Fuel filter change (2001 S)
 

Anybody have just a ridiculously difficult time getting the one fuel line off the filter? The one that's hard to get to, ie the one that attaches directly to the filter.

I've been fiddling with the thing for 1/2 hour and I'm getting absolutely no place. Any ideas or tricks to this process?

It should be pretty easy to disconnect. You just pinch the clip on both sides of the connector (purple). I had a tougher time reattaching the clamp (orrange arrow) around the fuel filter after installing a new one; cooler head later prevailed. If you're trying to pull off the connector under the red arrow then you're doing it wrong.

http://www.101projects.com/Boxster/P...mages/Pic0.jpg

As 1PorscheBoxster986 said, you need to pinch both sides of the connector and PULL! I used a pliers.

Be ready for a lot of fuel to come spilling out when it comes off. Ask me how I know.

Okay, eventually got it. Don't know why but it was really hard—I eventually had to reach up there with a flat screw driver and get leverage that way, twisting the blade between the connector and the filter (as I squeezed on the retaining collar). Shortly after that I read in the Bentley manual where they said, "Disconnect fuel connections only in a straight line. Never use excessive force." At that point I got a little nervous...had I jacked up the fuel line connector in the process of disconnecting it from the filter? Was the damn thing gonna leak when I got it all put back together?

Then I developed another issue. Working the filter to get the line disconnected, then working it (the filter) out of the tight space, I ended up with the metal holding strap coming out with the filter. Pretty sure that was supposed to stay put. So I had to figure out how to engage that strap with the bracket that tightens onto the coolant lines—without actually being able to SEE the top of the bracket, ie the part that fits with the strap. But then, once I figured that out, all of a sudden I hit that magic point where everything went as smooth as silk and suddenly I was done. Started her up (still on jack stands)...looked underneath with a flashlight: no leaks. The whole process was all WAY more difficult than it should have been (I will not disclose how long it took, way too embarrassing!).

Anyway, thanks for the help! I still have NO idea why that fitting was so difficult to get apart, but I guess I won't worry about it. Until next time :D

The Bentley manual doesn't refer to it but the 101 Project book suggest pulling the fuel pump relay and crank it a bit. This should reduce the fuel pressure in the lines. I have not X/O my filter yet, I wonder if this would make the clip easier to disconnect?

Good thought, but I don't think so.

After I had tried multiple times on the difficult side, I (out of exasperation) went and did the other end (the easy one, the one with the s-shaped line attached so you're working away from the filter).

That one popped off without a problem. Once that was done, I went back to the troublesome connection, for yet additional frustration (til, finally, I got it). But, having gotten the one end off, that should have relieved any pressure in the lines. Didn't seem to help...damn thing was just—inexplicably—stuck.

Btw, I'm not sure I agree with the statement here. That is the very connection I was having trouble with. The new filter comes with the one line connected to it (the s-shaped line I referred to above). But the end of the filter you're talking about is the other end, the end where the ground wire (red arrow) attaches. If you look at the pic above (specifically the inset pic, at the lower right), it's the end of the filter that just has the short metal tube to which the fuel line attaches. So one has to remove that to insert the new filter.

Mine actually looked slightly different: it didn't have the 90° angle to it like the one in the pic. It's just straight.

Thanks for chiming in.

Sorry for any confusion but I was referring to the "S shape line". I notice how I typed that wrong after your response. Thanks.

No problem. I kinda figured that's what you meant.

Make sure your new connections are click tight. I'd done this job 4 or 5 times on various Boxsters. Last time I did it, I had one line that didn't click in. I ran a short errand and noticed that I'd used a quarter tank of gas!

Just replaced the fuel filter on my 2001 986S, here is a video on how I replaced it.

https://youtu.be/N5ViSh3Gb28

Brian :)

Yeah, really didn't hear a click when I put it back together—maybe felt it, not sure. But, like I said, after having all that trouble getting the one connection apart I was worried about the integrity of the thing. But I ran the engine for a good minute or two and watched: no drips. I'll watch that gauge for awhile anyway. :)

TTGator would have shown that "pain in the ass" process completely absent from your vid. The removal of the ancillaries? Gravy. ;)

Next time. :)

Thank you! This video was a big help. Just a tip to those trying it in the future, most of the gas that spilled came out when I tipped the filter to remove it.

Also, get some thick rubber gloves. The gas went right through the thin normal kind I had.