Fuel Filter Change

[Telf 224 2 Cars]

hey all,

 

Im hoping for some advice regarding a fuel filter change.

 

Ive just carried out a service on my Pug and only have the fuel filter to change- however I've never done this job before.

Looking at the Haynes manual it states that the fuel system should be depressurised. - I was just going to remove the fuel filler cap to let pressure off--but im abit ignorant of the fuel system to be honest.

 

My question is- Is this necessaryto depressurise or can i just take the filter out- I imagine there will be some fuel loss? Also is there a specific torque setting when doing the hoses back up?

 

Whilst im on the topic of fuel systems I also have a fuel gauge that refuses to read properly below 1/2 a tank- does anyone know if the transmitter unit can be removed and serviced or is it a case of a straight replacement?

 

Any help or advice would be greatly appriciated

[jackherer 543]

It isn't the tank that needs de-pressurising, it is the pipework, fuel rail, filter and injectors that are pressurised.

 

To de-pressurise it remove the fuse for the fuel pump (last fuse on the right IIRC) with the engine running and wait until it splutters and dies due to lack of fuel.

 

The pressure is quite high so you do lose quite a bit if you don't de-pressurise it and it sprays all over the place so it isn't very safe.

[Telf 224 2 Cars]

ok,

 

So when i refit it all i just turn the ignition over until it repressurises?

 

Jackherer--ive just noticed you live quite near me--I'm in Ipswich, do you know any good suppliers for GTI parts in our area--Ive not had this one long and most of the dealers/scrapers i used to know dont seem to have parts anymore!

 

Thanks for advice

[jackherer 543]

Yes, put the fuse back in and start it up. It will take longer than normal to start as the system fills with fuel. Watch the filter and hoses for leaks while you're starting it.

 

I get most parts online really, the local Peugeot dealers are OK but as you say a lot of stuff is NFP (no further production) these days. I have quite a lot of parts stashed away too, so if you are looking for something in particular drop me a PM, I might be able to help.

[Telf 224 2 Cars]

ok thanks thats worth knowing and a kind offer

 

I do know of a place in Leiston that has around 15 GTI's in various states --he usually has 2 or 3 that are for spares, but thats only real place Ive found.

[harryskid 193]

Apperently under pressue its can be dangerous even to the fact it could penetrate your skin which could be very nasty !

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

I have always just cracked off the top union to the fuel filter with a rag round it to catch fuel. Not much comes out under pressure. The filter is still full of fuel though, which will drain out.

[Telf 224 2 Cars]

OK update time!

 

Filter changed- the fuse is the one on the far right hand side.

 

For anyone searching for this again you need a 18, 19 and 22 mm OJ spanner for the top and bottom unions and a 10mm for the bracket.

 

Strangely after changing it the idle settled alot quicker than normally and it was also easier to start.

 

Also make sure you run it for leak checking- mine didnt leak on start then after 30seconds or so the top union started spraying atomised fuel everywhere--so be warned!

 

Thanks for the help and advice guys-it gave me confidence to get on with the job and was greatly apprieciated.

[jackherer 543]

Strangely after changing it the idle settled alot quicker than normally and it was also easier to start.

 

I've seen that before, replacing an old filter can be the final part of the jigsaw puzzle when trying to sort an 8v with idle issues.

[ian010778 21]

Sorry to hijack but I will be doing exactly the same thing for the first time this weekend.

 

Difference is, I haven't started my car for about 4 months so would I be best to just carefully undo the top joint and have plenty of rag ready just in case there's pressure still in the system or should I start it and follow the fuse removal etc. procedure as described above?

 

I read the Haynes description of 'de-pressurisation' and it simply says to be very careful, have a rag ready and undo the top joint slowly but I was going to post about this myself today as that didn't seem quite right - especially if the engine has recently been turned over.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

Ian

[jason7579 5]

I have always done the same as Tom, never removed the fuse even with the car being used recently.

[gsidave 3]

Just don't do it with a hot exhaust manifold.

[BlueBolt 156]

Just don't do it with a hot exhaust manifold.

 

lol

 

 

 

I found the only difficult thing to do whilst doing this was to undo the bottom thread once the top one was undone...

Having undone the top thread I was then not able to undo the bottom one, and ended up putting it back for a later date!!

 

On the subject but slightly off topic, are the washers for the threads, top and bottom, reusable??

Or are they crimp washers as I thought they were??

[niagra 3]

lol

 

 

 

I found the only difficult thing to do whilst doing this was to undo the bottom thread once the top one was undone...

Having undone the top thread I was then not able to undo the bottom one, and ended up putting it back for a later date!!

 

On the subject but slightly off topic, are the washers for the threads, top and bottom, reusable??

Or are they crimp washers as I thought they were??

 

If you get an OE filter (I got mine from Skip Brown) then you will get new washers anyway.

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

Most non-OE filters also usually come with the washers, certainly all the ones I can remember doing recently have done.

[BlueBolt 156]

Will be going to get some before I change it then...

Anyone know the size I want??

[lagonda 42]

Assuming your washers are copper, as mine were (the new filter came from GSF without washers; annoying), you can re-use them provided you anneal them. Easy to do if you've got a blowtorch or gas cooker.

[BlueBolt 156]

^^

If you what??

 

Please excuse my ignorance lol

 

(null)

[Baz 421]

Google is very easy to use Bluebolt.

 

Don't get fuel in your eyes!

[ian010778 21]

Just for info' - I changed my fuel filter at the weekend and I do have a small leak on the bottom joint as I used the old washers without anneailing them (non-OE filter didn't come with washers). I will be doing this on my gas hob next weekend and re-fitting.

 

Also, I couldn't get her to start at first, had a spark but the fuel was only getting as far as the bottom joint of the filter and not through the filter and on to the fuel rail.

 

I know the battery isn't great so as a punt I jumped her off our 206 HDi (1.6 FAP) and she started after only a few more turns than usual.

 

I can only conclude that even though she was turning over with the battery there was not enough juice to run the fuel pump properly to re-pressurise the system and lift the fuel through the filter.

 

I thought this might be useful to know for others that are doing this for this for the first time :-)

 

 

IP

[S@m 156]

Just for reference, i am changing mine today, ordered motaquip part VFF152 and it includes the washers despite there being no mention of them on the motaquip website. Score!

 

Sam