Replacing the fuel filter

[Frumious B.]

I finally decided that it was time to tackle the fuel filter myself (I generally leave it to the pros b/c I don't want to spill gas everywhere) and sure enough I spilled gas everywhere. I didn't even take the filter out - I pulled off the clips and disconnected the lines and a lot more gas than I was expecting spilled out. I thought it would be a few drops, but a pretty good stream came out one end (and landed in my hair before I got a shop towel in place). Since I didn't know just how much was sitting in the filter itself, and I didn't have anything to contain a big spill, I decided to leave it be and stick the hoses and clips back on.

So, just how much fuel does the filter hold? How do the people here minimize the spillage? It chaps my hide to pay 30 bucks for a 10 minute job, but I don't need to spill any more gas on myself or the driveway.

 

[Red_LX]

I usually just let it spill on the ground or on some cardboard...not much you can do.

BTW the filter itself usually has at least a cup of fuel in it, maybe a little more...and then you will get whatever drains out of the lines by gravity.

 

[2.3stangmobber]

well when you replace the fuel filter your suppoes to depressurize the system. the eassiest way is by locating your inertia switch ( which is on the left hand side of the trunk under the panel) and then bumping your fist right next to it and do it till the little red button on top pops up. once it does that you need to turn on the car and let it run till it dies (dont worry its suppose to b/c the inertia switch shuts off the fuel pump). then your suppose to procced with the steps youve done and dont worry it seems like a lot of gas but everyone spills it. if you need anymore advice let me know and i could walk you through it....

 

[glowstang93]

I actually posted some pics and a write up on this a while ago. I usually let the car sit overnight so there is no pressure on the line. Yep, got to plan not to be under it when you remove the duckbill clips and pull the lines off. Gravity, you know

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Some old fuel pumps still work like they should and will actually keep pressure in the line overnight. If that happens, just release the pressure with the schrader valve on the fuel rail while holding rags around it. That's the SOP for this anyway. Also, a siphon can be started if the filter is below the fuel level in the tank. The line will have to be corked to stop that.

And yeah, changing fuel filters is messy. Just the nature of the beast.