RE: Fuel filter replacement

[steveb@falcon.kla-tencor.com (Steven Buchholz)]

> I am planning on doing some maintainence on my '92 100S in the near future.
> Along with replacing the plugs, should the fuel filter also be replaced? The
> car is at 65k, and as far as I know, the filter has never been replaced
> (filter is painted the same color as the car yet). Also, there is no
> information  on a procedure in the Bentley's for replacing the filter. Is
> this a relatively easy task? TIA.
> 
What do you think this is Craig, and AUDI list!?  ;-)

I find that R&R of the fuel filter is usually quite simple, but there are 
a few caveats.  First, there is a pressure accumulator in the system, which
means that even though you have left the car sitting for a while, there will
be some gasoline coming out when you remove the old filter.  Make sure you 
are in a well ventilated area, and have something under the filter like an 
old towel to catch the gasoline.  The second warning is that IME the bolts 
that attach the fuel lines can be a PITA to remove.  Usually one of the 
lines has an in-line compression fitting ... use a flare nut wrench here 
so that you don't round off the nut!  There is a hex-shaped stamping in 
the filter ... I find the appropriate wrench for this (using the new fil-
ter) so that I'm not applying too much force to the metal fuel lines when 
I'm trying to loosen the filter.  

Make sure to get replacement sealing washers (Cu or Al) when you get the 
new filter.

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)