Fledgling D-I-Yer needs advice
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Joined: Mar 2001
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I'm starting to become comfortable D-I-Ying normal maintenance, so I'm tackling the fuel filter today. Please keep in mind that these questions may seem ludicrous, but sometimes my logic ends up screwing me, so I know that hearing most of this stuff from experienced people is much better than guessing and hoping, or worse, assuming I know what I'm doing.
a.) Can anyone suggest a brand or type (model # if you want to get that specific) of a decent work lamp? The Craftsman I bought with a retractable cord was absolute GARBAGE, so I took it back and need suggestions now.
b.) I've seen alot about moving the filter to a more accessible area (I have ABS), but I don't have any experience extending rubber lines. What diameter/composition do I need (if I show up at my local Nissan dealer's parts department and ask for 2' of fuel line, will that suffice)? How do I actually physically attach the extension? I know this may all seem basic, but I've never done it and have to learn how.
c.) What if I take off the filter and there's no sludge and everything seems clean? How can I be sure the filter needs to be changed? There are 33k miles on the car, and I'm doing this because I'd rather be safe than sorry, instead of just trusting the previous owner's claims to have put only premium fuel in. I also like learning new D-I-Y stuff.
I have the Haynes and have seen lots of sites and advice on how to actually change the filter, so when I get to the filter itself, I'm confident I can competently replace it. It's all the D-I-Yer tidbits you pick up over time that I don't have yet.
Thanks for your help,
Hal
a.) Can anyone suggest a brand or type (model # if you want to get that specific) of a decent work lamp? The Craftsman I bought with a retractable cord was absolute GARBAGE, so I took it back and need suggestions now.
b.) I've seen alot about moving the filter to a more accessible area (I have ABS), but I don't have any experience extending rubber lines. What diameter/composition do I need (if I show up at my local Nissan dealer's parts department and ask for 2' of fuel line, will that suffice)? How do I actually physically attach the extension? I know this may all seem basic, but I've never done it and have to learn how.
c.) What if I take off the filter and there's no sludge and everything seems clean? How can I be sure the filter needs to be changed? There are 33k miles on the car, and I'm doing this because I'd rather be safe than sorry, instead of just trusting the previous owner's claims to have put only premium fuel in. I also like learning new D-I-Y stuff.
I have the Haynes and have seen lots of sites and advice on how to actually change the filter, so when I get to the filter itself, I'm confident I can competently replace it. It's all the D-I-Yer tidbits you pick up over time that I don't have yet.
Thanks for your help,
Hal
From an old DIY'er to a newbie DIY'er.
Don't try to exted the fuel line for the filter. You are asking for leaks and more trouble than it's worth.
You can't inspect the fuel filter unless you cut it open. So just change it at the recommended intervals.
I used a Napa brand fuel filter and it seems to work fine but Nissan OEM is probably your best bet.
Consult the Nissan fsm or other for the proper procedure for fuel filter removal. You have to take the fuel pressure out first. Note: I didn't and got a nice spray of fuel all over.
Don't try to exted the fuel line for the filter. You are asking for leaks and more trouble than it's worth.
You can't inspect the fuel filter unless you cut it open. So just change it at the recommended intervals.
I used a Napa brand fuel filter and it seems to work fine but Nissan OEM is probably your best bet.
Consult the Nissan fsm or other for the proper procedure for fuel filter removal. You have to take the fuel pressure out first. Note: I didn't and got a nice spray of fuel all over.
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