98 Malibu Echelon fuel filter question

[WBLskier]

I have a 98 Malibu Echelon (Monsoon Gen II, I believe). I need to replace the two fuel filters (one on the port side of the engine, one on top of the gas tank). I haven’t had them replaced for 4 or 5 years (mechanic did it last time) and the boat ran a bit rough for the first time ever when I dropped it in last weekend. I know where the fuel filters are located, but I can’t figure out how to switch them out without getting gas everywhere. I searched the Malibu crew and on youtube but haven’t found the instruction I need. Can someone help me out or point me in the right direction? Thanks.

[oldjeep]

You just get gas all over. Foil food trays filled with paper towels work fairly well to contain the mess. If it is port injected make sure to bleed the fuel rail before changing the filter on the high pressure side.

[WBLskier]

Thanks oldjeep. How would I go about bleeding off the fuel rail?

[oldjeep]

There should be a Schrader valve on it. If you have a good fuel pressure gauge then they will typically have a bleed line that you can put in a container, otherwise just a screwdriver and a rag - being careful not to shoot yourself in the face.

 

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