Changing fuel filter

[CoastieSCPO]

I have a 2004 W-20 with the new style fuel filter. When it comes time to change the filter, besides having the right tools, what is the best way to relieve the pressure in the fuel line? Will just letting the rig sit for a few hours do it? I am hesitant to do this job but I want to because we're going to take a long trip and knowledge is a good thing!

Bob

[CoastieSCPO]

I have a 2004 W-20 with the new style fuel filter. When it comes time to change the filter, besides having the right tools, what is the best way to relieve the pressure in the fuel line? Will just letting the rig sit for a few hours do it? I am hesitant to do this job but I want to because we're going to take a long trip and knowledge is a good thing!

Bob

[DriVer]

CoastieSCPO, (Bob)
Have a person standing by with an SG-60 nozzle and applicator on a charged hand line. A lot of us would simply wrap a rag around one of the fittings coming into the filter and crack the nut back. Way less than an ounce of gasoline captured in the rag will assure you that the pressure in the system has been relieved. Do not use an incandescent bulb in a drop light to see what you are doing. Much better to use an LED unit.

You can then break all the other fittings and mounting bolts and proceed with the change. See the fuel filter adapter on the OEM Engineering Website to see if this is a product that you would like to get into before they sell out.

To relieve the pressure, remove the dog house from the floor. Locate the gasoline pressure relief valve on the fuel rail on the top of the right side of the engine. Have an extinguisher standing by. Remove the cover on the valve. With a rag over the top of the valve depress the valve with an appropriate tool and bleed off the pressure. restore the cover and doghouse. This procedure will relieve the pressure in the fuel system.

Now - Get out of the coach and go and remove the fuel filter. OH by the way when you come back take your shoes and dirty clothes off or the real "Chief of the Boat" will get upset with ya!

[CoastieSCPO]

Thanks DriVer;

If I get all messed up the real COB will no doubt use the high pressure hose to wash me overboard.

Thanks for the tip with the pressure relief valve under the doghouse. Mike, you are the man!
And, we already got two of those very nice fuel filters from OEM Engineering the other day. Very nice guy to deal with, that Oemy guy.

Well, gotta go relieve some pressure!

Bob

[oemtech]

You can take DriVer's approach if your in a hurry or you can try my way...

The fuel rail pressure should bleed off in about 24 hours. So, you will only loose what gas is in the fuel filter.

1) Break the fuel line nuts loose
2) Remove the 4 hold down clamps. 1 on each fuel line and 1 on the fuel filter.
3) Remove the fuel filter and mop up the spilled fuel.
4) Install the new filter and start all of the fuel lines nuts and tighten finger tight.
5) Reinstall the hold down clamps but do not tighten completely with a wrench.
6) Tighten the fuel line nuts and then the clamps.
7) Test for leaks... Turn on the key but do not start the engine. This should pressurize the fuel line. If no leaks, start the engine and recheck after a minute or so.



On Edit - Updated Photo

[CoastieSCPO]

Dale;

We cannot afford to be in a hurry when it comes to working on my rig...or I'll really mess things up.

Bob

[oemtech]

Ahhh come on Chief! A seaman duce engineering striker could have it done in 15 mins.

[DriVer]

Dale,

Thanks for the picture - but it would appear to be dated. Perhaps you have a pic with the "new" gizmo you can share?

[CoastieSCPO]

Dale

A whole lot of truth to that statement.

But, my fingers are deformed from holding those coffee cups all those years telling the strikers what to do. I need one of those gizmos to help me out. Woops.... Off topic!

Bob

[oemtech]

Mike,
I updated the photo...

Chief,
If an old RD3 convert to HM3 (USNR/USMCR) can do it so can you. Just GET-R-DONE!

OBTW - I have the same coffee mug finger disfigurement as you do.

[born2camp]

I totally agree with Dale on relieving the pressure at the filter by cracking a nut loose. I recently changed mine over to the adapter and GM filter and there wasn't enough pressure or fuel in the line to worry about. Get the adapter from Oemys website and a couple extra filters and it is an easy job. It will take you alot more time to remove doghouse and relieve pressure, than just doing it at the filter. Just do it when all is cool and has been sitting for a day or so.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by born2camp:
I totally agree with Dale on relieving the pressure at the filter by cracking a nut loose.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's what I do.