First off, want to thank zamestytel, PCY, and AchtungE60 for their excellent DIYs on the subject. I got bored the other day and decided to do the fuel filter change.
Well, it's embarrassing to say it didn't end very well. I was in a hurry and used a tool that wasn't designed for the job. I damaged the new fuel filter assembly so I have to buy
another one, but wait...there's more... fuel pump quick-disconnect also got damaged as well, so a new fuel pump was ordered.




Warnings and cautions (Bentley manual p160-22)

· Work only when engine temp is below 40° C/104° F

· Have a fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the work area

· Disconnect battery negative terminal whenever working on fuel and electrical system

· Electric fuel pump starts each time a door is opened. Disable ignition system by pulling DME main relay located in the E-Box, right rear of engine compartment. Connect and disconnect wires with the Ignition OFF to prevent damage to DME and ECM.

· Wear eye protection, suitable hand protection (prolonged skin contact with fuel can cause illnesses and skin disorders

· Do not use work light with incandescent bulb (fire hazard)

· Unscrew fuel tank cap to release pressure in the tank. Loosen fuel lines slowly to allow residual fuel pressure to dissipate. Have plenty of rags/shop towels.

· Make sure work area is well ventilated.

· After finishing install, but before starting engine, be sure there is at least 1.5 gallons of fuel in tank; fuel pump is damaged if run without fuel.

Please read these excellent DIYs:

Pictures of my Fuel Filter after 62k miles Should you change the Fuel filter or not?

DIY - Fuel Filter/Sending Unit Swap

Unscrew the screw cap using an appropriate tool like the one picture below (a loan from a mechanic friend).





If doing the passenger side (right side) tank first, use a wire (I used a hanger) and place one end at the fuel pump harness that
connects to the fuel filter.



carefully maneuver wire and harness into the right tank then grab the wire from inside the left tank.



Lower the pump assembly into position (I re-oiled the rubber seal with engine oil)and ensure the assembly is properly seated before tightening the
screw cap.

Next steps should be for installing the fuel filter (see previous DIYs mentioned above).

** Disclaimer**
I hold no responsibility for any damage or injury occurred from following this DIY. Proceed at your own risk.

Be safe .

 

Well that sucks. Were you replacing the fuel pump too?




I PMed you call me


Basically I still have my old fuel pump (pump itself is bad) If you want to swap your good pump parts into it and use it.

 

Thanks for the offer Allen. I did the install yesterday.



Here's a picture of the free towing service by USAA .

 

Here's what the old filter looks like.

 

how many miles on your car? any large debris or heavy sludge on the filter, or was it just black?

 

116,850 miles. No large debris nor sludge; just fine, black particles in the fuel that came out of the filter assembly.

 

Fuel pump removal tool.

Another one. .

 

ZDMAK Special Tools ,

 

Good job, love the tent!

 

does the speacial tool you used (Mac Tools FP940) work for the filter/sending unit collar? Or is it just for the pump side?

I am only doing the filter but would really like to find the right tool. seems difficult to use hammers, screwdrivers, etc to get the collar off.

Anyone have any good advice for removing the collar for the fuel filter?