Drain/relieve fuel prior fuel filter change? Topic is solved

[Mikele82]

is this a necessary step on a volvo 2004 xc70 (image attached) ?
i want to replace it myself but wondering how much fuel am i expecting to see coming out the hose once i unplug the old filter...
should i do it outside of my garage?

[DrDan]

Relieving the pressure is advisable. You will probably still spill fuel but it will be less. Working in a well-ventilated area is a good idea too, as the benzene in the fuel is carcinogenic. You want to inhale it or have it on your skin as little as possible. For that same reason, wear gloves.

[cn90]

I have replaced a lot of fuel filters and rarely de-pressurize the fuel. Interestingly, very little fuel spray when the hose is disconnected.

[prwood]

This procedure is recommended in VIDA when replacing the fuel filter. Here's Volvo's specific wording which is very slightly different from the above, in that they say to start the engine before removing the fuse:

Start the engine.
Remove the fuel pump fuse. Placement may vary between engine types and model year. See the Owner's manual or wiring diagram.
The engine will stop after approx. 20 seconds.
Turn over the engine 3-5 seconds.
Switch off the ignition.
Replace the fuse.

[cn90]

I recently replaced the fuel filter on my 2005 XC90 2.5T with 100K miles...

- I did not de-pressurize the fuel.
- I just disconnect the hose, just when the hose is about to come out of the nipple, I place a rag.
Very little fuel comes out, it does NOT spray as people are afraid of!
- Of course have a container to catch spilled fuel.
- Once everything is installed, I turn the key to position II (do not start engine yet) to prime the fuel filter. Repeat this a few times, then start engine, it works every time.

- I am too old to remove the fuse and de-pressurize the system. Over the years, I found out it makes no difference anyway.
So I skipped that step of de-pressurizing the fuel system.

[abscate]

- I am too old to remove the fuse and de-pressurize the system. Over the years, I found out it makes no difference anyway.

What does this really mean?

[chrism]

I always thought the Volvo recommended procedure was a bit over-kill. If you want to release any residual pressure it’s easily done by spraying the fuel rail Schaefer valve into a rag.

[cn90]

Abscate,

This means I am old.

But "old" comes with wisdom and experience.

There will always be "Textbooks" and there will be "Shortcuts", no matter what field (auto repair, dentistry, medicine, engineering) you are in.