Changing the fuel filter

gary · Post by **gary** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 6:52 am

My 2002 astro is getting old already and I'm trying to do some preventive maintenance on it.

Regarding changing the fuel filter which is easy to get to. I've heard the fuel system is under constant/considerable pressure and should be depressurized before unscrewing the filter. However, I've also heard its a pain to get to the fuel pressure relief valve, which requires taking the center consol apart.

My question is, how much pressure is the fuel system under and if I disconnect the battery, put on safety goggles, and have plenty of rags available, can I slowly lossen the fuel filter fitting to safely relieve the pressure before I unscrew it all the way?

Thank you for any help and words of wisdom. Gary

lockdoc · Post by **lockdoc** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:38 pm

I have done it without relieveing the pressure. Just a bit messy. Do it after the van has been sitting for the night.

Rockwerx · Post by **Rockwerx** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:38 pm

Yes you can bleed off the fuel pressure at the filter. You have the right idea for saftey. Just be careful and you will be okay.

Rileysowner · Post by **Rileysowner** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:21 am

I haven't tried if, but for what it is worth by BIL who is a mechanic told me to just use lots of absorbent cloths and protective eye wear and bleed it off at the filter.

mdmead · Post by **mdmead** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:46 am

lockdoc wrote:I have done it without relieveing the pressure. Just a bit messy. Do it after the van has been sitting for the night.

Me too. I just put a rag up around the filter as I unscrew it and once it starts leaking fuel, I stop loosening until it quits.

gary · Post by **gary** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:43 am

Thank you guys for your prompt replies. Thats reassuring.

Right now the gas tank if full so I'll probably wait until next weekend to try this when the tank is closer to empty in case I run into any unexpected problems (it might be better not to have a full tank).

If I do have any problems, I'll be sure to post about the experience.

Thanks again. Gary

Smiliesafari · Post by **Smiliesafari** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:22 am

Even with the pressure relieved you're going to lose some fuel. A few shop towels and everything will be fine.

trybe13 · Post by **trybe13** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:31 pm

Look here:

http://astrosafarivans.com/howto/main.php?g2_itemId=475

gary · Post by **gary** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:04 am

trybe13, I guess I missed the "how to" section of this web site. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll have to spend time going thru it. Looks like lots of good info. Gary

Water Boy · Post by **Water Boy** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:18 pm

I always use a Sharpie and write the date and mileage on the filter after the install. No need to clog the brains with useless information once it is written down.

SafariRob · Post by **SafariRob** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:13 pm

Water Boy wrote:I always use a Sharpie and write the date and mileage on the filter after the install. No need to clog the brains with useless information once it is written down.

...and that's an idea that I'm gonna swipe, WB! $\:D/$

Water Boy · Post by **Water Boy** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:53 pm

SafariRob wrote:
Water Boy wrote:I always use a Sharpie and write the date and mileage on the filter after the install. No need to clog the brains with useless information once it is written down.
...and that's an idea that I'm gonna swipe, WB! $\:D/$

You are welcome.
There are plenty of things that dating is useful on....
Light bulbs with 2 year warranty.
Plants with a 1 year warranty.
Computer covers removed for a cleaning.
Smoke detector batteries.
Claxton Fruitcakes.

Chevy & GMC Vans

Chevy & GMC Vans

Changing the fuel filter

Changing the fuel filter