New to this forum having just picked up a low-mileage '98 Trooper last month. Love the truck (S 5 speed). Checked the search function but could not get an answer. I need procedure to replace the OE fuel filter - I assume the line is under pressure and need to know how to relieve it, cap the line, etc. to replace. Can anyone help?

Well to my knowledge ...on my 93 and many others cars I have delt with ...as long as the car is NOT ON(disconnect battery to extra safe) in any way..you should be ok...regardless you just have to break the lines carefully letting pressure escape...just make sure that you dont get gas in your EYE..not good:/It shouldnt be too bad..its goin to be a quick spirt!...Once pressure is relieved..a little fuel will come out of the hoses.... so I usually try to do most of this quick as I can so I dont get too much fuel around on the ground..Just make sure that you have the old unbolted and New one ready to install....also make sure that you pay attention to the arrows of which way its supposed to go on....Im not 100% on how the 98s come off but they should just have a slide coupling..pull it back slowly and relieve pressure...hope that helps!./././Kamakazee

Nothing unusual about the Trooper, same as other vehicles here. One way to do it is pull the fuel pump fuse, and start the engine to draw down the pressure (it will only run briefly if at all).

I just replaced mine ('00 Trooper). I didn't do anything to relieve the pressure. Just pulled the lines and let the fuel drain out into a catch pan. Installed the new one and was good to go.

-Jared

Loosen the gas cap. That'll relieve the pressure in the tank/lines and make it so it doesn't spew, or at least spew as bad.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I dont know if the trooper has rubber lines to the filter like the rodeo or if its hard lines.

If its rubber you can just pinch the lines to keep anything comming out after relieving the pressure. Vice grips work, I have little clamps that are made just for pinching off rubber lines. Then you only have to take a bath in whatever gas is in the filter.

It's a good idea to remove the gas cap, but it will not
relieve the pressure on the lines.
The fuel pump has a check valve in it that prevents pressure
bleed off when the engine isn't running.

Thanks all. Went out and changed the filter in 15 minutes,while it was getting dark no less. Loosened the filter bracket, moved the pinch clamps and drained probably 8 ounces of fuel into a bucket altogether. started with the rear hose first, then did the front. Now what to do with the fuel. Runs much better now.