Ok so here is the back story.
1995 Del Sol SI, 5-speed manual. 169,000 miles. completely stock
I was driving down the interstate on the way home 2hrs into a 4 hr trip. Just filled up with gas, car started to overheat. I immediately pulled over let it cool off. Removed the thermostat and drove a few miles to and autozone. Bought a new thermostat and refilled with antifreeze/coolant. Finished the drive home without any issues. The next day I was driving around town and the car started stalling while driving like it wasn't getting enough fuel. So I decided to change the plugs and wires and the fuel filter. Now the car wont start. The fuel filter has a leak on top. I used new crush washers with the new filter and torqued to spec.


1) How do I stop the leak and get the car started? I would hate to buy another new filter to try to stop the leak. Any ideas would be great.

2) Is this even going to solve the original problem? Is there a connection between replacing the thermostat and the car stalling while driving. (engine coolant temp sensor

I've search the site but I'm at a loss. If there is another post about this I missed it. Any help would be great or if there is a post I missed could you put that link

Thanks

 

It's not going to run right if there is a leak in the fuel line. Not only is that very dangerous, it won't develop enough pressure. Fix that before you proceed. I would try another fuel filter and another washer and torque to spec to be sure. If not maybe you damaged the fitting on the line, replace if necessary.

There shouldn't be a problem between thermostat and engine stalling if the car is not overheating. First thing I would do is properly flush the coolant. You didn't specify your procedure, but you need to start the car with full heat full fan with radiator cap off. Keep watching bubbles come out and keep radiator full of coolant until bubbles stop or car is fully warm.