Replacing The Fuel Filter In Your 1990 Honda Civic

how to change 1990 honda civic fuel filter

Changing the fuel filter on a 1990 Honda Civic is a simple procedure that can help renew operating efficiency and restore fuel economy. The fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the passenger side and is black. To change the fuel filter, first relieve the residual pressure in the fuel lines by removing the fuel pump fuse while the car is off. Then, start the car and let it run until it dies. Disconnect the negative battery cable and lay a cloth underneath the filter to catch any spilled fuel. Use open-end wrenches to disconnect the fuel lines and remove the mounting bracket bolt to slide out the old filter. Install a new filter, reconnect the fuel lines, and wipe down any spilled fuel. Finally, reconnect the battery cable and insert the fuel pump fuse.

Characteristics Values
Car Model 1990 Honda Civic
Engine 1.6 liter
Tools Required 10 mm socket and ratchet, open-end wrenches (14, 17, and 19 mm), fuse puller or needle-nose pliers
Step 1 Depressurize the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse
Step 2 Disconnect the battery and lay a cloth to catch any spilled fuel
Step 3 Disconnect fuel lines and mounting bracket to remove the filter
Step 4 Install a new filter and reinstall the fuel lines, mounting bracket, and battery

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Depressurise the fuel system

Depressurising the fuel system of your 1990 Honda Civic is a crucial step before opening the fuel system to replace the fuel filter. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely depressurise your fuel system:

Locate and Remove the Fuel Pump Fuse

Before starting, refer to your owner's manual to locate the fuel pump fuse. Once located, use a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully remove it. This step should be done while the car is turned off.

Start the Car and Let it Run

After removing the fuel pump fuse, start the car. Allow the car to run until it dies on its own. This step is important to relieve the residual pressure in your fuel lines.

Disconnect the Battery

Once the car has died, proceed to disconnect the battery. Remove the negative (black) cable first. This step is crucial for safety, as it prevents accidental sparks from metal tools contacting the battery's positive terminal.

Cover the Area with a Cloth

Place a cloth or rag underneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill during the filter removal process. Even with the system depressurised, a small amount of fuel spillage is common.

By following these steps, you can effectively depressurise your 1990 Honda Civic's fuel system, making it safe to open and replace the fuel filter. Remember to exercise caution and refer to your owner's manual whenever working with your vehicle's fuel system.

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Disconnect the battery and lay a cloth

Disconnecting the battery and laying a cloth is the second step in changing the fuel filter of a 1990 Honda Civic. This step is important as the filter is located right next to the positive battery terminal. If metal tools accidentally make contact with the hot side of the battery, sparks will occur, and an open fuel line next to an ignition source is potentially hazardous.

To disconnect the battery, first, remove the negative (black) cable. Then, cover the area beneath the filter with a cloth to catch any fuel that spills when the filter is removed. This is an important step as some fuel will leak out, even with the system depressurized.

It is also important to note that gasoline is highly flammable and potentially explosive, so all safety procedures must be observed to limit the risk of fire or injury.

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Disconnect fuel lines and mounting bracket

Disconnecting the fuel lines and mounting bracket is a crucial step in changing the fuel filter of your 1990 Honda Civic. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Prepare the necessary tools: You will need open-end wrenches, a 10 mm socket and ratchet, and a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers. It is also recommended to have a cloth or rag handy to catch any fuel spillage.

Locate the fuel filter: The fuel filter on your 1990 Honda Civic is located in the engine bay on the passenger side and is black. It is positioned right next to the positive battery terminal.

Disconnect the negative battery cable: Before proceeding, it is important to disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery to minimize the risk of sparks and potential hazards.

Cover the area with a cloth: Place a cloth or rag underneath the filter to catch any fuel that may spill during the removal process.

Use open-end wrenches to disconnect the fuel lines: Hold the filter with one wrench while loosening the banjo bolt with the other. You may need to slowly undo the screw in the center of the banjo bolt. Be prepared for some fuel to leak out, even with the system depressurized.

Loosen the second fuel line: Use the same technique to loosen the second fuel line below the filter. Once both lines are free, move them to the side.

Remove the mounting bracket bolt: Using your 10 mm socket and ratchet, remove the bolt that secures the mounting bracket. This will allow you to easily slide out the bracket and the old fuel filter.

Handle the old fuel filter carefully: Your old fuel filter may still be full of gasoline, so be ready to contain and dispose of it properly. You can pour the old fuel into a gas can.

Remember to observe all safety procedures when working with your vehicle's fuel system, as gasoline is highly flammable and potentially explosive.

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Install new filter and reconnect

Now that you have removed the old fuel filter, you can install the new one. Place a new crush washer on either side of the banjo bolt and fuel fitting. Install the upper and lower fuel lines. Turn the banjo bolt and the threaded fitting as far as you can with your hand. While the lines are still loose, set your new filter in place. Secure the mounting bracket to hold the filter down. Tighten your fuel lines the rest of the way.

Wipe down any spilled fuel and reconnect your battery cable. Insert the fuel pump fuse back into its place and start your car.

Be sure to use new washers with your banjo bolt. Avoid over-tightening your fuel lines as stripped threads can lead to fuel leaks.

To ensure your safety, make sure you have observed all safety procedures to limit the risk of fire or injury. Gasoline is highly flammable and potentially explosive.

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Torque bolts to specification

When replacing the fuel filter on a 1990 Honda Civic, it is very important to replace all of the fuel line banjo bolt washers. If the washers are not replaced, the fuel lines may leak pressurised fuel, causing the risk of fire or explosion.

To install the new filter, place it in position and tighten the clamp mounting bolt to 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm). Attach the banjo fittings using new washers, and tighten the banjo bolts to the proper torque specification. For 1984-1990 cars, tighten both banjo bolts to 16 ft-lbs (22 Nm). For 1991 cars, tighten the banjo bolt attaching the fuel outlet hose to 16 ft-lbs (22 Nm) and the banjo bolt to the fuel feed hose to 26 ft-lbs (34 Nm). For 1992-95 cars, tighten the banjo bolt to 16 ft-lbs (22 Nm) and the fuel inlet pipe to 28 ft-lbs (38 Nm).

Some mechanics recommend tightening the banjo bolts by hand, but others suggest using a torque wrench to ensure the correct torque is applied. The recommended torque for the banjo bolts is 11 ft-lbs.

Frequently asked questions

The fuel filter is in the engine bay on the passenger side and is black.

You will need a 10 mm socket and ratchet, and open-end wrenches (14, 17, and 19 mm). You will also need a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers.

Gasoline is highly flammable and potentially explosive, so be sure to observe all safety procedures to limit the risk of fire or injury. Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting work.

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