A big thankyou to http://www.gtouk.org.uk/phpBB2/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1082 for taking the extra time to get some photos and do a write up of his fuel filter change. I have resized some thumbnail photos for ease of viewing, and copied J@mes text into this FAQ. Higher resolution photos can be seen by clicking the thumbnails. If you want to print a copy of this off and take it to your garage with you when you attempt this job, remember you can use the printer icon at the bottom of the thread.
http://www.gtouk.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20589, including comments and discussion, can be found in the members only technical discussion forums.
Enjoy, Steve 8) .
For all the novices out there, i did a little step by step guide to replacing the fuel filter today. There is one on http://www.stealth316.com, but hopefully this one is a little clearer.
Write any alarm/ radio codes on a scrap of paper, as the battery will be coming out.
Remove the negative terminal of the battery, and then the positive. Lift the battery out making sure you don’t pull any of the wiring. If possible, tie the connectors out of the way using cable ties or string.
Remove the four 13mm bolts that hold the battery tray – these may be a little stiff and WD40 may be needed to shift them. There are also two 10mm nuts that hold the washer bottle in place, remove these too.
Lift the washer bottle out of position and release the clip on harness that supplies the pump. You may wish to empty the bottle if it has fluid in it, so that it can be sat on top of the plenum whilst you work – there is enough slack in the washer fluid tubes and “washer empty warning sensor” cables to allow it to sit up there.
You may wish to remove the battery tray bracket to allow more space in the area. This is done by removing the two 13mm bolts that attach each leg.
Now that there is more room, you can get a good view of the filter itself. A 19mm socket and extension bar is required to remove the top banjo bolt from the filter. Be ready to mop up, as some fuel will leak from the supply hose when you remove it. Tie the hose up to stop further leakage!
Now, to remove the bottom hose. First undo the two retaining nuts that hold the filter bracket to the bulkhead – you’ll see why in a minute (13mm socket with extension bar). It is much easier to undo the fitting where you can see my set of grips, than on the lower banjo bolt. Fix your mole grips tightly around the female end of the fitting (the fat bit) and then use a 14mm open ended spanner (or a “crowfoot spanner” if you have one) and push towards the PASSENGER side of the car. This may also need WD40 as it is possible that the filter has never been replaced!
Get the rags ready again, as the fuel that is still in the filter will start to flow when you release this fitting. Because the bracket is separated from the bulkhead, you can now remove the filter quickly and drain it into a jar or cup (please don’t poor it down the drain or onto the road!).
Undo the banjo bolt on the bottom of the filter with a 19mm socket to allow the pipe work to be removed. Re-attach the pipe work to the new filter, renewing the copper washers as you go.
Remove the rubber grommets and metal inserts from the old filter bracket, and lever them into the new one – my new bracket didn’t come with these, not sure if that’s a one off or the norm.
Line up the male/female fitting on the pipe work and screw the male fitting back in. Grip the female with the mole grips again, and use the 14mm spanner to tighten her up (careful not to cross-thread the fitting or kink the fuel line). refit the bracket to the bulkhead and tighten with 13mm socket (a small extension bar can be used to get a good throw on the ratchet lever)
Refit the top banjo bolt with new copper washers, and tighten with 19mm socket and extension bar.
MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THERE ARE NO LEAKS IN THE SYSTEM!
The rest is reverse of the removal to refit the battery tray brackets, the washer bottle, battery tray, battery and connections!
This guide is for advice only, and I am in no way responsible for any damage, fire, death or apocalyptic catastrophes that result from following it. :roll:
I hope that it’s of use to someone!