The NEW Fuel Filter Writeup Thread
Sorry guys to bring this up, but I need some help :-) I tried to replace the filter yesterday. Everything went well up to the point when I am supposed to remove the fuel lines from the underside of the top housing. Those darn clips are just too much. Could not squeese them enough to pop off the lines nor push them in enough. I was afraid to push them too hard and snap the fuel line. Is there any tool I could use to get them off? Please help! Thanks...
OK, here is an update - I managed to pry off the lines using a couple of screw drivers and a lot of sweat :-) and later the starting problems went away after 2-3 starts (I think the car was getting used to the rush of fuel it was getting now ;-) Anyhow, I was currious to see what the actual filter looked inside the housing so cut it open and took some photos. Figured would be nice to close off this great thread with the photos of it. You be the judge (two photos are with flash and two without), I saw a very black filter, so next time a dealer says you should not replace it, tell him where to go :-) Here are the pics (note: filter has 70K on it):
sweet picture...I wish I kept mine and cut the plastic piece off to see what it looked like inside...mine had 39k miles on it and the white plastic surrounding was a dark brownish color...looked nowhere near stock....definitely going to change out my filters every 20k miles
Meant to mention, I have noticed that the car drives better now, feels like I am getting power instantly now vs. before was with a slight delay. The car would also choke up occassionally between 4-5K RPM when accelerating, felt like it was starving, now that is gone too... Next filter change 20-30K from now :-)
Just an advice to everyone doing the replacement, this is what I struggled with the most during procedure - disconnecting the fuel lines from the top housing: you only need to disconnect the black plastic tube that runs on the side to the bottom of the sending unit. Disconnect it at the bottom, a thin flat screw driver would do and the clip is on the outside of the tube. Then you can cut the hose going to the top housing from the fuel filter. This will allow you to disconnect this hose from the housing as it is PITA to do so otherwise. The long tube that runs along side of the sending unit can stay attached to the top housing (you don't need to disconnect it) as it can be removed together with the top housing for the rest of the procedure...
Yes, you will see it attached to a new filter. Once you take the unit out of the tank you'll see what I mean :-) If you can get it disconnected from the top easily without having to cut it - good, otherwise this is a good alternative. Just don't cut the long hose that runs on the outside of the unit. Also keep in mind that the plastic parts where the hoses are connected to the housing are quite fragile so be careful when prying the hoses off (some who have done it broke them off during removal) that was one of the reasons cutting might help ;-)
It may be hard to visualize what I am talking about. The photos in the write up do not show that area well. You can see black hoses on 9th photo from top. One hose is from the filter and the other is a part of the long tube mentioned. It is really hard to get at the quick connectors to disengage the lines hence my advice to cut the line coming out of the filter... When you see the new filter, you will know what hose that is... Feel free to contact me if you run into problems during the filter change...
Here's a comparison picture of my 40K miles filter and new filter
Not the best picture but gives an idea how dirty my old filter was. My old filter was black. If you don't understand something while reading through the How-To, let me know because I took bunch of pictures while I was installing mine. Hardest part for me was disconnecting the darn fuel line from the top housing. I ended up just cutting the hose in half and then later cutting through the quick connector. Those quick connectors are hard to remove!
Not the best picture but gives an idea how dirty my old filter was. My old filter was black. If you don't understand something while reading through the How-To, let me know because I took bunch of pictures while I was installing mine. Hardest part for me was disconnecting the darn fuel line from the top housing. I ended up just cutting the hose in half and then later cutting through the quick connector. Those quick connectors are hard to remove!
Just curious, was your gas tank empty or full when you guys did this? Is there any preferred gas level to make this proceedure less dangerous since your tank is out in the open?
If you cut through a quick connector or a hose, how did you guys replace that?
If you cut through a quick connector or a hose, how did you guys replace that?
I did it just after I filled up :-) Though you might want to have it lower than that. The hose is the black short hose shown on the pic above. It comes with a new filter so you are safe to cut it as well as the quick connector...
Originally Posted by unrealii
Just curious, was your gas tank empty or full when you guys did this? Is there any preferred gas level to make this proceedure less dangerous since your tank is out in the open?
If you cut through a quick connector or a hose, how did you guys replace that?
If you cut through a quick connector or a hose, how did you guys replace that?
New filter comes with hose and quick connector. Just make sure you DON'T cut the longer hose.
To tell you the truth, it does not really matter. The first time I opened the tank, there was barely any gas left in it. I could not disconnect the hose coming out of the filter so I decided to put it all back together and do it some other time when I figure out how to disconnect it (hence the idea to cut it :-). Second time I opened the tank I just came from the pump and the tank was full and I had no problems with it. So when it comes down to it, full or empty, it is just a matter of personal preference...
Hm, places to check: the arm (it may have caught something or got stuck when placing the sending unit back into tank), or something to do with the gauge on the unit itself. I would check the arm first. Word of caution: when I opened the tank again on my 2nd attempt to replace the filter (which was my successful attempt :-) the gasket sealing the sending unit expanded and I had some difficulties placing it back (I only bought one new one and used it the 1st time I openend the tank)...
