Need a new fuel filter. There are many options but I am not sure which one to go with. What is the best one out there? Oreilly has the microgard and wix and they are priced really well. Any thoughts?

 

Not sure if you looked into the DIY for the change but its a pain in the butt. I would consider relocating the fuel filter if i was you.

I went with Bosch, not sure if thats the best or not.

 

Actually, it's harder than you think (last I checked) to find a fuel filter. If you have options, great.

No good reason to relocate the fuel filter, it's really not a hard job with the right tools. Search for my guide on changing the fuel filter.

Dale

 

Hey Dale. The first thing I did was good "how to change the fuel filter in rx7" and your write-up came up. I read it and it looks pretty simple. Nice job.

 

yes i used your guide and the tools you listed. It's just a little awarkward getting to the fuel filter, u kinda have to try and find the best way to route your hands to get clamps.

1 thing that really help me was getting a good small light to shine up there to see what you are doing.

Also i had issue started the bolt on the fuel filter bracket, could never get it in the right angle to start the thread. So what i did was install 2 studs in the fuel filter bracket hold, slid the fuel filter bracket on and it was much easier to start a nut on the stud.

good luck.

 

Thank you for the tip. I appreciate it.

 

Only good reason to relocate fuel filter is to not get fuel spewing onto your face and in your mouth. Changing that thing sucked but I left it there lol.

 

Ray at Malloy Mazda had the OEM filter when I did mine last year.

 

go with an oem if possible. a high quality aftermarket like bosch is probably ok BUT don't risk using the cheaper aftermarket ones because ive heard of the cheaper ones sometimes not flowing well and causing fuel pressure issues

 

Wix works well also. I'd avoid the Microguard crap. Tried some of their parts before on the Ford and it's rather bottom end in quality.

 

Great! O'Reilly sells wix. I'll pick one up tomorrow.

 

I got an aeromotive inline filter. Looks good quality but haven't got the chance to use it yet. Will report back soon if it's not too late

 

I relieve the pressure and use a clamp 3 Piece Line Clamp Set
The last one I did was just prior to installing my transmission...so I didn't have the PPF or driveshaft in the way. Took 15 or 20 minutes.

 

Not too hard of a job in the stock location. I bought a pair of long handled, angled head needle nose pliers and it worked great. Just have rags ready when you pull the lines off to catch the gallon of fuel that seems to pour out of there.

Like Sgtblue pointed out you can use clamps. I used a pair of small vice grips just tight enough to clamp the hose through the wrags.

I did not relocate because I like the idea of that thing protected up there, and it really was not that bad of a procedure.

 

I'd forgotten I took these...
FWIW if anyone else is curious as to what the insides of a filter look like. Those internal 'caps' may appear to be discolored with fuel varnish...they are NOT. It appears to be just their natural color. This particular filter had about 25k on it.....

 

Thats pretty cool, I've never opened a fuel filter before. Is that an oem mazda filter? I ordered a filter from pettit and the instal was very easy if you follow dale's write up. There really is no reason to relocate it. Ive changed my spark plugs recently and no signs of leaning.

 

I went ahead and bought the WIX fuel filter. I'm going to install it on Saturday using Dale's write-up

 

Expect it to take a lot longer than what it took Dale. Don't know how we does it so fast but it took me a lot longer.

 

The real trick to the fuel filter change is the right tools and WD-40 on the hose to help break the seal free. It's not too bad of a job, really.

Dale

 

I am going to attempt to change the filter tomorrow. Wouldn't it be better to use a vise grip to pinch the hose before removing it off the filter? Or maybe a hose clamp?

 

If you use vise grips you are going to damage your hose. I don't think a vise grip is an acceptable tool to use on anything on my car, unless its strictly last resort. Google hose removal pliers and you'll find the perfect tools for the job.

 

If you use vice grips be very careful not to damage the hose..

 

I guess my question was a little confusing. I have the tools to remove the hose but I was talking about pinching the center of the hose so that the backed up fuel doesn't spill out when I remove the hose from the filter. I think I will fold the tip of the hose and then put a clamp or something. I will report back monday

 

3 Piece Line Clamp Set

thanks for the link. I will go pick these up.

 

I did it, but it took me 1hr 20mins lol