Fuel Filter

[Sean486]

What is the procedure for changing the fuel filter? Is there a brand that is recommended or can I just go to autozone and get whatever?

My svx has 145k and I have no idea if it was ever changed, so I figure it wouldn't hurt.

[svxfiles]

A new fuel filter might have less restriction than the one that you have now, so, why not!
I prefer the Purolator brand.
With the engine COLD you loosen the two phillips head screws on the fuel filter, undo the side spring clamp, pull off the fuel hoses, and replace the old with the new.
You will surely loose some gasoline, and should wash away the lost fuel to protect our planet.
(Some of us use a clamp to limit the amount of lost fuel.)

[Sean486]

Do you first need to pull the fuel pump fuse and run the car until it shuts off?

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by Sean486

Do you first need to pull the fuel pump fuse and run the car until it shuts off?

I have checked with my team of lawyers, and THEY say that no one on the planet should EVER, EVER, EVER atempt to do this at all!
They suggest that you just go buy an new Saturn every couple of months to be safe.



Maybe a Volvo, but it has got to be in an "Earth Friendly Color", like mint green, forest green, maybe a nice dirt brown...

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

I have checked with my team of lawyers, and THEY say that no one on the planet should EVER, EVER, EVER atempt to do this at all!
They suggest that you just go buy an new Saturn every couple of months to be safe.



Maybe a Volvo, but it has got to be in an "Earth Friendly Color", like mint green, forest green, maybe a nice dirt brown...

I thought you would suggest taking it to your friendly SVX Mechanic to have this done!

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by ensteele

I thought you would suggest taking it to your friendly SVX Mechanic to have this done!

Always a good idea, but hisGDfriendly, local mechanic is about threeFNhours away!
Happy, Fluffy bunny thoughts.

[SoCal LS-L]

I just threw in the whatever brand they sell at Autozone..... I didnt do the pull fuse thing either..... which I should have, and you should unless you like the taste of gasoline. Its easy and straightforward, go for it!

And BTW... HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!

[Manarius]

Sean,
I would most certainly pull the fuel pump fuse (or unplug the fuel pump power at the pump). Then start the car. It will run for like 3 seconds and then go off. If you don't do this, you will get a face full of gas when you pull those lines because they're still pressurized (however, as Tom said doing it while the engine has been cold for a while will nullify that bit of pressure, but I'm a neat freak so I choose to run all the gas out that I can). Then you can go to town on replacing the fuel filter. You'll need a pair of needle-nose pliers to get the fuel lines off the filter (they don't like to come off easily). Make sure you follow the little in/out arrow on the filter and you'll be back in business in no time.

[SpadedOne]

Originally Posted by Manarius

Sean,
I would most certainly pull the fuel pump fuse (or unplug the fuel pump power at the pump). Then start the car. It will run for like 3 seconds and then go off. If you don't do this, you will get a face full of gas when you pull those lines because they're still pressurized (however, as Tom said doing it while the engine has been cold for a while will nullify that bit of pressure, but I'm a neat freak so I choose to run all the gas out that I can). Then you can go to town on replacing the fuel filter. You'll need a pair of needle-nose pliers to get the fuel lines off the filter (they don't like to come off easily). Make sure you follow the little in/out arrow on the filter and you'll be back in business in no time.

I tried changing my fuel filter last weekend. I couldn't get the hoses off. I didn't try using any tools though. I was pulling on them really hard and they wouldn't even budge. I was going to order the 2 hoses connected to it and just replace them too.

How do you use a needle nose to get them off? Just grab the hoses? Wouldn't that wreck them?

[Mike621]

I'd suggest replacing the rubber fuel lines as well. The ones in my Claret and Ebony were both showing signs of wear/deterioration before I replaced them. You can use fuel injection hose cut to fit. I also recommend new hose clamps as well.

When dealing with fuel, you can never be too careful!

[ZMan]

Just remove the clamps and get the hoses ready to come off, then wrap a rag around the hose and pull it off - no need to do anything else and no fuel mess.

[Sean486]

Originally Posted by SpadedOne

I tried changing my fuel filter last weekend. I couldn't get the hoses off. I didn't try using any tools though. I was pulling on them really hard and they wouldn't even budge. I was going to order the 2 hoses connected to it and just replace them too.

How do you use a needle nose to get them off? Just grab the hoses? Wouldn't that wreck them?

Same here hoses didn't want to come off. I decided to just put it in the trunk and have it done next time it is in the shop. The way my "SVX" luck has been lately, it will probably be going to the shop soon anyhow.

[sowise]

easiest way to get hoses off that are stuck on is get them to twist first. Once they rotate it makes them easier to move. Some WD40 can help as well. Some stubborn hoses just need to break free of the tube they have been attached to for ages so using paper clip or small screw driver to seperate the hose from the metal tube can help. I typically use needle nose pliers as well. clamp around the tube and get the hose to twist then clamp the hose after the metal tube ends inside the hose and lever the hose away. Just be careful not to cut, tear, or damage the tube but replaceing the tubing is easy and not expensive and probably a good idea anyway since they are probably hardened.

[immortal_suby]

I do about the same as sowise. But I put a small rag around the hose to keep from damaging it and use a channel lock or small pliers to grip the hose and twist it. Once you break it free from it's grip on the fuel filter it is much easier to slide off.

If there is enough spare fuel line you could always just cut it right at the filter.

[alltrac]

I use a hose pick and some lighter fluid it will slide off like butter.