Developing Courage to do my own Fuel Filter

[ArmorAbby]

So, I went to ask how much a TuneUp would be for my van. Chevy Express 1500 and was told $610.  
I noticed how ridiculously easy it would be to change the air filter myself....and did that.. now I'm wondering how safe and easy - realistically - it would be for me to do the fuel filter myself. 

I know this has been discussed on this forum many times over the years before my arrival.... 

I've watched a few videos... From What I understand I need to have the car running, let the system die by removing a fuse that is associated with the gas line... (details are sketchy at this point, still studying)... then somewhere that I should be able to reach without needing a jack, I could reach under and unhook and pinch the filter to remove it, and pop a new one in. (again, still studying how I will actually do this on my own, so vague description here...)

If I need a jack, and have to work under there, then the deals off....   

But is changing a fuel filter something I can do safely on my own?

I looked at all the stuff listed for that $610 total. The Air Filter, Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs, Wires, Distributor and Cap. And they aren't expensive items.... so I'm thinking I could save quite a bit of money here....  **quick edit, not saying that a mechanics time isn't worth it... just, I wanna do what I can to save money***

What say you folks?

 

[jonsun]

first of all yes you have to jack the van up. If having and using a jack makes it off the table, I would highly suggest rethinking living in a vehicle because you're almost totally helpless when you breakdown on the side of the road.

Use this time to get comfortable jacking and climbing under.

 

[ArmorAbby]

Thanks but I've been living in the van for 7 months now and I have road side assistance...
Simply because I don't want to jack up the van to do a fuel filter doesn't mean I have to ditch it...

 

[tx2sturgis]

Changing the spark plugs on a newer van is no easy task.  Lots of crap has to come out and the inside engine cover, and some people even remove the front seats for easier access...so the labor sounds about right to me.

As far as getting under the van, do you have a curb somewhere nearby you can park on? this will give you lots of room under the van. You will of course need a pad of some kind to lay on, maybe a large cardboard box flattened out.

 

[ArmorAbby]

Sorry, I didn't post the year.. It's actually a 1998.. but its' a very well kept 1998.. barely used with only 60k miles... I've put about 15k miles on it now.

Yeah, I was thinking just cardboard would be fine... to help slide in and out under there...

If it's actually by that passenger rail area... I think I could manage...

I read that removing the wheels makes it much easier to remove the spark plugs... and there is an access panel behind my console..

 

[highdesertranger]

I feel the more stuff you can do yourself the better. doing your own work and understanding your vehicle helps tremendously in the long run. my 2 cents. highdesertranger

 

[Gary68]

yep,go for it,use two wrenches,one on the filter to hold it and turn the one on the line and remember your legs are a lot strong then your arms
clockwise to tighten,counter clockwise to loosen

on parts,dont go the cheapest,get a distributor cap and rotor that has brass connections not aluminium and factory recommended spark plugs not fancy high dollar ones and i always recommend a fuel injector cleaner additive in your gas once a month or three

 

[tx2sturgis]

Sorry, I didn't post the year.. It's actually a 1998..

Ok, a 1998 van should be much easier to work on!

 

[ArmorAbby]

I haven't googled yet to see how a distributor cap is done... but will keep this in mind.. I was wondering this when it came to the spark plugs... some are as little as $3 each.. some as much as $10 or so... I was going to hit the middle ground with the $5 - 7 ones... I started checking reviews online and they all pretty much had decent reviews...

 

[jonsun]

I second buying factory (AC Delco) plugs.

 

[ArmorAbby]

yep,go for it,use two wrenches,one on the filter to hold it and turn the one on the line

It looks like it's just a good pinch that gets it off the line... the difficult part seems to be the second bolt that holds the bracket onto the frame that holds the filter in place... If I remember correctly, the man said that you have to feel for that and won't be able to actually see it while working... but as I said, I'm still reading into it and don't actually know how to do it just yet...

 

[CautionToTheWind]

View your manual for the type/name of spark plugs.

 

[ArmorAbby]

ok will check out AC Delco -- I did see them on my list when I viewing what's available
*edit** I do still have my manual also, will check that too

 

[Gary68]

go with factory plugs,ac delco XXXX

if you are going to order parts online,here is rockauto for 98 express 5.7
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1998,express+1500,5.7l+v8,1313953

 

[GotSmart]

Gary beat me to it.  Rockauto.  Well worth the shipping charge.  

Take pictures of the wires and cap first.  Then change out the cap and rotor.  It only fits on one way.  Change out one wire and plug at a time.  Make sure on the positioning. 

Worst case you have a different mechanic change out the gas filter.  That is difficult.  Take things slow, and do not force the plugs going in.  

Take a small hose and blow out the area where the plugs sit FIRST. This keeps crud from falling into the engine.

I have three daughters, and they understand they can do anything Dad can. 

 

[ArmorAbby]

Ohhh.. take pics first.. this is a great suggestion..

 

[highdesertranger]

x3,4,5 or whatever use OEM plugs on a GM that would be AC Delco. highdesertranger

 

[Weight]

The hardest part of changing a fuel filter is undoing the hex nut for the fuel line. There are special wrenches that fit the nut and help prevent striping the hex. You can get a loaner at most AutoZone or other chain parts stores, not from RockAuto. Buy your parts as local as you can. OEM plugs recommended for your Chevy will not be that expensive. As well the filter, and if you get the wrong filter, easy to return. Here is an example of the wrenches; http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-MM-Flare-Nut-Wrench-Set-6-Piece-HFNW6PC/203541511

 

[user 423]

Your van only has 60k on it so maybe this wouldn't apply (yet) but whenever you change plugs, that's the time to do a compression check (google for procedure). With all the plugs out, you can check and compare their color which will tell you if you have any cylinders with combustion problems.

 

[Vern]

I may have missed it but in case it hasn't been mentioned, don't ever get under a vehicle only supported with a jack. Always use decent quality jack stands.

Cheers, Vern