7 replies to this topic

[jamesmpi]

Finally bought a new fuel filter for my mpi.

Anyone got any tips for removing the pipes from the filter to avoid spilling fuel everywhere once the unions are loose??

My fuel gauge is on the red but I know there is fuel in the tank

Cheers.

[IainStallard]

Do what theives do and syphon it out the tank with a hose pipe! Joking

 

Have you got a brake hose pipe clamp? Or a clamp or something to pinch the fuel pipe? Saves you having to drain the tank. Oh and use lots of WD40 on the unions! They can be pretty tight!

[jamesmpi]

I thought about that but the pipes are metal so I can't clamp them!

I know you we're joking but the piky trick of siphoning the fuel out might be the only option

[Ipod]

hope you can undo the connections, its common for them to fuse together..i had to buy new pipes.

 

As said, spray lots of plusgas/wd for a few days before (often) to help losen them bad boys up.

 

Syphon the fuel out before with a dedicated syphoner

[xrocketengineer]

When I replaced the filter on my SPI, it was a lot easier to remove the assembly from the hoses. I slid back the spring clamps along the inlet and outlet hoses. Then applied some WD40 to the inlet hose and  metal pipe to loosen the hose from the pipe. A small 90 degree pick worked well to slide it in between the rubber and around the metal until the hose could be rotated by hand on the metal pipe. As the hose was pulled out, I plugged it with a tapered plug so not a lot of fuel came out. Repeated the process with the outlet hose. The filter assembly with the metal pipes was removed next and disassembled. The rust was not too bad outside being a Japanese Cooper but a lot rust was inside filter. Everything was reassembled with the new filter outside the car. The assembly was installed and finally the two hoses slipped back on with their clamps.   

 

Ivan

[jamesmpi]

Thanks for the replies peeps.

I had a quick read of the mpi workshop manual last night (PDF linked in this area) and ironically all it says is to
1 - place an absorbent cloth around the outlet union
2 - slacken union to release fuel pressure
3 - unscrew union completely
4 - repeat to inlet pipe....

No mention for how to stem the flow of fuel other than using an absorbent cloth.....

Best siphon the fuel first me thinks. Especially as I don't have the luxury of a high lift ramp like most professional garages. Don't fancy laying on my back swimming in petrol lol

[wardyxxx]

Can't you just take the mini out for a nice spin in this weather? Or is it not movable?

Just trap the fuel in a container like a 5lt plastic can!

[jamesmpi]

No it hasn't got an MOT and I don't want to starve the engine of fuel.