Replacing the fuel filter: Question.

[Grue]

So I'm replacing the fuel filter in my '94 Sunbird LE 2.0L. I assumed the fuel line running to the engine would need to be depressurized since the system is fuel injected and all, so I looked up the location of the fuel pump relay, which I assume to be correct as per what was mentioned at this forum.

I started the car, and pulled the relay when it was running, and it never stalled out like I had expected it to. I assume I either pulled the wrong relay, or they were wrong, or both. I also assume the fuel line is still under pressure.

My question is, am I doing something wrong?

Also on an interesting note, I've seen a few guides specific to this car for removing the fuel filter and none of them even mention taking this step, although I assume they simply missed it in their directions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[melsg5]

Look for a valve, sort of like a tire valve, in the fuel rail on the engine. With a cold engine press in the valve to relieve the pressure.

 

[Grue]

Thanks for the advice mel. I couldn't locate a pressure relief valve that looked like that, but I did manage to solve the problem.

In my frustration I overlooked the fuse . I used that to turn the fuel pump off instead of using the relay, and it worked to depressurize the system in the fashion I was going for regardless. I'm still wondering how pulling the relay didn't kill the power to the pump when it should have, but hey, whatever works, right?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Pyre]

On the 92 sunbird that I had, to do the fuel filter (near gas tank under rear drivers side) I simply pulled the battery cables, and then went under and pulled it using a flat screwdriver and a needle nose on the clips. It does help to depressurize it so you arent laying in or near gas, but it is doable regardless.

It does pee out some fuel (metal coffee cans work great for this), but it doesnt spray it everywhere if it isnt depressurized. By removing the battery cable you dont need to remove fuses or relays. Just a tip to avoid the headache next time. Remove the source of power and relays and fuses are unnecessary to mess with.

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[Grue]

On the 92 sunbird that I had, to do the fuel filter (near gas tank under rear drivers side) I simply pulled the battery cables, and then went under and pulled it using a flat screwdriver and a needle nose on the clips.

I know this is kind of belated, but not having mad mechanical skills (IT computer guy, but I love working on cars to the extent I know how ), I must ask. Doesn't that only apply to the fuel input end of things?

I had this notion that even when you removed rubber fuel line feeding into the fuel filter that the metal fuel line which leads to the engine could still be pressurized. Perhaps my logic is flawed (since it would seem like opening one end of a fuel filter releases all pressure from the other, right?).

 

[melsg5]

there is no one way valve in the filter so regardless of which end you disconnect the system is depressurized.

 

[Grue]

I shall keep this in mind for the future.

Thank you!

 

[bigclubs]

Well, I have replaced many fuel filters on the different vehicles I have owned over the last 20 years and even ones with pressured systems. Most have had rubber hoses connected to the fuel filter. I just use a pair of vice grip pliers and clamp off the rubber lines on both sides of the filter. Don't need to crush the lines, just enough pressure to close the lines. This stops the gas from leaking when I loosen the connections on the filter. REMEMBER the filter will have @1/2 cup of fuel inside, so dont tip it on it's end. Have a small plastic container to put the filter in after you disconnect it. After replacing the filter, remove the clamps, turn the key, but don't start the engine for @15 sec. and the system should pressure up and the vehicle will start fine. Otherwise you will have to crank the engine until the gas builds up pressure to feed he injectors.

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