How to replace the fuel filter?

I have a 2001 GMC safari van and am about to replace the fuel filter. I
am not familiar with auto mechanics but I am quite handy (and short of
funds to have this done at a garage).

If I disconnect the battery and use some pliers to do the job will it
go ok or is this device constructed in such a complicated way that
parts will fall out when the nuts are loosened? I dont mind if some
gasoline sprays all over the place.

> parts will fall out when the nuts are loosened? I dont mind if some
> gasoline sprays all over the place.

I bet you won't like it if the fuel sprays in your face though. Relieve the
fuel pressure first.

On 9 Feb 2005 16:33:50 -0800, wrote:

>I have a 2001 GMC safari van and am about to replace the fuel filter. I
>am not familiar with auto mechanics but I am quite handy (and short of
>funds to have this done at a garage).
>
>If I disconnect the battery and use some pliers to do the job will it
>go ok or is this device constructed in such a complicated way that
>parts will fall out when the nuts are loosened? I dont mind if some
>gasoline sprays all over the place.

Usually these things are just canisters in-line with the fuel line.
Inside is a filtering media. The only complication is usually the
special connectors that *might* be fitted to each end of the canister
to seal it with the pressurized fuel line. You "MIGHT" need a special
tool available at any auto parts store to take off this connector
without damaging it.

When you go to buy the replacement filter, ask for any *special tool*
that might be required to replace it with. I see them being sold all
the time, and they are quite inexpensive.

Lg

> wrote in message
ups.com...
>I have a 2001 GMC safari van and am about to replace the fuel filter. I
> am not familiar with auto mechanics but I am quite handy (and short of
> funds to have this done at a garage).
>
> If I disconnect the battery and use some pliers to do the job will it
> go ok or is this device constructed in such a complicated way that
> parts will fall out when the nuts are loosened? I dont mind if some
> gasoline sprays all over the place.
>
>

You will mind if it's under high pressure, and some cars have pressures over
100 psi at the fuel injector rail.

Start the van and pull the fuel pump fuse. The engine will die quickly and
then you can work on the filter. Whatever pressure is in the line then
won't be much.

In article >,
"Bob M." > wrote:

> > wrote in message
> ups.com...
> >I have a 2001 GMC safari van and am about to replace the fuel filter. I
> > am not familiar with auto mechanics but I am quite handy (and short of
> > funds to have this done at a garage).
> >
> > If I disconnect the battery and use some pliers to do the job will it
> > go ok or is this device constructed in such a complicated way that
> > parts will fall out when the nuts are loosened? I dont mind if some
> > gasoline sprays all over the place.
> >
> >
>
> You will mind if it's under high pressure, and some cars have pressures over
> 100 psi at the fuel injector rail.

His 2001 safari van doesn't.

> Start the van and pull the fuel pump fuse. The engine will die quickly and
> then you can work on the filter. Whatever pressure is in the line then
> won't be much.

What if the fuel pump fuse also powers the fuel injectors and/or
the PCM?

>> You will mind if it's under high pressure, and some cars have pressures
>> over
>> 100 psi at the fuel injector rail.
>
> His 2001 safari van doesn't.
>
>> Start the van and pull the fuel pump fuse. The engine will die quickly
>> and
>> then you can work on the filter. Whatever pressure is in the line then
>> won't be much.
>
> What if the fuel pump fuse also powers the fuel injectors and/or
> the PCM?

Agreed, unplug the fuel pump/sender at the tank.

Steve

Look under the hood at the fuel rail. See if you see a spot that has a cap
on it like you see on a air valve to a tire. This is where you would
connect a manual fuel gauge to test for pressure. It is spring loaded like
the air valve on the tire. Turn off the vehicle, and press the spring on
this connection down. The fuel will squirt out until the pressure is down
to zero. You can buy a fuel pressure gauge that will screw into the
manifold that has a bleed line off the gauge. If you have access bleed the
pressure into a gas can. My mechanic always opens my gas cap. (not sure
why but he does). Uses the required tool to remove spring connection
fittings if your filter is equipped with them or loosen the flare nuts if
equipped to remove the filter from the line. Once new filter is in place,
close gas cap and remove any manifold you may have installed on the fuel
rail. Turn key over but do not start the vehicle. Do this three times to
ensure fuel has reach the injectors then try to start the vehicle. Check
for leaks.

Sarge

> the air valve on the tire. Turn off the vehicle, and press the spring on
> this connection down. The fuel will squirt out until the pressure is down
> to zero.

Don't do this, unplug the fuel pump/sender and run the vehicle until it
stalls. Restart a couple of times to make sure as much pressure is bled as
possible.

Steve

"aarcuda69062" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "Bob M." > wrote:
> >> You will mind if it's under high pressure, and some cars have pressures
> >> over
>> 100 psi at the fuel injector rail.
>>
>> Start the van and pull the fuel pump fuse. The engine will die quickly
>> and
>> then you can work on the filter. Whatever pressure is in the line then
>> won't be much.
>
> What if the fuel pump fuse also powers the fuel injectors and/or
> the PCM?

Maybe unplug the fuel pump????

In article >,
"Bob M." > wrote:

> "aarcuda69062" > wrote in message
> ...
> > In article >,
> > "Bob M." > wrote:
> > >> You will mind if it's under high pressure, and some cars have pressures
> > >> over
> >> 100 psi at the fuel injector rail.
> >>
> >> Start the van and pull the fuel pump fuse. The engine will die quickly
> >> and
> >> then you can work on the filter. Whatever pressure is in the line then
> >> won't be much.
> >
> > What if the fuel pump fuse also powers the fuel injectors and/or
> > the PCM?
>
> Maybe unplug the fuel pump????

That will work if you can get to the plug easily enough.

My reply was meant to remind that pulling the fuel pump fuse
technique does not always work -if- that fuse also supplies power
to the injectors and/or the PCM. i.e., killing everything at once
won't deplete the pressure in the system.