Who has "personally" done the fuel filter replacement? If you have did you use the ESM/FSM and did it give you enough info or where there any "gotchas" that surfaced?

I bought my FF yesterday and will be doing this myself and have not been in a gas tank in about 10 years. Blowing myself up is not something I'd like to do.

My fuel mileage has not been the greatest for a while and I have cleaned the TB (I wont run Injector cleaner as Nissan frowns on it) put a new air cleaner in (Nissan OEM) constant verification of Tire pressuer (34F/35R) always run 93, so I am a bit puzzled as to what is up.

Additional thoughts would be helpfull also.

 

It's not a hard process. There is all of 9 bolts that need to be undone, and three clips. Just be careful putting it all back together and make sure its right.

 

How many miles do you have on the car?. My service mgr. gave me the impression those fuel filters should be good for a VERY long time. How about the plugs? Have you had them scan it to see if anything coded out?

 

No CEL...not had anybody scan anything. Fuel filters are not a "lifetime" item. I cant believe that Nissan has some kind of "super filter" that can last forever. Filters get clogged and dirty from everyday use. I just cant buy into the fact that even though I use 93, Ill never need to change the filter.

Plugs, good thought...I pop them out tonight and give them a look see. Short of evidence of fuel fouling....not sure what I should look for.

 

If you've never changed your plugs, I would recommend doing that also. I changed mine at 60k and throttle response went way up and gas mileage increased as well.

 

Carefull as in "easy to break" or carefull as in "easy to drop something in the tank"?

Also car only has 28K miles on it and it was bought in early Feb 01. I would not think the plugs should be an issue...but will replace if needed. 28K on plugs that "go 100K" would be bad. I do know most of those kind of plugs should be replaced between 50K-75K anyway.

 

Do this procedure with full tank (Thought: less "open" area for vapor build up) or near empty (Though: more "open" area for vapor build up)?

 

You'll release the vapor when you start undoing the screws to the tank. Do it when it's close to empty or you could end up dripping gas in your car.

 

Thanks for the input...you have been a great help!

 

 

I checked my owner's manual - it lists the FF as a "maintenance free" item, does not list a replacement interval. One other thought, my MAF had to be replaced at about 55,000 miles, did not code. Yours might also be one that needs the ECU reprogram. Just trying to help.

 

Nothing on a car is maintenance free if you want it running right IMO.

 

 

I absolutely agree. Not many people are more **** about maintaining their car than I am. I just try to use the manufacturer's suggestions as a starting point, and decide which things Nissan might be pushing a little too far (100,000 mile plugs?). I was just trying to help the Colonel out. He may spend the time and money on the FF and not get any improvement, I just hope he gets back to fully enjoying his Maxima soon!

 

Plugs go 100k if you don't go WOT all the time (like me!) I pulled mine out at 90k to clean and 105k to replace. They weren't *terrible* but probably should have replaced earlier. Lots of manufacturers claim the fuel filter is a lifetime item, but it is TOTAL bs... I've done them on past cars where it was lifetime, and you could tell just by blowing through the filters (after the old one is dry) that it gets very clogged. That being said, I still haven't changed my Maxi yet. I need to get on that!

 

You have a ton of miles on your car

 

131 as of yesterday... this happens. Still goin strong!