Changing Fuel Filter Question

[rs6er]

Chilton says I have to release the fuel pressure with the bleed valve from a fuel pressure guage. Do I have to go to all that trouble? Is their an easier way? What would happen if I just opened the gas tank cap and then unscrewed the fuel filter?

[Airjer_]

They want you to do that to relieve the 50+ PSI of fuel pressure in the fuel line. Taking the gas cap off will not relieve the line pressure. I have never relieved line pressure before removing the line from a fuel filter but I am also aware that fuel can spray all over the place at high pressure so I take appropriate precautions.

It will take you about 30 seconds to remove the cap on the test port and press in the schrader valve until all the fuel pressure is relieved. It may be worth it if you on your back changing the filter in the garage.

[rs6er]

If it's a Schraeder valve, can I just attach a tire guage with a bleeder valve instead?

[MT-2500]

No.
Tire gauge will not fit it AND IF IT DID GAS WOULD RUIN TIRE GAUGE.
Just push down on valve with a small screw driver or what ever will push it down.
And be careful.
Wear eye and ear protection and keep mouth closed.
Gas will squirt out.

When un screwing filter line wrap a rag around it.
I had a son-in law that got gas in his ear.
He wound up in swimming pool trying to get the burning to stop.

[rs6er]

Thanks for the advice—and the warning!

[MT-2500]

You are welcome.
Let us know how it goes.
I always shut my eye when taking line lose.
Good Luck

[rs6er]

Got it done. Fittings were pretty rusted (I live in the salt capitol.)
All in all, not the most fun I've ever had on my back.

[mcmalloy]

easy way is to pull the fuse or relay for the pump and run it till it dies,no fuel pressure left

[rs6er]

Originally Posted by mcmalloy

easy way is to pull the fuse or relay for the pump and run it till it dies,no fuel pressure left

Now he tells me

Actually, relieving the fuel pressure wasn't a problem. The gas spilling from the old filter was much more of a problem.

[Cusser]

Originally Posted by rs6er

Actually, relieving the fuel pressure wasn't a problem. The gas spilling from the old filter was much more of a problem.

I have changed these filters about 6 times, on both my 1994 Suburban and my 1998 Frontier. I've NEVER had any pressurized fuel squirt out (but wrapping in rags for the initial loosening is a good idea), just the pleasures previously mentioned about fuel leaking on me. The "trick" is to have stuff as readily accessible as possible, and thry to do as quickly as possible without crossthreading the fittings, and to use "back-up wrenches" so things don't twist.

[2000CAYukon]

Originally Posted by Cusser

I have changed these filters about 6 times, on both my 1994 Suburban and my 1998 Frontier. I've NEVER had any pressurized fuel squirt out (but wrapping in rags for the initial loosening is a good idea), just the pleasures previously mentioned about fuel leaking on me. The "trick" is to have stuff as readily accessible as possible, and thry to do as quickly as possible without crossthreading the fittings, and to use "back-up wrenches" so things don't twist.

Your 94 Suburban is TBI with a running pressure of 9 - 13 PSI. When the key is turned off, the TBI system does not remain pressurized so there is no need to release pressure to change the filter. Don't know about the Frontier.

//2000CAYukon