QUICK FIX
Your three-hour workshop
Ed Hughes shows you how to ensure fuel gets where it needs to go – and stays there
START FIND YOUR FILTERS 1 HOUR
1 In-line fuel filters
Replace every year or two. Fit a disposable fuel filter before the fuel pump. Fuel injection? Look for a large, threaded metal canister.
2 Tank filter
The brass (left) or nylon gauze in the tank may be blocked by a build up of black varnish (right), if the car's ever sat for years. Replace gauze or complete fuel pick-up. Carb may have a filter on its inlet, too.
RETURN TO SENDER
Most fuel return lines have a one-way valve, flowing back to the tank. Check it works. A generic replacement is fine.
DEPRESSURISE!
Follow the workshop manual to depressurise an EFi fuel system safely before beginning work.
POST WINTER LAY-UP
Visually inspect and hand-feel hoses and pipe unions before starting. Look for leaks with engine running.
3 Rubber hose
Replace all hoses. Common sizes are six, eight and 10mm inner diameter. Buy a length off-th-eroll, not single metre lengths (wasteful). Use proper fuel hose clips like these.
NEXT HUNT DOWN HOSES 1 HOUR
4 Changing hoses
Release the old hose clip. Grip the hose with pliers over the metal stub and rotate. When free, pull off by hand. If stuck, don't use force – cut the hose lengthways with a knife.
5 Hidden surprises
Lengths of hose crop up under the car, under plastic trims, between an underslung tank and the floor - and are usually never inspected. Make it your business to find them all and change them.
