how to change the fuel filter

[RobbieRX-7]

After reading various how to`s on how to do this, i was dreading the day of this job. People were putting doubts into my mind about doing it the diy way  but it had to be done and  its not that hard, just a bit tight for space. I found it was best to  reverse the car onto some ramps (you can buy these from halford or any good motor shop for about £30 they are essential imo), then lie under the car as far as you can with your feet facing towards the front of the car. Rest your head on an old cushion, cus your gonna be under there for some time if this is your first time like me. I removed both rear sheilds for easier access so you can get each arm to hug the diff (1 plastic, 1 aluminium ,5 10mm bolts each sheild.)  The filter is hard to see at first but it is located directly above the differential. To release the pipes off the filter, i twisted them slightly to break them loose, after that they should just pull off, Try not to worry too much about the fuel spillage but be aware of it ( i was really worrying  when removing the pipes expecting a niagra fuel falls over me face). If your carefull enough removing the pipes, you will spill only a few small drops (turn your head just incase.) On the filter you will see a steel pipe that is shaped like a U .This pipe is easily visable, but be aware that fuel will spill when you remove the rubber hose. Remove the rubber hose really slow and keep it upright to avoid fuel spillage. This is where the dot punch comes in use. Make sure it is clean with no grit, dirt and plug the line with it REAL TIGHT, then you will need to undo the 2 10mm bolts holding the bracket to the car. Use the universal joint with 10mm socket and ratchet here to loosen. Position the socket over the subframe so the back of the wrench is touching the anti roll bar by the fuel tank (a bit tight) it took me a while to find this out also. I then used the bendy drive to remove the 2 10mm bolts. i found the hardest part was getting the last hose off the pipe that comes out the center of the filter..it took me about 20 mins solid fiddling about, but once you know its easy (as always) You need to face your feet towards the front of the car,then put your left hand up the side of the diff and manipulate the filter whilst turning it, then use the long adjustable plier wrenches with your right hand on the other side of the diff to grab the circlip and undo the remaining pipe. Nothing came out of that pipe so i left it unplugged. That was the hardest part for me.

Once the filter is removed and your back on your feet, take a note of how the bracket is positioned on the old  filter (important). Put the bracket on your new filter in the exact same way it was on your old filter, then put it back on the car..it was easier for me to fit because you know how it all fits together again. Its surprising how quick you fit it after how long it has took to remove. You will spill a bit of fuel when fitting the new filter, so be careful. It is a bit tight getting the pipes to fit onto the filter, and you will be doing this virually blind, so use some strength and they will go on.

Over all it took me about 3hours including jacking the car etc..Once the old filter was removed, it took 15mins to fit the new filter.  I didn`t bother pressurizing the system again, instead i turned on the ignition, waited 10 seconds then turned the engine over, it started in about 3 seconds. Check for  leaks before a test drive.

Before you start you will need to release fuel pressure, remove petrol cap, start car, then remove green relay from relay box by battery, the engine will die indicating no fuel pressure. Just be aware that you will obviously need to chock the front wheels, handbrake on and reverse gear engaged when about to get under the car. Also wear safety goggles, an old jumper and tie elastic bands over your jumper sleevs round your arms to stop the famous armpit burn if the spillage gets outta  hand. The key is to take your time and you will not spill anything..preparation is the key!

My car does feel more responsive definitly so it does pay big time to change the filter, my car has done 70,000km and the old (i think original) filter was filthy inside so now the new 1 should last a few years now! It would be best to reposistion the filter to an easier spot if your gonna change it more often,but i dont mind doing this again in  2 years time, plus you get to have a good look under the car for signs of ball joint wear,corrosion etc. GOOD LUCK!!

MORE INFO ON ROBS SITE  http://robrobinette.com/fuel_filter_replace.htm

[20B_boy]

I think there was a sticky (may be) of a write up Ross did for this; may be the 2 should be combined if so.

Good job (with a horrid job!) Robbie!

[rx7veilside]

well i thing i will just pay geff or chris to do that when the time comes it sounds like visiting the dentist for root canal work with no painkiller

[memski]

I was expecting it to be a really hard job after reading on here and the rx7club but it\'s not really, maybe just a bit fiddly with restricted space to work As long as you remove the bracket and filter via the 2 small 10mm nuts then it\'s all ok, and the obligatory downpour of optimax down your arms and into your eyes  :chat

[Flat_Steve]

Did your filter look like this?



I tried to fit mine too but we couldn\'t find where it went! :-(

[memski]

Yes, directly under the diff and infront of the powerplant frame.