I just completed a complete tune up on my 350TPI. Plugs, wires, cap/rotor. Changed the oil/filter, pcv valve. Checked all the vacuum hoses, wire connectors, belts.... When i was at the parts store i also picked up a fuel filter. Well, got the tune up done, started the car checked the timing and all, car seem to run much better. I drove it for a few days, but noticed that the rough idle was still present. Then it hit me, I didn't change the fuel filter. Could this really effect idle and performance that much???? The car seemed to run good other than a little rough idle. I looked at the filter on the car, appeared on the outside to look fairly new. MAN, Was I way wrong!!! The filter was clogged bad. I pulled it off and tried blowing thru it, could barely push any air thru it. Put the new one on, presto!! Car idles smooth, gas milage is better, car is very responsive. Take it from me, the 10 minutes it takes to change the fuel filter is worth it. I had spent many hours checking sensors, for vacuum leaks, wire connectors... and all along it was as simple as a fuel filter.

 

where is it? how to get to it? tools needed? do anything to car before removal? I need to check mine. shes idling fine but not very responsive at lower speeds.

 

it's located on the left side under the car just before the rear axle assy.you'll need a 5/8 or 16 mm line wrench(opened end works also) and a 13/16 or 20 mm open end wrench....jack your car up and put it on jack stands if you don't have a lift available...bleed fuel pressure off

 

I went out and got me a new fuel filter today..forgot all about it till I read your post. The car has been sitting in the garage under car cover for the last 7 months on just about empty..while did some stuff to the engine. Only had about 5000 on the fuel filter but I figured why not since it may have picked up all the stuff sitting at the bottom of the tank that has had time to settle ....

thanks for the reminder!