ALT-1 How to Change a Fuel Filter
The process of changing your car's fuel filter varies, depending on the age and model of your vehicle. If your car is an older model domestic make auto with a carburetor. Then your fuel filter is more than likely located under the hood of the car, close to the carburetor. The fuel filters on these cars were held in place with either spring type hose clamps or screw type hose clamps.
To remove the screw type clamps use a straight bladed screwdriver or a 5/16" socket and a ratchet to loosen the clamps in a counter-clockwise direction. After you have loosened the clamps, slide them several inches up the fuel lines away from the filter canister. Using a twisting motion remove the fuel lines from the filter canister. To replace the filter in the line, be sure to align the arrow on the new filter so it points to the engine. This arrow indicates the direction of fuel flow, and if you install it backwards it will greatly restrict fuel flow to the engine. Slip hose ends and clamps over the filter ends, and re-tighten the hose clamps.
If the filter uses the spring type of clamps, you'll need to remove them with a pair of pliers. Squeeze clamps in pliers and slide them several inches up the fuel lines away from the filter canister. Using a twisting motion remove the lines from the filter, align the fuel flow arrow to point at the engine and reinstall clamps. Start engine and check for fuel leaks before closing the hood.
If you have a more modern fuel injected car, you'll probably have to get dirty. As most fuel injected cars have the fuel filter located under the car. Most cars have them located on the inside of the frame-rail, about midway between the fuel tank and the engine. Fuel injected cars operate at a much higher fuel pressure than a non fuel injected car. So you'll want to change the filter first thing in the morning, before you start the engine. This will give any fuel pressure built-up in the system time to dissipate.
Fuel injected cars also use a different type of fuel line and a spring lock coupling system. This will require you to purchase a special tool to remove the filter from the car. These are usually inexpensive and can be obtained at the same store where you buy the filter. To remove the filter select the quick disconnect tool that matches the diameter of your fuel line. Spread the tool open, slip it over the fuel line, and place the shoulder of the tool so it faces the coupling and filter. Push the shoulder of the tool into the coupling to release it.
To replace the filter align the arrow on the filter to face the engine (forward) and slide the fuel lines over the ends of the fuel filter, push firmly onto the filter until it clicks. The lines snap back in place automatically and are self-locking. Gently tug on fuel lines to make sure that they are completely engaged with the filter.
