fuel filter

[98GTragtop]

so recently i have had a few times when my car wont start. i had about 3/4 of a tank of gas but it sounds like that is why the car doesnt start. if i top it off with gas then it starts right up. i think that it could be the fuel filter. im hoping it is just the filter and not the pump. i have a 98 GT. how do i get to the fuel filter and is there anything special i need to do to replace it or is it simply just swapping out a new one for the old one.

 

[trombonedemon]

The fuel filter is behind the axle in front of the gas tank. The fuel line leads directly to the fuel tank, you can't miss. And yes, you need a spring compressor to compress the spring-lock. Any autoparts store has one. Simple job, just be prepared to get a little fuel on ya'. Some rags would be neccesary to soke up the spill.

 

[98GTragtop]

i have a little over a quarter of a tank left. should i wait til i am closer to empty. when i take the filter out will the gas pour out or is it more of a drip?

 

[trombonedemon]

i have a little over a quarter of a tank left. should i wait til i am closer to empty. when i take the filter out will the gas pour out or is it more of a drip?

The amount of gas in the tank only matters if you are trying to drop the gas tank.
There is an inertia fuel pump cut off switch in the back that you can disconnect to run the fuel out of the lines/depressure. From my experience gas is gonna gush out anyway just less if your disconnect the switch. The switch is on the left hand side and is labled in the trunk, in case of an accident.

 

[nyuk98gt]

98GTragtop:

Tank level will not make any difference. You can change the filter anytime.

I just did this a few weeks ago. Have some terry towel rags handy to absorb dribbles that will come out of the filter as you remove it.

There is a hose clamp that secures the filter to the bracket. There are little clips that secure the lines to the spring clamps. These come off with a flat-blade screwdriver. The two fuel lines need to be disconnected (inlet, outlet). Have rags available.

When done, turn your key to ON but not to CRANK for 3 to 5 seconds to let the pump run. Repeat 3 to 5 times to fill the filter.

Make sure that you use jackstands to support the car while it is lifted. NEVER (ever) rely on the floor jack to support the car while you are under the car.

That's all there is to it.

HTH,

Chris

 

[nyuk98gt]

trombonedemon:

Dang, you're fast on the keyboard!

Chris

 

[98GTragtop]

ok thanks guys this helps a lot

 

[streethorse]

about 6 oz's will come out. 1 good size rag will soak it right up.

 

[GDawg]

Little late here but if you run the car and then disconnect the inertia switch, it will drain quite a bit out. The car will die. A rag or two is always necessary when removing the filter.