Requesting DIY Guides: Fuel Filter & Oil Pan Gasket

[camrynoob]

I've searched the forum, and would really like a DIY guide/thread on how to replace the fuel filter on a 1997 Camry CE (or any GEN4 really). The hardest thing I have done on my Camry so far is replace the spark plugs and plug wires, so I'm pretty much a noob at cars. Please mention things like what tools to use, sizes, brands, where to buy them, etc. Also, lots of pictures on removing the necessary parts to get to the filter. I've heard a lot about how you can really destroy the bottom nut on the filter if you don't do it right, so I'm kind of afraid to attempt this task. So my question is, does anybody here have a GEN4, need to replace their gas filter, and are willing to make a step by step DIY with pictures on how it's done. I have the Haynes Manual, but it isn't very illustrated. I really like the clarity in some of the other DIY guides in this forum. I've read some people use flare nut wrenches, or others use crow foot, and some use some kind of break down oil (PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, etc).

I am also wondering if someone is willing to do the same thing for replacing the gasket in the oil pan.

Here are some similar threads on the fuel filter, that have some info, but not a lot:

Fuel filter removal
2001 camry fuel filter
Problems replacing fuel filter
http://hardlymoving.hubpages.com/hub...-Body-Cleaning

Anyone willing to contribute to this?

[Mister_Perkins]

The oil pan is pretty straght forward. You'll need a 17MM socket, 14MM socket, 12MM Socket, 10MM socket and ratchet. You will also need short and long extensions. Longest being about 6-12 inches.

1. Remove the exhaust from the exhaust manifold. It is attached with three 17MM nuts. Once the nuts are removed, follow the exhaust down to the first bracket that attaches to the body. It has two 12MM bolts holding it in place. Once removed, pull down on the exhaust and push it off the side.

2. Remove the Transmission bracket that is attached at the front of the engine. It attaches from the block to the transmission bell housing bolts. If you are looking in the engine bay, from the top of the car it is located to the right of the exhaust manifold at the bottom (Wraps around the oil pan). It is held on by three 14MM Bolts. Remove bolts and bracket.

3. Remove the two 10mm bolts that attach to the dust cover on the torque converter. If you are underneath of the car, it is located at the bottom of the bell housing, just under where the bracket you removed in step 2 is. Once the two bolts are out, the cover will fall down. Place aside.

4. If your oil isnt already drained, drain it completely now. Requires a 14mm socket

5. Remove the sixteen (IIRC) 10mm bolts from the pan. There are two nuts too. Grab a rubber hammer and tap the side of the pan, breaking the seal. You may need to use a flat head screw driver or pry bar to break the seal. Once the seal is broken, to remove drop the large section of the pan first, then the thin section will pull through.

Hint: When installing, apply a thin coat of RTV Silicone to the pan first then apply the gasket. Flip the pan upside down and place something on top of it to hold pressure. Let it sit for 20 minutes. After sitting, the gasket will now stay attached to the pan and easily install.

To install the pan, place the thin side in first, then the large side. There are two studs that hold two 10mm nuts in place. Install these two nuts first. This will hold the pan up. NOTE: DO NOT TORQUE YET. Install all of the pan bolts before torquing them. Torque them evenly. Do not overtighten them.

Hope that helps.

[camrynoob]

Thank you for the reply. Can you get some pictures in there with it? I don't have a clue what most of those parts you mentioned are, especially since I have never even looked at the underbelly of my car, except to change the oil. However, I think we can use what you wrote as a starting point for a good DIY perhaps to be stickied into the DIY thread area.

Anyone else willing to contribute on the fuel filter side?

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by camrynoob

Anyone else willing to contribute on the fuel filter side?

Why don't you fork over $21 and buy a Haynes Manual then do a DIY for the forum.

[camrynoob]

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

Why don't you fork over $21 and buy a Haynes Manual then do a DIY for the forum.

Originally Posted by camrynoob

I have the Haynes Manual, but it isn't very illustrated. I really like the clarity in some of the other DIY guides in this forum.

I'd be glad to do the writing part if someone can get some pictures. I don't have any way to lift the car at the moment.

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by camrynoob

I don't have any way to lift the car at the moment.

Most of us just floor jack and crawl under and most digitals will do macro for confined spaces. The fuel filter should be under the hood.