Hey guys,

I am going to tackle replacing my fuel filter, on my 1988 RX turbo, in the next day or two. Can someone either

A) link me to a write on how to

 

let me know how to do, where its at, tools needed etc.

 

Thanks

 

Ben

A screwdriver to loosen the clamps, and maybe something to pry the hoses off the old filter. I used a flathead screwdriver myself, but there's other tools you can use of course. Might want to use a couple clothes pins, vicegrips, or something else to clamp down the hoses behind the filter's inlet and outlet, so you dont get gas everywhere. Be careful!

 

The fuel filter is on the driver's side, close to the wiper motor area, held into place by a big "clip", you cant miss it once you have your new fuel filter in hand, as its just a big cylinder looking thingie with a hose on each side of it.

The biggest concern will either be ripping the old hoses or putting it in backwards. They are generally marked so the last part will be easy...

1. Remove fuel pump fuse.
   
2. Crank the engine, till the motor starts, struggles for lack of fuel, and shuts down.
   
3. Remove the gas cap and crank the engine again. It should not start. If it does, just let it shut down. I do this on our Nissans and Expedition. Leave the gas cap on loose.
   
4. Remove the fuel filter hose clamps.
   
5. Spray a tiny bit of WD40 at the end of each hose, where it goes into the filter.
   
6. Use your hands to turn the hose back and forth to free it up - remove hoses. Use rags, or paper towels to catch residual fuel from the filter, and a bit from the lines.
   
7. Replace the filter; attach hoses, making sure the inlet and outlet sides are correct.
   
8. Tighten the hose clamps. Actually snug them on until the hoses will not turn back and forth with your hands.
   
9. Replace the fuel pump fuse, tighten the gas cap and start your car up. It should sputter for a couple of seconds and fire right up.
   
10. Check for leaks, smell etc. Snug the hose clamps down a bit further, as needed.

careful when you pull the hoses off the fuel filter. I pulled the fuse and let it run till it was done, but there was still gas in the lines that sprayed on my face when removing the lines. So you may want to wear some goggles as well.

Mine sprayed me about 4 minutes after I removed the filter... from the tank side of the hose. Suspect that's why it is recommended to remove fuel filler cap, to vent tank pressure so it doesnt spray you at random intervals....

 

Pretty straight forward, remove clamps, remove hoses, swap filters, and assemble... see above checklist.

the filter is on the driver side strut tower. you can use a pair of jaw pliers to gently grab the hose where it meets the filter and give it a twist to break its tension, and work it off back and forth. super easy!