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Changing the fuel filter
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 6:52 am
by gary
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
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:38 pm
by lockdoc
I have done it without relieveing the pressure. Just a bit messy. Do it after the van has been sitting for the night.
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:38 pm
by Rockwerx
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.
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:21 am
by Rileysowner
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.
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:46 am
by mdmead
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.
Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:43 am
by gary
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
Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:22 am
by Smiliesafari
Even with the pressure relieved you're going to lose some fuel. A few shop towels and everything will be fine.
Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:31 pm
by trybe13
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:04 am
by gary
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
Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:18 pm
by Water Boy
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.
Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:13 pm
by SafariRob
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!
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:53 pm
by Water Boy
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!
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.