Hi, I've been trying to improve the gas mileage on the 92 Protege LX (1.8 DOHC) and I am having a difficult time getting the old fuel filter out. The o-ring clamp that holds the filter to the firewall is very stuck and the space there is very cramped, my socket wrench too long and gets stopped by the brake lines. Has anyone changed their fuel filter yet and if so any advice on how to do it would be very appreciated?

Also I've been getting 24-28 mpg and it's a manual transmission. I would think that an engine this size with a manual would get better. It's also listed as 25-30mpg EPA. Any tips on how to improve the mileage would be most helpful. Thank you very much.

 

That thing is a royal PITA. I've replaced mine 3 times, and 3 more times in frined's Proteges, and the only time it was easy was when the engine was out of the car (and even then, it was hard to get the fuel line off the injector rail. No good way to get it out, but you do want to get rid of the fuel pressure. The manual suggests that you unplug the fuel pump and run the engine to release pressure.

24-28mpg is about average for the LX 5spd. I get close to 30 mpg at 70-75mph cruising. The only secret to get better mileage is to keep the revs down as much as possible. I had a tank driving around Yellowstone that hit 38mpg, but that was an aberation. I also have 205/50-15 Falken Azenis...not the lowest rolling resistance tire.

 

yea i replaced mine and it was not an easy job i expected an hour tops and was ther for 3 and it broke off the fire wall so i got all round holding it on the wall now

 

i replaced mine it was a b*tch never want to do it again all i can say is get pliers press and pull wit all ur might and hope for the best or just take it a mechanic and they will do it for ya for like 50 bucks

 

10 mins and the old one was off with the new one on.

 

only 1 problem with using soap on the gas line, when u slide it back on the soap stays there making no grip, so when you have pressure it blows off and sprays gas all over ur engine then ur a rocket, i just used water its works just fine