i was doing a little maintanence as an addendum to my 30k diy service, but i got stuck and i want to make sure i'm doing this right.

cap&rotor: this is a just a simple procedure of removing the plug wires, removing the cap, pulling off the rotor, and replacing everything, right? is there a correct orientation to put in the rotor? i think it shouldn't affect the timing since i do not loosen the distributor. i just want to be sure i don't have to line anything up.


fuel filter: ok, i got so far as to remove the filter from it's retaining bracket and i removed the gasoline hose as shown below, but i could not remove the filter from the gasoline hardline it is attached to underneath. anybody have any tips/tricks to removing it? i tried, but i couldn't get enough leverage in the tight engine bay even with removing the intake hose. also, once the new filter is in place, is there any technique for starting the car with a fresh filter and avoiding fuel starvation?

 

fuel filter you will need to undo the bolt on the bottom of the fuel filter also. put your arm into it, as it is not a easy thing to do.

 

Rotor and cap will go in only in one position. Just follow the guide.
No problem with fuel starvation in any car. It takes just a lil bit to start, although if you want, you can prime the fuel filter but, not really needed.

 

just double check that you tightened the bolts for the fuel filter. Forgot to do that once Not a big deal just kind of embarassing.

 

From what I read...for the fuel filter you need a flare wrench.

 

 

just use your teeth

 

ahh doing it the dr vtech way..

 

nonsense. monkey wrenches do the job.

 

how often do you guys change the fuel filter and the cap/rotor? i have 34k now and plan to do this job every 30k.

 

Helms does not specify a change time for cap and rotor. It just says to inspect at 60K. Not sure on FF though (Helms is at home) but every 30k sounds like a plan to me .

Dont forget to adjust valves and change the MTF at this point if you haven't already.


[Modified by Eva01, 11:01 PM 12/30/2002]

 

I need to do these maintenance items this year.

 

It is easier to remove the lines from the fuel filter with the filter still mounted to the firewall. This gives you more leverage. A flare wrench is highly recommended. A monkey wrench's teeth may gouge the fastener faces.

 

Definatly a flare wrench would be best but not entirely necc. I was able to get my FF off w/ a regular wrench. May take some man-handling but nothing a typical gearhead couldn't handle. Oh, I think soupnazi was kidding about the monkey wrench "NO SOUP FOR YOU!!"