Depressurising Fuel System to change fuel filter..is it necessary?

[Billy22Bob]

Just wondering if you need to follow the procedure to depressurise the fuel system prior to replacing the fuel filter.

All I can see is a little squirt of fuel being the problem - and then quickly plug the send/return lines to avoid any further dribbles. That'll evaporate away quick smart.
I'd do it with the fuel tank on low low level - I normally only run it with 10-15L in it anyway.

In hindsight after thinking about the last comment - I should probably should give it a good half tank to flush the tank through before I change the filter.

[gertsystj]

I don't see a reason not to do it. It only takes a couple of minutes and you could avoid spilling fuel everywhere, including on yourself.

[Oldf4g]

from a mechanic who has changed so many fuel filters ive lost count, no, its not necessary. Just change the filter fast haha.

Serious though, undo the fuel cap, it'll vent any pressure in the tank. That tank pressure is what causes the fuel to keep draining out the open pipes.
when you crack the first line on the filter it'll dump the pressure out of the system anyway, not a lot comes out.
I generally crack the tank side of the filter first, while its draining conveniently all over the workshop floor you can loosen the engine side.
If your careful and talented with both hands, you can keep a finger on the end of the filter once you pop the hose off, not so much to save it from draining, but so that when you pull it off you can watch it drain out the engine side and see how dirty or clean the filter element is. Drain it into a jar or something.
its usually just for peace of mind, but if you get real dirty fuel draining out the engine side of the filter its worth considering whether the injector basket filters need a clean.
Likewise, the fuel coming out the tank side (even just from the hose) can give you a good visual indicator of the pump coarse filter condition.
Put your new filter on the tank side first, it'll take a few moments to fill up so it gives you a chance to get the engine side on without having fuel everywhere.
Fuel evaporates pretty quick so there is no real fire hazard, but if your worried a bit of water or a quick wipe with a rag will clean it all up.

[Ensoniq5]

Nah, not necessary. There's a bit of a squirt so watch your eyes and anything plastic, the lens of my new (at the time) dolphin torch was my only casualty of not depressurising first

[Billy22Bob]

cool - thanks
Is this a suitable replacement? HERE

[Billy22Bob]

Well I bought the one shown above in Post#5.