place). But all in all this was a horribly frustrating project, not fulfilling at all. I'll do it again when the time comes, but man this sucked!!!

Man I did crappy, but still glad it worked out in the end.

 

Man you got lucky, glad it worked out in the end!
Relocate the bitch next time!

 

...took me about 1.5 hours to change the oil. It was my first time changing an (my) FD's oil. First of all the oil filter was torqued tight pretty good, as well as the oil pan drain plug. Then the strut bar was covering the oil reservoir cap, so it was an awkward twist. And then I pulled out the dip stick to check, and couldn't find the hole to put it back in. (It was getting dark.) Grabbed a light, yada yada. And then of course I was paranoid about leaks so I started he car, checked for leaks, repeat.

Sometimes these things stress you out, I'm feelin you on that.

 

I still haven't changed my fuel filter. When it was time my car was at KDR anyways I know I'll have to do it eventually, and I'm dreading it. But congrats on doing it. I hear it's a PITA.

 

It's all good.

It was nice to see her fire right up after finishing the job and priming it. That gave me some satisfaction.

It was also interesting to see how dirty the fuel that ran out from the old filter was. YUK!

Thanks guys.

 

Which one is more difficult, spark plugs and wires change or fuel filter? I have to do both but will start with the easier one.

 

Good job Edward. I hope to tackle mine either tomorrow or the following weekend. Will be going solo though. Just have to remind myself...patience!!!! Unbelievable---can barely see the SOB!!.

Hey, what kind of a jumper wire did you use to prime? I got one at pepboys--Multi-tester kit that has test leads.
Test leads should work right??

 

Thanks

I just used a piece of 14 gauge copper electrical wire (rubber coated of course). Not sure about the test leads though...

 

Well Edward, I had a bit of a nightmare myself. At least 3 hours. But nevertheless she's done.
Turns out I couldn't get the relay out so I didn't need to prime. Surprisingly got very little fuel spillage. I did have the tank down close to E though.
When I got the bolts off, the bracket was stuck to the rubber bushings and I was afraid to just yank it off. It eventually worked off after I figured I wasn't going to damage anything. Then one of the metal pieces that you bolt into the bracket with fell out and was a bitch to get back in.

I had to use a magnet off of one of my daughters' darts to put it back. I unscrewed the tip from the end piece of the dart and it fit perfectly into the socket.
The first hose came off relatively easy but the second was tough. I used a screw driver to pry it away from the filter a little and then kept working it back and forth.
Won't have to worry about this one for a while. Whew!

Tell me the DP mod will be easier, someone, please???

 

"Which one is more difficult, spark plugs and wires change or fuel filter? I have to do both but will start with the easier one."

Can't really say as I haven't changed plugs and wires yet. But I can tell you when I have to do the fuel filter again it will likely take me a 1/3 of the time. The first time experience will make a huge difference.

 

man, spark plugs AND wires, that'll be a bitch, but not too bad.and senna, the DP mod gave me a bitch *** time to do, especially when trying to reach the bolts on the turbos, that was bitching, its always one bolt that f*cks with you...haven't changed my fuel filter yet, and im runnin on 52K miles...think i should do it before i finish getting the car up and running...

 

Maybe I'll just buy some fuel hose and cut off the old one instead of wrestling with it!

 

anyone know what all is needed to do a relocation of the fuel filter it's about time to do it again and i'm hoping to make it easier from now on. the first time was no fun at all. so i want to get rid of that problem once and for all. thanks

 

The spark plug wires by far, because you have to remove the UIM to get to them properly. But it's not that bad.

The fuel filter changeout looks daunting at first, but all it takes is the right tools and approach. The biggest aspect is to have a rachet/10mm socket setup with a couple of long extensions (so that you can reach through the rear frame member to get a direct hold on bolts) and to take off the filter bracket assembly as a whole; don't try to disassemble the bracket first to get the filter off, otherwise you'll have a tough time getting at the metal inserts and other small pieces that make up the bracketry.

If the hoses are tough to get off, use a small screwdriver to work in between the hose and filter tubing, then carefully work at it with a set of pliers. Don't yank, otherwise you'll get a faceful of fuel (and risk damaging the hose). Some use clips to pinch the hoses and prevent leakage after separating the hose/filter; I used a couple of hole punches to plug them while I changed out the filter. I also replaced the POS stock hose clamps with some screw-type hose clamps.

Draining the pressure from the fuel system is totally easy. Just jump the fuel pump relay, start the car and let it idle until it dies, and you're done. Then after the filter change, remove the jumper wire, and crank the car over a couple of times, and it should start right up.

 

It takes me about 10 minutes to change the oil. This after the car has been raised on the drivers front side and placed on a stand. It gets easier every time you do it!!


It takes me about 15 minutes to change all four Plugs. You need the right tools like a very long extension (I've got an 24") along with a socket swivel adapter. This combo works well for the two Plugs that are located in the lower front portion of the engine. I change my plugs from the top without having to crawl underneath the FD.

 

Anyone here have thoughts on what pre-mixing does to the fuel filter? After completing the FF replacement job last night I pre-mixed MMO of about 4-6 oz to a tank of 91. I'm assuming no significant impact but I don't know for certain. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.