Fuel filter change

[vilant]

Most of you guys will find this boring, but for first time DIY's, like me, it might be useful. Lifted the Z to perform maintenance and changing the fuel filter is part of it. Bought A/C Delco #GF-481. Disconnected the negative battery terminal per FSM instruction. Open gas cap and connect a fuel gauge w/ bleed valve to passenger side fuel rail. When removing the cap covering port on the fuel rail make sure the rubber seal is in the cap and not stuck on the port (like mine was, almost lost the little bugger). Bleed gas into suitable container.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php...pictureid=1469
Putting a sheet pan under the fuel filter (behind pass. frnt. wheel under car) will help catch the gas that's going to get everywhere. Remove 2-10mm bolts holding shield.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php...pictureid=1471
Using a flare nut wrench 5/8" might help from buggering up the nuts, but mine were on so tight I stripped them anyway (they're made from aluminum or some malleable metal). Had to soak mine in liquid wrench for 1/2 an hour. I used channel locks and an adjustable wrench and all my strength to break mine loose, lol. Once I broke them both loose, I removed the 10mm bolt holding the support bracket on. You'll have to gently move the return gas line out of your way to accomplish this. Loosen the top first, and let the top line of filter drain out. Have the new filter ready to go (be aware of the flow direction), because it's going to get messy and you have to be quick. I wore elbow length rubber gloves to cut down on gas bath. Loosen the bottom nut and remove the old filter and quickly place the new filter in and tighten bottom nut up first. (You think GM would of designed a shut-off valve or placed the filter above the fuel tank, instead of having gas pour all over while you change it, lol). Tighten up the top nut.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/picture.php...pictureid=1473
Place the support bracket back around filter, having the 10mm screw just popping through the 2 holes to keep them aligned before you slide it on, will save you some grief. Reinstall the support bracket and shield and your done. I checked for fuel leaks w/ a lighter...just kidding, don't do that, you will catch on fire and your car will explode, lol.

[scottfab]

I've done this a few times over the years.
The one step I would add for safety is to have a fire extinguisher
at arms length away.
I keep two in the garage. One floating one and a big one on the wall.

[tomtom72]

Nice write up Joe! I would add just a word about the two o-rings that are on the "in" and "out" lines for the filter. Don't loose them and mind that they are not beat up.


Tom

[vilant]

Originally Posted by scottfab

I've done this a few times over the years.
The one step I would add for safety is to have a fire extinguisher
at arms length away.
I keep two in the garage. One floating one and a big one on the wall.

Yes, definitly need one in your garage. I've got 3 of the small types scattered around the garage.

[vilant]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

Nice write up Joe! I would add just a word about the two o-rings that are on the "in" and "out" lines for the filter. Don't loose them and mind that they are not beat up.


Tom

You know I read in another post about the rubber rings. I looked inside the old filter and there was none there. And I couldn't see inside the nuts, and gas was pouring out out at the same time, lol. I guess I should of kept an inspection mirror handy. But I assumed they were still inside the nuts. I tighten everything up and siphoned gas back up to the fuel rail. No leaks. I'll keep a close eye on it though, JIC.

[scottfab]

Fuel filter FLASHBACKKKKKKK
Here is an old post from 2002 on the list server on fuel filter changing The part about "overnight" is good:
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