Fuel Filter Replacement - Help needed!

[azzar0]

I read the DIY article on how to replace the fuel filter. I got under the car, removed the protective panel, and found the fuel filter, however I can't get to the hoses to disconnect them! I was able to pull the ground wire off, but it wasn't easy. There are 3 pipes on top of the filter. These pipes run front to back and I don't see a way to remove them (nor do I really want to try it). Given these circumstances, how can I get the filter out? Even if I disconnected the lines (which at this time it seems close to impossible), how do I then take the filter out, as it is blocked by the pipes?

[MY 1998 Boxster]

Any help in this matter is highly appreciated.

Thank you,

azzar0.

Edited May 1, 2008 by azzar0

[Tool Pants]

I replaced it on a local owners car. It was several years ago, and I forget the details.

I do remember the pipes in the way. There was a support bracket for the pipes and I removed the bolts for the bracket. I have a picture of that bracket. I was then able to get my hands in there and push down on the plastic connectors to the filter lines. The filter was then free but I could not pull it out because the pipes were still in the way.

I removed the rear plastic cover. There was another support for the pipes where the engine is. I disconnected the support. With both supports disconnected I was able to pull the pipes down and get the filter out.

There was also a clamp/strap for the filter itself, but you must have seen that.

One of these days I will take pictures of a mechanic doing it with the car on a lift. I was on my back on a garage floor. Hard to take pictures that way.

[goldnogard]

I replaced mine about a month ago. Yeah I wish I took pics too. To me the trick was to unbolt the support brackets for the 3 pipes, then push them out of the bracket “this will make them loose” now its easier to work with the fuel filter. Then I removed the small bolt on the strap holding the actual fuel filter. I pressed firmly on plastic connectors to 2 ends of fuel filter and unplugged fuel filter “make sure u have a rag handy fuel will drip”. Disconnecting the ground was hard, I had to use long nose plier “although not recommended”. Now the fuel filter is free, but I couldn’t fit it between the 3 pipes, so I pushed it towards the rear wheel “end of car” and that was the only way I was able to remove it. Then I installed the new fuel filter the same way I uninstalled. When connecting fuel lines make sure u don’t force the plastic ends, you should hear a click when connected properly. I hope this helps if not let me know, I will go under the car and take pics

Ali

[azzar0]

Thanks Ali and ToolPants.

I'll go under the car again and remove the 2 brakets holding the pipes as you suggest and see if I have better luck.

Thanks again,

azzar0.

[azzar0]

DONE!!!

After I removed the brakets and snapped the pipes out of their holders I was able to wiggle the lines out. Out of everything I've done, this was, by far the toughest one. I guess it seemed this tough because my expectations were completely different. I was expecting the fuel filter replacement to be an easy job...

In any event - it's all done now.

Thank You all for guiding me through it!

azzar0.

[honda_nos]

When I did this a few months ago, I removed a piece of black rubber/foamy piece that fits between the coolant pipes and hugs the tunnel down the center. I didn't have to loosen the brackets at all though the ground was a pain (I got it off with my fingers).

BTW: good job on the success

DONE!!!

After I removed the brakets and snapped the pipes out of their holders I was able to wiggle the lines out. Out of everything I've done, this was, by far the toughest one. I guess it seemed this tough because my expectations were completely different. I was expecting the fuel filter replacement to be an easy job...

In any event - it's all done now.

Thank You all for guiding me through it!

azzar0.