Changing the Fuel Filter

[99Camaro99]

How often should I do it?
How hard is it to do?
What's the worse that happens if I don't change it?

BTW, I have about 40,900mi on the ODO

[Red2K1]

There is some debate about how often to change the fuel filter. Some say change it only when it is clogged. However, it is so simple to change that I change mine every third oil change or about every 10,000 miles.

Basically, the procedure is: 1. Relieve the fuel system pressure. 2. Raise the vehicle. 3. Clean all the fuel filter connections and the surrounding areas before disconnecting the fuel lines in order to avoid possible contaminator of the fuel system. 4. Disconnect the quick-connect fitting at the fuel filter inlet . 5. Disconnect the threaded fitting from the fuel filter outlet. 6. Slide the fuel filter from the bracket . 7. Inspect the fuel pipe O-ring (on the filter). Replace the O-ring if necessary.
After you have removed the fuel filter, installation is obvious.

If you are changing the filter yourself you will need a pan to catch the fuel that comes from the filter and line, some rags, the proper size open-end wrench, flare-nut wrench, O-ring and new filter. Obviously, be careful to not expose the fuel to any spark.

That's about it.

[Only4U]

it's not that complicated, and you can skip about the first million steps on this page. basically jack the car up, open gas cap, take off the old one, put the new one on, and that's all.

http://www.installuniversity.com/

don't worry bout the o-ring, the new filter comes with one; just makes sure you get everything lined up.

oh ya, and you can just use crescent wrenches if you don't have chevrolets strange 16 mm wrench.

[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: Only4U ]</p>

[Dojo2000]

I recommend to anyone that plans on doing their own repair/maintenance work on buying a Haynes Service manual. Should be able to get one at your nearest auto parts store. This way you don't have to run to the computer in the middle of whatever your doing to figure out something. They're very useful [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] .

And there is not very much space to work with down under where the fuel filter is at so take your time.

[Only4U]

oh ya, i actually just looked at my old one and realized it had no o-ring. and it came from the factory. i'm guessing it isn't really that big of a deal if you don't have one. it's for sealing purposes anyway, so if your car eventually leaks fuel underneath where the filter is, i would go buy an o-ring and put it on; in the meantime, i wouldn't worry about it. i didn't have problems with mine for 65k miles and it had no o-ring. i especially wouldn't worry about it if you plan on changing your fuel filter every 10k or so.

[ July 23, 2002: Message edited by: Only4U ]</p>

[Seppo Kaitainen]

hahaha, it really depends on how often you want to take a fuel bath!

I changed mine at 42k and don't plan on changing it again any time soon.

[cmj917-95cmo]

Just changed mine at slightly over 75k. The old one (original) wasn't all that dirty, and there wasn't much of a performance change, but it was still worth it (especially after that many miles). Not too much fun after gas soaked into my skin and began to burn in my pores, but overall, it was a fairly quick install and good maintenance.