I recall it being very tight when I was placing the unit back into tank and having to wiggle the arms of the gauge to get the unit into tank... Perhaps take it out again and make sure the arm swings freely and there is nothing on the gauge itself...
Yeah, I am going to try that. I just want to make sure it is ok to take the assembly out while the tank is topped off. I am going to try to giggle the connector to make sure its not loose.
My gas needle moves a little bit when i turn the car on, so I guess that is a good sign. I went up the driveway backwards and it moved a little. So I guess it is probably stuck. I'll open it again soon.
My gas needle moves a little bit when i turn the car on, so I guess that is a good sign. I went up the driveway backwards and it moved a little. So I guess it is probably stuck. I'll open it again soon.
I dunno...I just took off the hoses and fuel kept coming out. I put the hoses back on and cranked a couple more times. Still no luck. Went through about 5 towels worth until I called it off. Might have to go drive around for a bit.
This time I did it on the street where it is more level than my drive way. I dont know if that matters.
This time I did it on the street where it is more level than my drive way. I dont know if that matters.
Originally Posted by unrealii
I dunno...I just took off the hoses and fuel kept coming out. I put the hoses back on and cranked a couple more times. Still no luck. Went through about 5 towels worth until I called it off. Might have to go drive around for a bit.
This time I did it on the street where it is more level than my drive way. I dont know if that matters.
This time I did it on the street where it is more level than my drive way. I dont know if that matters.
These are small terry shop towels, but you get the point.
Yeah, pulled the fuse, started car, let it die. Then cranked 4 times 3-5 secs each. Still fuel. Went to gas cap, unscrewed it to let out pressure (was this the right thing to do?). Still no luck. Going to go drive around now and run some errands without od.
Yeah, pulled the fuse, started car, let it die. Then cranked 4 times 3-5 secs each. Still fuel. Went to gas cap, unscrewed it to let out pressure (was this the right thing to do?). Still no luck. Going to go drive around now and run some errands without od.
I hope not 
I'll check it out once there is less fuel in the tank/tomorrow morning when it is cold outside. Hopefully this is something simple I can fix.
When I initially took the pump assembly out, the wire were routed UNDER my fuel return line. That made it very difficult to do anything. Finally, I was able to unhook the return line, then cut the fuel filter line, finally being able to unplug the pump. I had made a quick glance to make sure nothing happened right before reassembling. Everything seemed alright.
I'll check it out once there is less fuel in the tank/tomorrow morning when it is cold outside. Hopefully this is something simple I can fix.When I initially took the pump assembly out, the wire were routed UNDER my fuel return line. That made it very difficult to do anything. Finally, I was able to unhook the return line, then cut the fuel filter line, finally being able to unplug the pump. I had made a quick glance to make sure nothing happened right before reassembling. Everything seemed alright.
Hm, interesting stuff. Hope you will be able to fix it tomorrow... I did not have any fuel pressure in my lines when I was disconnecting them... Though the car sat for about 1-2 hours before I started working on it... Also, not sure if it matters but the driveway has a slight up slope so when I worked even on the full tank that may have helped...
I looked at the tank under the car and the opening for the fuel pump is very close to the front, so a slope definitly helps. However, I have only driven for about 34 miles since my fillup. I would rather do it when the tank has less fuel and I am heading to LA tonight for 3 days, so I dont want to feel rushed while doing this. That will also give me some considerable time to inspect the assembly upon removal. Will report back on tuesday.
I talked to the service advisor (dont worry, this guy is cool, its like visiting your favorite relative when you go in for car service
) at the dealer yesterday. He is pretty sure it is jammed and should be good once I take it out and reinsert. Dealer's quote for the arm & electronics is $95, so I guess thats not too bad if it ultimately comes down to that.
I talked to the service advisor (dont worry, this guy is cool, its like visiting your favorite relative when you go in for car service
) at the dealer yesterday. He is pretty sure it is jammed and should be good once I take it out and reinsert. Dealer's quote for the arm & electronics is $95, so I guess thats not too bad if it ultimately comes down to that.
Originally Posted by Ammi
I just noticed that my gas needle gets stuck around 3/4 way up even though I filled up my tank. I'll have to remove the unit and re insert it.
I made only 10 miles after fill up before I did it :-) Crazy, eh. My gf got high on fumes as bad as it was since we had 90+ weather then.
When inserting the unit back in I noticed that the arm goes in harder and rubs agains the throat of the tank... I am sure that is where your problems lie... I pushed it in slowly and wiggled it while inserting and had no problems both time when I did it...
When inserting the unit back in I noticed that the arm goes in harder and rubs agains the throat of the tank... I am sure that is where your problems lie... I pushed it in slowly and wiggled it while inserting and had no problems both time when I did it...
Originally Posted by unrealii
Damn, that sucks man. Thats wierd how yours gets stuck 3/4 the way. Mine stays at the top of the bottom line on the empty. I wonder if that plastic floater goes bad after you take it out of the tank?