change fuel filter, hard to do???

[jaansu]

I'd like to change the gas filter in my 90 Camry. Beyond moving the air cleaner, I'm not too clear on what needs to be done to do this safely as the Clinton manual mentions pressure relief is needed first. Anyone have a good description of what I need to do? I bought a new filter online but do I need gasket(s) as well? Thanks!

[ecl]

Its easy. I didn't depressure my system and nothing happens but to do it you remove a fuse, don't remember which one offs hand, and then crank it over a few times. You just get two wrenches and turn them opposite directions and it'll loosen up.

[Grego 92]

Don't exactly remember how I did this, but I think you're "suppose" to remove the relay and then run the car until it dies. I didn't do this. I just took my gas tank filler cap off, *disconnected battery, had a towel and little cup nearby and loosened the bolts. Gas came out, but not much (use the cup and rag to catch it). Your filter should have came with new copper washers, use them to replace the old.

I had a heck of a time replacing my filter, it was never changed before and those bolts were stubborn as heck. Maybe spray some punkbuster or liquid wrench on the bolts first if they don't come off easy.

[white90dx]

You should use new copper crush washers on the top of the fuel filter, they may or may not be included with the new filter. The bottom of the fuel filter uses a compression fitting, and thus doesn't need any gasket. If your car has been off for a while, you don't really have to worry about de-presurizing the fuel system. You will leak gas no matter what though, so be prepared and make sure that cigarette is out.

As long as the bolts come loose, changing the fuel filter is easy... Make sure you use good tools wherever possible, including 'flare nut' wrenches on the bottom of the fuel filter. Don't let the filter spin while still attached to the lower fuel inlet pipe or you will break/bend/damage it.

-Charlie

[jaansu]

There are two very thin copper rings with the filter; I guess they give one extra.

Does this sound right? There is a nut at the very top; unscrew this first. Then use a wrench on the bottom nut that is attached to the gas line to prevent it from moving, while using another wrench on the nut attached to the bottom of the filter to free it.

[Grego 92]

isn't there one on the top and bottom? or two sandwiching the fuel line/cable? I doubt they gave you an extra one and I remember there being at least two or more, just can't remember, but definitely not just one to replace. Just make sure when you take it off that you replace the old one(s) with a new one(s) in the exact same place.

EDIT: I also just looked on rockauto.com and for my car some of the vendors photos show TWO copper washers....so I'm sure two are included for a reason not just a spare or accidental packaging (like sometimes you find extra screws when putting together cheap furniture pieces from walmart).

[white90dx]

One copper washer goes on each side of the banjo fitting (the hoop that the bolt on the top of the fuel filter goes through). I was very careful to use the plural in my original message... Just look closely while you are disassembling and put it back together the same with the new parts.

At the bottom of the fuel filter, you will be turning the compression nut that on the fuel line and hold the fuel filter from rotating with a wrench. If you don't have air tools, use a wrench to hold the fuel filter in place so it doesn't spin the fuel line when you undo the top bolt.

-Charlie

[csaxon]

[Gazelle]

BTDT
Be sure to use a flare wrench on the bottom compression nut to HOLD the filter from turning and possibly severing the fuel line.
see thread for more tips:

Need help! Fuel line replacement/repair
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