Replacing fuel filter

While you are there, replace the plastic fuel line between the accumulator and the filter too.

That plastic is 20+ years old and in a spot subject to some heat.

Lots of other "While you are there" relatively cheap projects to do also.



I do not have a QV but it is probably not much different from my GTSi.

1) Let car sit a day.

2) Jack car up and place on jack stands.

3) Remove wheel and inner plastic fender.

4) Carefully loosen/remove the old fuel lines from the filter. The metal ones CAN BE TWISTED closed or broken during this process.

5) Remove bracket holding old filter.

6) Remove old fuel line adapter(s) from filter and save or reuse as necessay.

7) Replace plastic fuel line (see above).

8) Reassemble and pressureize system WITHOUT starting car to check for leaks.

9) Replace inner fender and wheel.

10) Lower car and drive for a few minutes and recheck for leaks/fumes.


11) Enjoy a beer and a job well done.

 

Be prepared for some liquid fuel to spill during the operation but I had very little.

YMMV.

 

Regarding my 87 328, how the HECK do you access the fuel filter?
it's mounted on the firewall, and access seems to be restricted by the port side fuel tank.
I've got the wheel and fender liner off, obviously, but to reach the filter is really tough.

to compound matters, it takes two wrenches to loosen the upper and lower hoses: one to hold the filter fitting, and one to turn the hose fitting.

can anybody offer advice on successful techniques used in the past to get this job done? I've done lots of service items on the car, and replacement of the fuel filter and accumulator are my last items to do.

Much appreciated,
Greg

 

I just replaced the fuel filter on my 88 Mondial. It should be very similar on a 308QV.

see my thread...
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364375&page=4
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Pretty straight forward. Do it from underside while keeping your face away from the drips.

Mark's method is good (however, if you are OCD or ADHD, you might have a beer first).

A couple of notes:

Definitely replace the flex hose; remove flex hose from accumulator and then fuel filter from above at hard line; remove flex hose and filter together. The filter removal at the hose joint could be a ***** since the filter hex at the flex hose is part of the body metal and easily deformed=> better to take apart out of the car.

Be sure to disconnect the battery and put out your cigarette...and no welding.

 

I've already drained every drop out of the tanks. I had to replace the lower crossover hose sections. I also had to remove the starboard tank to run new AC hoses; I'm installing a new Sanden-based system.

Battery kill-switch is "off".

So, access fuel filter from beneath, huh? What about the top fitting? It seems Ferrari is playing a joke on us: to mount the filter on the firewall is madness. If the tank was out, it'd be easy!!

The hard part is going to be holding two tools. I'll wear a thick work glove and try to lever/squeeze them together with one hand, as fitting two arms up in there is next to impossible.

No other way to do this job, unless I don't know about some magic tool..??

I'm using line and open end wrenches; 17-18-19mm.. Is that what you guys used?

Greg

 

To loosen the top fitting use two open end wrenches. Just squeeze them together and it will loosen.

 

Yeah, but--how do you reach that area? Not near the car again until Sunday. Can you reach down from the top and fit two wrenches in there?

Greg

 

Bosch or Purflux ?
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Replacing Bosch with Bosch...

 

But, it's not. The QV filter is nowhere near as accessible, as it is mounted high on the rear bulkhead.

 

Correct. The 328 fuel filter is mounted on the firewall behind the driver. Access is very difficult.

I'll try to reach up from below, when I get back to the car Sunday. I do have the car jacked up on 4 jack stands, I can slide beneath no prob. Problem is, fitting the tools and hand(s) up there, then having room to maneuver.

Greg

 

Save yourself a lot of aggravation...
Disconnect the lower fuel filter hose at the accumulator, first. The fuel filter and accumulator will drain a small amount of fuel. The upper fuel filter hose is done from above. Hold the filter "adapter fitting" with one wrench. Using a flare-crowsfoot wrench on a long extension, and a 3/8" impact gun, give the upper line nut a super quick zap; voila...all is loose. Now loosen, but don't remove the band clamp nut. I use a stubby 17mm wrench. Pull the filter out from the top. Now, on the bench, you can swap over the filter fittings. Remember, always replace these copper seal rings with new!

If you don't have a flare-crowsfoot wrench, the tip that Glassman gave you will work, presuming that some gorilla didn't over-tighten the fitting.

 

Great advice, thank you David!

Darn it--heading to NAPA right now, but I can't find the thread with the fuel filter fitting washers with NAPA part #s... Can anybody post that link? Saw it yesterday!

Greg

 

My pleasure, Greg...You're welcome.

 

Found that link with the part numbers--thanks Carl Rose!

http://ferrari.cdyn.com/carl_rose_docs/Ferrari%20328%20Fuel%20Filter%20Change.pdf

 

Being able to stand under the car really helps. I have a low ceiling but I do have a pit.

 

Wish i had that luxury. going to work on the car tomorrow, wish me luck....
Greg

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

I prefer to lay under cars. A Frankenstein-like fused neck will do that.

Try all 3 access points; from the top, bottom and wheel well. You do have to crawl in there.


JACK STANDS! !!!!!!!

 

I have an '83 & I've replaced the filter a couple of times.
On jackstands, with the wheel off, from the bottom.
I didn't depressurize or anything, just was careful cracking the fuel lines. A golf tee pluged the fuel line nicely. I did get some fuel running down my arm. The toughest part was getting the metal fuel line back on with the new filter in place. Leave everything loose, with nuts just hanging on by a thread or two. Then lots of wiggling & tighten when everything is back in place.

 

Mine is an '81. 2 fuel filters. ^2 the PITA.