HOW-TO-TECHNICAL GUIDE

CHANGING YOUR FUEL FILTER

Introduction

It is a good idea to change your fuel filter when you first purchase your vehicle.

It should be changed again at 20,000 mile intervals. When changing the filter on my 1996 Calibra Turbo I used a Champion OE spec filter, (# L201). This filter is standard across the whole Calibra range.

(Above) New Champion filter soaking in petrol before fitting.

No specialist tools are needed, just a jamjar or similar for soaking the new filter in and a crossheaded screwdriver for the hose clips. You may also need a long cable tie

Changing the filter

Jack up the rear of your car and support it on axle stands. I found placing a trolley jack under the rear diff was the best way to get access to the fuel filter.

The filter itself sits forward from the fuel tank, so you must slide past the tank and work in the area above the driveshaft for the o/s rear wheel.

(Above) The standard fuel filter, in need of a change.

(Below) The two hose clips that need undoing (positive screwdriver)

These screws were fairly easy to release on my car, but I have read that other people have struggled with rusted solid parts. If that's the case use plenty of WD40.

Once the first hose is off, slide the filter out of the "U" shaped bracket and pull downwards on it to release the second hose. At this point you will be doused in petrol.

Offer the new filter up and re-fit the hoses. They must sit all the way along the filter inlets, and be tightened securely.

(Below) The finished article

As you can see I have added a cable tie looped around the bracket and filter to secure it more firmly.

Check for any leaks with the engine running on 2/3 throttle.

An interesting note is that my old fuel filter was able to retain a large amount of petrol even when held upside-down. It was only when I blew through it that the petrol was released. This meant it was partially blocked. The new filter does not resist like this!

Job done.