Ok so i decided to change my fuel filter today. I went to PEP Boys and looked in the book, and found the corresbonding filter. After about and hour of scraped arms/hands, and plenty of colorful metaphors, i finally get the old filter off. So i go to compare the 2,and the look a little different. The new one is slightly taller and than the old one. And the old one has a few more grooves on the top.(out) than the new one. HArd to explain. I whipped up a quick pick in mspaint. Here it is. I mis-labled the the drawings. The one on the left is the old one. And no they are not drawn to scale. So will the new one be ok? I'm positive it was the right one in the book. Any help you guys could give would be great. I'd hate to have to put the old one back in to drive back down there.http://home.carolina.rr.com/mrglynis/filter.bmp

 

It doesn't have to look exactly the same. The main requirement is that the hose size is the same, 5/16".

Its easier to get one from the dealer if you want an exact replacement.

 

The last time I replaced my fuel filter I used a napa product. It was not exactly the same either, just like you described, but it worked fine. It did bother me a little, so next time I am going to get OEM.

 

I got one from Pep Boys too and it looked exactly the same. I think it was a Purolator.

 

UPdate. I got the new one installed and everything. I tightened down all the clamps. I put the fuse back in. Then i tried to start it. No go. I tried about 15 times. No dice. What now? Should i pump the accelerator? Hold it down? I'm at a loss. The starter and everything is going, its just not getting any gas. Do i just keep cranking until it starts? I dont want to burn up my starter. Thanks alot for your help.

 

Are you sure you put the fuse back?

 

yea i'm 100% sure that the fuse is back in. IS there a fuel cutoff switch that i could reset maybe? Also, the car is still jacked up on one side. Would that stop fuel from reaching the engine?

 

When you turn on the ignition you should be able to hear the fuel pump come on momentarily then shut off before you start the car.

If you can hear that at least you will know the pump is working.

 

Check the fuse to make sure it's not blown. Fuses have been known to blow right when you install them.

 

UGGGHHH this is driving me crazy. I've listened for a fuel pump before when i was working at a garage. I'm not sure that i can hear it now. What would that mean?

 

Either your fuse is blown or the feul filter was hooked up backwards

DW

 

ok so my mechanic made a house call. Car still wont start. The fuel pump IS kicking on. He definetly heard it. The battery started dying so even if it wanted to start it couldnt. I've got it hooked up to the charger now. I'm gonna put the old filter back on in the morning and see if it will start. I pray to god it will. Otherwise i dont know what i'll do.

The fuse is fine. I think i might have put it back in the wrong spot. But the car still wouldnt start. So we'll see.

 

keep us posted on what the problem was.