Changing the fuel filter in a Honda Del Sol is a straightforward task that can be completed in around 15-20 minutes. The fuel filter is located in a black cylinder with a hose sticking out of the top, which is mounted on the firewall near the battery. Before starting, it is important to release the pressure in the fuel system by loosening the gas cap. The tools required for this task include a 9/16 brake line flare wrench, a 10mm socket, a 3/8 extension ratchet, and a 17mm wrench. It is also important to place shop rags underneath the filter to catch any leaking fuel. The process involves loosening and removing the fuel lines connected to the filter, removing the copper crush gaskets, loosening or removing the holder/bracket, and then carefully removing the old filter. Installation of the new filter is simply the reverse of this process, ensuring that new sealing washers are used and that everything is tightened securely.
What You'll Learn
Disconnect the negative battery
Disconnecting the negative battery is an important safety precaution when performing any automotive maintenance or repair work. It eliminates the risk of sparks, which could cause an explosion or fire in the presence of flammable substances such as gasoline.
To disconnect the negative battery terminal on your Honda Del Sol, you will need a suitable wrench or socket that fits the battery terminal nut or bolt securely. The battery is located in the engine bay, so begin by opening the hood. Identify the negative terminal, which should be labelled or indicated with a "-" symbol. Using your wrench or socket, loosen and remove the nut or bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. Be careful not to allow the wrench or socket to touch any other metal parts of the car, as this could create a spark. Once the nut or bolt is removed, carefully move the cable away from the battery terminal.
It is a good idea to cover the disconnected terminal with tape or a protective cap to prevent accidental contact. Additionally, you may want to clean the terminal and cable to ensure there is no dirt or corrosion that could affect battery performance.
Keep in mind that disconnecting the battery will cause the vehicle's computer to lose its memory, so you may need to reset certain electronic components or systems after reconnecting the battery. This includes resetting the clock, radio presets, and possibly the engine management system.
When you are ready to reconnect the battery, simply reverse the process. Ensure that the negative cable is securely attached to the negative terminal and tighten the nut or bolt with your wrench or socket. Again, be careful not to allow the wrench or socket to touch any other metal parts of the car.
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Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure
To relieve the pressure in the fuel system of your Honda Del Sol, loosen the gas cap before you begin. This will create a similar sound to when you fill up your car at the gas station—a "shhhhhh" sound. This is normal.
Loosening the gas cap will release the pressure in the fuel system, which is an important step before you start working on changing the fuel filter. It is also a good safety precaution to cover your positive battery terminal before you begin, to avoid any sparks.
You should also place shop towels or rags around the fuel filter to soak up any fuel that may leak out during the process. This will help to avoid spills and keep the engine bay clean.
Remember to tighten the gas cap once you have finished changing the fuel filter and are ready to start the engine.
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Place shop towels under the filter
When changing the fuel filter on a Honda Del Sol, it is important to place shop towels or rags under the filter to soak up any fuel that may leak out. This will help to prevent a mess and reduce the risk of fire. It is also a good idea to have some shop towels or rags on hand to wipe up any spills or leaks that may occur during the fuel filter replacement process.
Before placing shop towels under the filter, it is important to loosen the gas cap to release the pressure in the fuel system. This will help to prevent fuel from leaking out when the fuel lines are disconnected from the filter. It is also recommended to disconnect the negative battery terminal to reduce the risk of fire.
When placing shop towels under the filter, be sure to cover the surrounding area as well, to catch any fuel that may spill or leak. It is better to be overprepared and have too many towels than to risk having fuel leak onto the engine or other components.
In addition to placing shop towels under the filter, it is a good idea to have a container or tray nearby to collect any fuel that may leak or spill during the replacement process. This will help to contain the fuel and make cleanup easier. Remember to dispose of any fuel-soaked towels and containers properly, as they will be flammable.
By taking these precautions and placing shop towels under the filter, you can help to ensure that the fuel filter replacement process is completed safely and without making a mess.
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Remove the banjo bolt
To remove the banjo bolt, you will need a 9/16 brake line flare wrench, a 17mm wrench, and some rags. Place the rags under the fuel filter to soak up any fuel that will leak out. Use the 9/16 flare wrench to loosen and remove the fuel line going into the right side of the filter. Then, use the 17mm wrench to loosen and remove the line on the left side of the filter that connects it to the fuel rail. As you remove the bolt, be sure to remove any copper crush gaskets on either side of the line.
If the banjo bolt is stuck, try using a socket and ratchet or a box wrench and whacking it with a small sledgehammer. You can also try hitting it hard with the palm of your hand. If it's still stuck, use some penetrating fluid like WD-40.
Make sure to cover the positive post of your battery so your wrench/ratchet don't touch it while you're working to avoid any sparks near leaking fuel.
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Unscrew the threaded fitting
To unscrew the threaded fitting, you will need a 17mm wrench or a socket/ratchet. You will also need a 9/16 brake line flare wrench. Place your shop rags under the filter to soak up any fuel that will leak out.
Loosen and remove the fuel line going into the right side of the filter with your 9/16 flare wrench. Then, loosen and remove the line on the left side of the filter that connects it to the fuel rail with your 17mm wrench. As you remove the bolt, be sure to remove any copper crush gaskets on either side of the line.
Now that you have both fuel lines disconnected from the filter, you can loosen or remove the holder/bracket that keeps the filter in place. It is a 10mm bolt and can be a bit tricky to get to. You may need to use an extension to get your ratchet in between the filter and the battery.
Once the bolt is loosened or removed, carefully remove the filter and bracket, being careful as it is still full of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
This job should be done with the engine cold, after it has been sitting for at least three hours. The fuel filter is located on the firewall in the engine compartment. Start by relieving the fuel system pressure. Place shop towels around and under the filter. Remove the banjo 4 bolt, unscrew the threaded fitting, remove the clamp bolt and lift the filter from the engine compartment. If available, use a flare nut wrench to disconnect the fuel line, unscrew the banjo bolt.
You will need a 9/16 brake line flare wrench, a 10mm socket, a 3/8" extension ratchet, and a 17mm wrench (or a socket works too).
It should take between 15-20 minutes, depending on how quickly you work.