changing fuel filter question.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
changing fuel filter question.
Well I'm finally going to get it done. Did a search and got a lot of info but wanted to hear first hand whats the best way to do it.
someone said take the fuse out for the fuel pump first then let the car idle and die. Someone said to unhook the battery. Any of these right?
If it isn't going to leak much then i don't care but and will just put a bucket under it.
I bought one from autozone but couldn't get either side of the new one to twist. So is it stationary and the line has the twist factor or which part screws?
someone said take the fuse out for the fuel pump first then let the car idle and die. Someone said to unhook the battery. Any of these right?
If it isn't going to leak much then i don't care but and will just put a bucket under it.
I bought one from autozone but couldn't get either side of the new one to twist. So is it stationary and the line has the twist factor or which part screws?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Most seem to pull the FP fuse and let the engine die to clear the feed line. I should think it's best till you have <1/2 tank of fuel.
I should think a throw-away large flat Al baking pan would be sufficient to catch the fuel seepage.
Since the hex fittings on the filter ends do not turn those on the lines must, much like the way the brake lines go into the MC.
I should think a throw-away large flat Al baking pan would be sufficient to catch the fuel seepage.
Since the hex fittings on the filter ends do not turn those on the lines must, much like the way the brake lines go into the MC.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
Likes: 11
From: Fisher, IL
I know it's under the passenger seat somewhere but just looked and it had a huge cover running most of the car.
Is it under the cover or to the front or back of it? Is there a heat shield covering it?
Is it under the cover or to the front or back of it? Is there a heat shield covering it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Pull fuse, run till dies, disconnect neg, open gas cap to release pressure and let open for 30min, well vent area.... ONLY
old mech tip... tie a shop rag around your wrist, stops gas from running down your arm...
old mech tip... tie a shop rag around your wrist, stops gas from running down your arm...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Looks like you have a 96. It really doesn't matter if the fuel pump dies or not.. you will still get gas leakage. Just get under there and replace it. If I can do it with a 2 year old boy and a 5 month old girl, by my side, surley you can. 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,725
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From: Bergen County, NJ
I change mine after its been sitting over night and cold. Then there is no pressure to release. I don't unhook the battery. You will always spill some gas, that can't be helped.
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
When I did mine, I removed the rightfront wheelwell to gain access from the top side.
Easiest way I found is to disconnect the bottom(or rear) line. Then place a wrench on the top(or front) fitting and then turn the filter off rather than trying to turn the fitting(not much room for that).
Installation is just the opposite, attach the top fitting, twist the filter on and tighten, then connect the bottom fitting.
Easiest way I found is to disconnect the bottom(or rear) line. Then place a wrench on the top(or front) fitting and then turn the filter off rather than trying to turn the fitting(not much room for that).
Installation is just the opposite, attach the top fitting, twist the filter on and tighten, then connect the bottom fitting.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,066
Likes: 3
From: Milpitas ca
First time I changed the fuel filter I ended up with bloody gas soaked hands with a head rush from being under the car for an hour
Next time I will take it to Jiffy Lube and pay the 25 bucks.
Next time I will take it to Jiffy Lube and pay the 25 bucks.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
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From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
They picked about the most inaccessable spot possible. It is between the pass side cat and the frame. Barely any room to get wrenches in there and a possible knuckle buster. If you have a lift it would not be bad at all. There are also some reviews on non-Delco filters causing restrictions and loss of power. I don't know for sure, but when in doubt play it safe and go with a new Delco filter. This is one job I would sooner pay a shop to do, but then I have large and clumsy hands.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
My job was a breeze. Maybe took 10 mins. I jacked the front of the car as high as I could get it, pulled the fuse, and removed the gas cap. I got maybe 3-4 tablespoons of gas that came out before the trickle stoped. Very easy...at least on my 86.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
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From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Just make sure to hose down the undercarriage and driveway after doing so to get any excess fuel off the car before starting it up. Most of it will have evaporated by the time you are done anyway.
Quick tip: Stuff some rags on either side of the fuel lines so if it trickles out, it doesn't run back down the outsides of the line and get fuel all up under the car.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,515
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From: Fisher, IL
Jacked it up and found it.......doesn't look too fun.
I'm going to wait till next weekend when my buddy can lend me his jack stands. Didn't feel really safe laying under the car right next to the jack.
Anyone know off hand why size and type wrenches i will need?
I'm going to wait till next weekend when my buddy can lend me his jack stands. Didn't feel really safe laying under the car right next to the jack.
Anyone know off hand why size and type wrenches i will need?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Just changed the fuel filter on my '95 yesterday. The fuel ine wrench size is 5/8 flare. The filter wrench is some special size...a 20mm would fit the best...which I did not have. I used a 3/4..which was too big, but held the filter enough to turn the line screws.
The filter body clamp uses a 10mm.
I also suggest loosening the fuel line clamps under the passenger door...at least the first two (starting at the front wheel). This allows for the line to move a bit and get the filter out and new one in.
Oh and have the rag tired around your wrist and put paper towels under the filter to stop the fuel from splashing when it hits the floor.
Just love the smell of unleaded fuel.....NOT
The filter body clamp uses a 10mm.
I also suggest loosening the fuel line clamps under the passenger door...at least the first two (starting at the front wheel). This allows for the line to move a bit and get the filter out and new one in.
Oh and have the rag tired around your wrist and put paper towels under the filter to stop the fuel from splashing when it hits the floor.
Just love the smell of unleaded fuel.....NOT
