After having running out of gas, I am taking some advice I read on here to replace my fuel filter in case any junk got sucked into the filter.

I've read up on the procedure and understand that I have to relieve the fuel system pressure first. I have read that I need to release the "schrader valve". Is this the same thing as the "Fuel Pressure Connection Cap" as described in the service manual? It is located on the fuel rail close to the coolant cap.

And assuming it is and I have this right, the service manual recommends replacing the seal under the cap at this time. Does it really matter?

Lastly, how much fuel are we talking about here? Do I really need a special hose and a bucket, or would a shop towel suffice to catch the fuel?

Sorry to be so anal but I really don't want to mess anything up so trying to do my homework in advance...thanks everyone!

The schrader valve is on the fuel rail... DON"T PRESS IT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT OR WARM! Gas will squirt some.. I think a rag would do fine in catching the squirt though.

Blow torch to the gas tank. Works every time.

I do say this jokingly and it's your own fault if you make any said attempt. I can on the other-hand warn you that a gasoline fire rising up the side of a j10 jeep truck and a bottle of exploding gasoline is extremely terrifying to run away from from my own personal experience of mishaps with fuel.

The schrader valve is under the fuel pressure connection cap you described on the fuel rail. You ever let air out of a tire? That's a schrader valve too. With the engine off and cold you simply unscrew the cap and press the valve stem. If the engine hasn't been run in a while then pressure will be nearly zero anyway. Just shield your eyes and place a rag over the valve then press the valve stem. No need to replace the cap seal.

On the filter, if the fuel lines are rusty make sure to soak the threads with PB Blaster. Use the correct flare wrench (5/8" IIRC) so you don't strip the flare nut.

Thanks all. I'm picking up a flare wrench set today. I did confirm it is indeed 5/8". I also sprayed it with PB blaster last night so it should be good to go. Thanks again!

Couldn't you pull the oil pressure CB (fuel pump won't run) and turn over the motor? That should allow the fuel pressure to release into the cylinders

If you ran out of gas, I doubt you have any fuel pressure...

The easiest/safest way (and IIRC the way in the shop manual) is to pull the fuel pump fuse and let the engine run until it dies, then crank it for a few more seconds. Works perfectly on every car I've tried it on.

No matter what you do...there's still going to be SOME gas in the lines/filter and it's going to leak out when you disconect the lines @ the filter. Just saying....don't have your face under it when you loosen them up and have a rag reddy. Also be careful that the fitting turns on the line and isn't rusted to it. You'll twist the line and ruin it if it is.

Just leaving the car off for a few minutes is enough to relieve all the pressure in the stock 2.8 system, as it's got a return line. If you screw a gauge onto the schraeder valve, turn the key on and let the pump prime, then immediately turn the key off, you'll see the pressure drop to 0 pretty fast. At that point, whatever is in the lines is all you have to worry about.

quote Originally posted by pmbrunelle: If you ran out of gas, I doubt you have any fuel pressure...

Uh, I did fill it with gas to get it home.

You guys are probably right. The car has been sitting for a while so probably already has 0 pressure already. I will be sure not to lie directly beneath it when removing.

When changing the fuel filter, the fuel always continues to siphon out of the tank on me. So be ready with the new filter and put it back together quickly.

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Turbo 3800 E85 5spd spec5
11.53@126.7

Yup, I take a shop rag, and kind of place it around the schrader valve (engine must be cold, obviously) and then I depress on the valve pintle, and fuel squirts out like crazy, but I catch it with the rag. I keep it depressed until no more comes out.

It will continue to drain the system of course while you have the lines disconnected (kind of a pain).

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Todd,
2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x2
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x2
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

quote Originally posted by dobey: Just leaving the car off for a few minutes is enough to relieve all the pressure in the stock 2.8 system, as it's got a return line.

Not unless you have either 1) a leaking injector, or 2) a leaking fuel pressure regulator. My Formula retains almost full fuel pressure overnight. But yes, zero pressure at the Schraeder valve is the best way to verify that there is no residual pressure in the system.

Mine sat for a few days when I changed my filter... I loosened the nut and there wasn't much more than a trickle of fuel that I caught with a couple of shop towels. Also, I drained out some stale fuel (smelled bad, really bad - ethanol had separated out, I think).

Why not start it up, pull the fuel pump relay and let it die. I do this with my TBI truck all the time.

Brian