I need to replace the short fuel line running from the top of the fuel filter to the injector array. Before cutting the old off, can I get away with simply opening the gas cap as opposed to pulling the fuel pump fuse and draining the system to a stall? any other tips welcome as well ... thanks

 

Taking off the gas cap won't relieve the pressure. I don't feel that the amount of gas that comes out is that great, so I just wrap a rag around the hose to soak it up. If you don't want to do it that way, then I think pulling the fuse would be your easiest option.

 

That sounds like good advice, thanks. I may just go that route not knowing how difficult it would be for the fuel pump to refill the line once it's been vacated...

 

Ive pulled the fuse on the pump and stalled my car, then opened the gas cap to relieve pressure when i changed my fuel filter. Youll get a little squirt but if you do both together you should have zero issues.

Took a couple extra seconds and some sputtering when starting the car after but nothing noteworthy.

Edit: just wanted to say to make sure if you pull the fuse and dont open the cap youll still have pressure. Learned this the hard way by getting trapped holding a fuel line shut and needing a family member to open the cap for me haha.

 

Don't skip the proper way of relieving the fuel pressure. Pull that fuse and stall out the car. Otherwise there's a very good chance you'll end up with gas shooting all over your engine compartment. And don't worry about starting the car up after doing the work.

 

I pulled the fuse and the car still ran unabated for a minute or 2, with the cap open as well, so i just shut it down and went to work. Very little pressure. I soon realized the plastic top type filter was the culprit so, to make a nasty job simple, i loosened all the clamps above and below the filter and simply cut off the old lines, replacing them with new 5/16" fuel hose and new filter. Started up like there was no tomorrow. I guess these cars just love fuel so much, they can suck it up without a pump. No muss no fuss and glad to have the new lines on too. About $1 foot around here and the filter, $6.

 

Good deal!

 

By the way, where did you get the fuel hose? I'm trying to figure out the specifications for a another hose in the fuel system, but I'm not finding them anywhere...

 

5/16" inner diameter fuel hose is available, by the foot, at a few places. I bought at Princess Auto and also saw a spool at a Prime Choice Auto Parts retail outlet where I got my new filter. They sell online too but im not sure about hose by the foot. http://www.primechoiceautoparts.ca/

I got some extra oem clamps at a pullyard here where you can strip parts from their revolving inventory, 4th generation maxima and altima being not hard to find. Prime have a smooth clamp like the oem, but not the exact quality. For whatever, dealers can order those if needed. My lower filter clamp was beyond reuse, the others fine.

I had to replace my fuel filler pipe a while back, there are 2 hoses leading to the tank, but sorry i've forgotten the diameters although they are well above the filter lines.