Ok.. So i have never done this before myself but I am looking to replace the fuel filter on my 87 iroc.. From what I have gathered most said its pretty easy.. just wondering if anyone could elaborate a little more on what i would need besides the new filter and what to watch out for.. Any tips would be appreciated.. Thanks

 

It is not bad to do. However, watch out for rust. If it has not been replaced in a long time and is rusty I would highly recommend that you soak it with PB blaster for a few days. Just take your take, use 2 wrenches (1 to hold filter and 1 to turn fitting) and make sure not to twist your fuel line. Other than getting gas all over you it should be relatively easy to do.

 

Also make sure you install the filter in the right direction, there should be a small arrow on the filter that you can align with the old one.

 

1. remove your gas cap, that should help eliminate creating a suction.
2. If your tpi, mpfi, or have a pressure relief valve, hit it first. If your tbi, pull your pump fuse or relay, and start car and let it stall.
3. Do it outside in the driveway, do not do it in a garage.
4. Lay on your stomach.. I know its hard to reach up like that, but you can move faster, and less likely to get gas in your eyes.
5. Obviously, dont lay right under it, lay off to the side and reach as far as you can.
6. I personally advise against crescent wrenches on this job. To easy to strip the nuts. IIRC the wrenches are 16 and 18??
7. As race the sun said. Pay attention to how the filter goes in.
8. Use teflon tape on the threads.

 

First and foremost, release any pressure from the system. I try to let the car sit overnight. Before you take anything loose hit the schrader valve on the rail to make sure you don't have any pressure in the line. I also take off the gas cap to release any possible pressure in the tank.

I like to break the line lose on side before taking one off, you lose less gas that way.

16mm or 5/8 on the fuel line fitting. Don't know the filter size because they differ between brands.

The car came from the factory with a bracket that the filter mounts in, if it is still on the car its a 10mm to un-clamp the filter.

You shouldn't have to use teflon tape. There are O-rings that seal the lines to the filter, if you have a leak you should replace the O-rings.

 

Mine was rusted to hell. I did a few things that im sure made it 100% easier to change out.

3 days prior to changing it, i soaked it in PB blaster liberally.

Right before i attemped to change it, i soaked it again, let it soak in for about 15 mins then hit both of the connnections with a rubber mallet to break free the rust (figured hitting it with a regular hammer might make the car go boom!)

Took a flare nut wrench and a regular box wrench (the longest i could find for leaverage) and put them on so that i could squeeze them together.

Do be prepaired to get soaked with gas, and btw it stings like crazy when you get it on your skin so be ready to hose off yourself.

 

If you do happen to twist or snap the line trying to get it off, Dorman makes a repair kit you can get at most auto parts stores.

 

Do it with min fuel in tank because it can continue siphon out regardless of whether you have released the pressure or not