changing fuel filter....

[bigrod118]

I found the fuel filter on my 3.8 but in order to relieve the pressure I need to hook up a fuel pressure tester with bleed valve, and ive found some at autozone, but it says that it's good for vehicles up to '96, I have '02 and it looks like it'll work but I dont want to waste the $40 just to find out it doesnt fit and cant return it, so if anyone has changed there fuel filter, how did you relieve the fuel pressure.

[ogre73]

I actually never have relieved the pressure short of unscrewing the gas cap and then screwing it back on before starting. I have never had a problem with my old '96 Lumina or '03 Impala. I get maybe 1/8 cup of gas (at most, and usually not even that much) that leaks out, but then all is well. Just have a rag ready when you pull the line.
Jim

[luarg2]

Just unscrew the fuel cap that should be enough.

[bigrod118]

well the manual says to use a pressure gauge to blled whats in there, plus its just a good tool to have so I did end up buying it and it does work, so if anyone ever goes to buy the actron cp7818 fuel presure tester that's around $40, the box says it only goes up to '96 but it does work on the ewwer impalas. but I did find out something interesting when I cahged the fuel filter today, the impalas (3.8) are supposed to have fuel pressure around 40 - 45 psi....mine was at 55. I just hope nothings going to break.

[luarg2]

Does that mean that your car will consume more gas?

[bigrod118]

I would think so, I hope not but that does make sense, but im not positive, cuz I dont get the greatest gas milage, but it's also not the worst. I hoping since where you need to check the pressure is right off the fuel pressure regulator, that maybe that is going bad and all I would have to do is replace that. but I dont have the $70 to get a new one, so it'll have to wait for later.