Hey,

Is there some sort of special way to remove the fuel filter? I unhooked it from the clamps, and loosened the fastener around the hose. But the damn hose doesnt want to come off no matter how hard i pull it off. Also the fuel filter is in such a small area that its so hard to maneuver around to try and get the other side of the filter.

Am i doing something wrong? Anyone have any suggestions?

Sorry if this is a really nub question.

Thanks.

 

It's been a while, but I seem to recall a lot of profanity and a few bloody knuckles. Maybe you could use a large flat screwdriver to push the hose off.

 

Worst case if you are upgrading to a 300ZX filter anyway you can just cut a small section of hose to get it started.

 

Yep, it takes quite a bit of twisting and cussing. There's something nearby (I forget what) that I think you can take off to make it easier, but it's still going to be a PITA.

 

Have u taken off the airfilter piping? and liek somebody said get a like a small "L" shaped pick and try to manuever it. i didnt have bloddy knuckles, i did swear in every language I could remember, Also try taking a flat screwdriver and just pry slowly.

 

Taking off the intake up to the tb definately helps to give more room.

 

Here's how I do it:
1) Buy a few feet of pressure rated fuel line (for fuel injection).
2) Remove the intake to give yourself more room to work. I'm still on the stock system which is fairly bulky, so this is an important step for me.
3) Bleed off the fuel pressure by disconnecting the fuel pump fuse, then crank the engine.
4) Put on your mechanic's gloves...key to keeping hands from getting ripped up.
5) Remove clamps and move them away from their original resting places.
6) Try twisting the filter back and forth while holding the fuel line. If it doesn't break loose, go to step 6...
7) Carefully cut the fuel line going to the injectors lengthwise to break the seal and twist off the old filter. I've found that by removing one end this way, I've been able to get the other end off without cutting it...so if you have to cut one, make sure it's the one going to the injectors and not the fuel tank.
8) Cut new fuel line to the same size as the original, and install the new filter with the same clamps.
9) Reinstall intake and fuel pump fuse.

 

good thing someone posted about this before i did myne. thanks guys, i was going to do this a while back, now i can expect a somewhat easier time when i do it soon.

 

I would be hesitant to cut the hose, but that is just me.

I have found that a pair of needle-nosed pliers helps a lot. Remove the air intake, loosen both top and bottom screws that keep the hoses on, then remove the filter from the bracket. I like to take off the top hose first, but just a couple of days ago when I did this, the bottom wanted to come off first...

You usually can't pull the hose off. Take your nn-pliers and work the hose slowly. Soon, you can actually grab the spout on the filter and, rocking the pliers side-to-side and back-and-forth, you slowly pry the hose right off. It takes a little while to get the hose moving, but once you expose some metal, it become easy because you just "push" the hose off by prying against the base of the tube on the filter.

I always turn the screws out toward the front of the engine compartment when replacing the hose onto the spout (for easy removal next time) and tightening. You may want to put a tiny bit of vaseline on the spout BEFORE you put the hose back on. This will allow it to slide on/off easier. The hose clamp will keep it from coming off.

One last thing (IMO): 1996 Nissan 300ZX filters are the best. They are larger, last longer, and are easier to grip because they are bigger. I have never gone back to the Maxima filter.

 

i wish i knew about the 300zx filter earlier, too bad i already bought the filter from the dealership.

Im gonna try the needlenose plyers this weekend. Hopefully blood will be kept to a minimum