Fuel Filter

67ChevyRedneck · May 2, 2005

I tried a search but nothing came up... I want to change my fuel filter, but after reading through my haynes manual it says that you need to depressurize the fuel system by putting a pressure gage and release valve on the tap on the fuel rail and "drain" the fuel that way. Is that really necessary? Or can I just remove the filter? Will I get shot in the face with pressurized fuel? If this is necessary, where can I get a cheap gage with a release valve?

tmf6902 · May 2, 2005

I open my gas cap for about an hour before I change it...thinking that, that will de pressurize the system some...I have no idea if it works...but I probably only lose about a pint of fuel in the removal process....and mine has never shot out under pressure

67ChevyRedneck · May 2, 2005

I forgot to add the truck is a 00 z71 5.3L. Is a diesel under the same pressure a gas engine is?

tmf6902 · May 2, 2005

oh......I got no clue....so my method might not work

67ChevyRedneck · May 2, 2005

Noones every changed their fuel filter?

Pancho · May 2, 2005

I just change it with an old rag wadded up around it when I pop the line off. Never bothered with all the other stuff and haven't had any problems yet.

67ChevyRedneck · May 2, 2005

That's all I needed to hear, thanks.

Mattt · May 3, 2005

Drain the pressure at the fuel rail. It doesnt take much to drain the pressure there, no more than a few seconds. No gauge necessary if you ask me. Just press the schraeder valve and be done with it.

JDeere7296 · May 3, 2005

I just changed mine last weekend, opened fuel cap for awhile and then changed filter. Had some gas come out, not much after initial pressure was let off of filter. Just put a rag under filter and your good to go.

Tip, let fuel pump prime for a second or two before starting engine after replacing filter, make starting easier.

paymepunk · May 23, 2005

OK , i assume you know where the fuel filter is. If not, its inside the frame rail on the drivers side just in front of the tire (ext cab anyway). I just opened my gas cap, turned the truck on for a sec, then off. let it sit for a minute. i got two t-shirts i was ready to throw away. situated the wrencehes to loosen the nut. I barely turned the nut to break the initial hold( like less then 1/4 turn...just to loosen it). After i beraley loosened both sides, not enought for gas to come out, i undid the two bolts on the outside of the rail so i could manipulate the filter better. Then i placed the t shirt over the nut and loosened it the rest of the way. Some gas came out, but no too much for the t-shirt. you can assume whatever is currently in line will come out. after i got the one side off i jiggled it to get any spare gas in the line out. then propped the forward line up onthe rail so it couldnt drip. then left the tshirt on the fuel filter open side. then repeated for the back hose. put it all back, after 3 cranks the engine ran great.