How do I release the fuel pressure in the system before I take the fuel lines apart to replace the filter or am I just supposed to get it all over me and the ground? Is there a button to push, or an epithet to hurl at it that works wonders ?

 

You did not tell us what you have for a truck but I will assume it is oin the late 1980's early 21990's period. There is a schrader vaave on the right hand front fuel =rail that has a cap on it. remove the cap and push the needle valve while making sure the engine is cold and you stand back with the truck off.

 

OH! 1988 F250 302 with dual tanks and filter needs changing (sounds like a new C & W song ?)
I assume this will cover my hand/arm with gas ?
What if the truck hasn't been driven in a couple weeks ?
Thanks for the quick reply !

 

Throw a rag over the top of your hand when you push the schrader valve down to catch the pressure may not be any there if it has sat.

 

If the truck hasn't been driven in a couple weeks there should be no pressure on the system anyway.

But to answer your question the way to do it is to either pull the fuel pump relay out or trip the fuel shut-off switch and try to start the engine and crank for a few second if does not start.

 

Take a tire pressure gage and cut off the reading end. Remove all the actual gage stick stuff. Put a hose on the end and into a bottle. Press the valve end onto the Schrader valve. Voilà, no mess.

 

Unplug the fuel pump relay and start it. When it dies or it doesn't start your good to go. If it has sat more than an hour it won't have any pressure.

 

That. i just pull the relay while it's running and let it die.

 

All this business over changing a fuel filter. There's not going to be enough line pressure to be worth messing with. Just don't lay directly under the thing, change it, and be done with it. LOL

 

Yea, I just remove the clips if applicable and pull the line(s). Sometime I have a shop towel in my hand to soak up the fuel

 

You say that, but I guy I knew did that same thing and ended up taking it straight to the eyeballs because he didn't relieve the pressure first.

 

Where was his Safety Glasses!

Most any filter change is going to be messy, nature of the beast!
Being prepared is the rule!

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

 

Thanks all !
Good advice all, too.
But......
I relieved the pressure in the system - not much, of course, since it hadn't run in a couple weeks. Got a dribble or two out of the valve.
My plan when I pulled the hose from the tank was to catch it quick before the tank filled my shirt with gas, then I noticed the gas running down my arm was coming from the other side of the old filter. That made sense then since there would still be gas in that part of the system.
After the filter swap was made I found it went much easier if I didn't put the clips in backwards.
Technology ! It's great aint it ? (all my experience is in carburetors - had my '68 Ranchero in the 4th parade today)