Changing Fuel Filter
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: SANDY UT
the best thing i can think of is not spill gas all over your self. this will help with the top nut( one of those open end wrench bits for a socket wrench and a long extension will work)dont forget to unscrew the gas cap first and bleed the fuel line at the fuel rail. small things yes but some how seem to be forgotten and you will be much happyer if you dont have to wash gas out of you hair and eyes and wipe up a big mess, just for a filter change. i have done it myself and have seen it done too many times, even at a auto shop.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
I have changed the fuel filter on my '86 coupe several times. Using a flare nut wrench helps. You can ease the pressure by turning the nut and letting the gas run out in a pan. Then taking the filter off and putting the new one on is pretty straightforward.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Cotati CA
the best thing i can think of is not spill gas all over your self. this will help with the top nut( one of those open end wrench bits for a socket wrench and a long extension will work)dont forget to unscrew the gas cap first and bleed the fuel line at the fuel rail. small things yes but some how seem to be forgotten and you will be much happyer if you dont have to wash gas out of you hair and eyes and wipe up a big mess, just for a filter change. i have done it myself and have seen it done too many times, even at a auto shop.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
On my 95 convertible I unbolt the bottom nut and disconnect the lines from the engine. I can then pull the filter out from the bottom with the lines still connected. Very easy. Check to see if you can do the same with your year.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Tank is higher than filter so it will siphon out anyway.Change filter with min fuel in tank or disconnect the supply line under the filler cap.Then you only have to drain the line from tank
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
I just did the SAME exact thing last week. Make sure you pick up a pack of brown fuel safe o-rings from autozone for your fuel lines, one on either side of the filter. One of mine was in pieces, the other smashed.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Laguna Niguel California
Took me weeks of failure before I figured this out. Disconnect the fuel lines, remove the mounting brackets under the frame holding the fuel lines, and lower the fuel lines down with the filter. Makes the job a lot easier.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
This is what I do. Amazing I'm still alive with fuel running down my arms and shirt with a trouble light under the car... A few of these episodes and I decided to get smart and be safe.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Its a piece of cake to do as long as you use 2 wrenches of the correct size and then the whole fuel pressure thing, you'll get fuel on you regardless but better for it to be a drip than a big spray 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 56
From: West Chester PA
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '25
And buy yourself flare nut wrenches as mentioned, it's easy to round the nut off with regular wrenches. Made that mistake once, never again...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Read what I said above.That only removes the pressure from the line , not the fuel itself. Fuel will still siphon out , especially if you have any volume in the tank.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Best tip I can add is for you to remove the fuel pump fuse, start the engine, then let it run until it dies from fuel starvation. Then, remove your fuel filler cap to relieve any pressure in the tank.
In this manner, you'll have less than 1/4 of a cup of fuel in the line to trickle out after you loosen the fuel filter. Get a jar and some shop towels to collect and contain the excess fuel.
Next, unhook the negative battery cable before loosening the filter for safety. You'll be working in close proximity to the starter, knock sensor heat shields, and other metal parts and it's all too easy to introduce a spark by contacting the starter solenoid with your wrench or other tool.
In this manner, you'll have less than 1/4 of a cup of fuel in the line to trickle out after you loosen the fuel filter. Get a jar and some shop towels to collect and contain the excess fuel.
Next, unhook the negative battery cable before loosening the filter for safety. You'll be working in close proximity to the starter, knock sensor heat shields, and other metal parts and it's all too easy to introduce a spark by contacting the starter solenoid with your wrench or other tool.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Best tip I can add is for you to remove the fuel pump fuse, start the engine, then let it run until it dies from fuel starvation. Then, remove your fuel filler cap to relieve any pressure in the tank.
In this manner, you'll have less than 1/4 of a cup of fuel in the line to trickle out after you loosen the fuel filter. Get a jar and some shop towels to collect and contain the excess fuel.
In this manner, you'll have less than 1/4 of a cup of fuel in the line to trickle out after you loosen the fuel filter. Get a jar and some shop towels to collect and contain the excess fuel.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,628
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood, Arkansas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
I tried that several years back the first time I needed it replaced. They could not figure it out. A later C4 vert filter is hard to get to with the stock cat. I went home, posted on the forum, received a how-to, and replaced it myself the same day. I went back a week later to the shop and taught them how to do it. Gotta love this place! 
Last edited by rickneworleansla; Mar 27, 2009 at 11:07 AM.