Replacing fuel filter on 2002 Venture

[ventureowner]

First - thanks to all posters here - I have been a long time lurker and follower of advice. First time poster, though.

I've got a new fuel filter in the box. I found the old fuel filter under the van, driver's side, at about the middle row seat position. My question is, is there a trick to removing the hose from the end of the filter with the weird clip thingie? Or should I just pry it with a screwdriver?

Thanks for any help!

Harry -
2002 Venture, 114,000 miles.

[16th hippy]

at the end of the hose is that weird clip thingy...should be two plastic tabs sticking out of the end of the hose. push hose onto filter slightly, depress two tabs, and remove hose from filter.

[ventureowner]

Thanks! Guess I need an empty bucket underneath it while I do this, to catch the fuel?

[16th hippy]

not really, just make sure you release system pressure before disconnectnig filter. gas evaporates, but if you prefer, a bucket can be used.

[ventureowner]

Okay...I searched a bit and couldn't find the answer. How do you release the fuel pressure?

I almost broke down and bought the Haynes manual last night.

[16th hippy]

buyign the manual would not be a bad idea if you are planning to kep the van and do some of the work yourself. as for the fuel pressure, some say remove gas cap, some say use the service port. the port is located between the alternator and power steering pump, should have a little cap on it resembling a tire valve stem cap.

[bigcoconut]

I've done this, without the bucket. I removed the fuel cap and pulled the line free from the filter and let it drain/drip clear before I get back underneath. Gas tastes yucky...

Didn't know about the service port, I would go ahead and try this also. You still have to work with gravity, to let the fuel out of the line you just opened up. After that, it's just to remove the old and in with the new and then re-attach the hose and the "clip thingy", start her up and give it a test drive around the block.

[ventureowner]

Thank you hippy, and coconut. I'm hoping to take care of this tomorrow or Sunday. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm going to try the "service port."

Harry

[ventureowner]

I did change the fuel filter myself, but had a few "uh oh"s along the way:
1. Service port...hmm maybe this is it. "SHHHSHSHSHSHSHS" nope...that would be something that freon would go into, and come out of..."
2. I sure hope the gasoline smell comes out of this old sweatshirt. "Honey, why does the laundry room smell like gasoline?" Oops.
3. "Great...I did it. Better pick up these tools. Hmmm, what are these two o-rings?"

I don't think I've got any leaks, and my gas mileage seems fairly normal, so maybe the o-rings are from the old fuel filter. I'll probably get it checked out the next time I take it in for service on something else, though.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Harry