Fitting air filter to E46 320d

Brake fittings are rarely if ever put on too tight though it isn't unusual for them to freeze into position due to corrosion or chemical action literally welding the surfaces together due to new brake nuts being either dipped or electroplated usually with zinc so they keep their new looks while in storage.

If the fitting is a banjo type fitting, the answer is to use a longer wrench but for standard male pipe nuts that usually defeat an ordinary wrench, a standard tube nut wrench often does the trick if the nut hasn't already been damaged by an ordinary wrench.

Sometimes the careful application of a little heat on the nut and housing will help the tube nut wrench but it isn't wise in every case. Mostly if regular methods don't prove successful then cutting the pipe and using a single hex socket over the nut is almost always successful though the pipe will need to be replaced.

Dear
As you mentioned the plug required cleaning, indicates the plug gets carbon due to un burnt oil or dirty. Pl. check fuel filter air filter for clean. If the plug gets oily after 10 minutes it may be due to the oil ring of the piston of that particular cylinder. If its so it has to be restored at workshop.

Thanks.

first relieve the fuel pressure at the schrader valve. Use small plastic tool supplied with new filter to disconnect filter hose fitting at the fuel rail. Squeeze the tabs on the fitting and disconnect the fuel line from the filter, then remove the nuts and detach the filter. push the new disconnect fitting onto the new filter and lubricate both filter fittings weth clean engine oil. Install filter into bracket and puch the quick connect fitting onto the filter and fuel line, making sure they snap securely into place.

Oh Your Done With That Piece Of ....

The fuel filter is mounted on the frame rail. There are two types of fittings used. You only need to look at the fittings to tell the difference.

There is the plastic "hair pin" type of connector. It has a plastic connector with a plastic "hairpin" clip that pushes through the connector. Just pry the clip out with a screwdriver don't worry about breaking the clip, the new filter should come with new clips. Be careful not to break the fitting though. If you break the connector, you must replace the fuel line...not fun.

The other type is what Ford calls the "Duckbill" type of connector. I don't know wht it is called that...it doesn't look like a duck bill to me. Anyway., you can identify this one as a stainless steel connector. there is usually also a stainless steel lock clip that goes over the outside of this type of connector. The lock clip can be pried up and removed with a screwdriver. Once the lock clip is removed, a special fuel line disconnect tool must be used to releasethe spring clips inside the connector. the tool canbe purchased for a couple dollars at any parts store where you would buy your fuel filter.

You need to look at the car to determine if you need the tool or not. Both types of connectors are used for the same fuel filter. Plastic connectors - no special tool needed. Stainless steel connectors - special tool required.

There is not much to go on here from your description but I will give you the basics on where to start, Check the fuse to the fuel pump, check the fuel filter, if your not getting fuel to the engine it has to be either the pump or the filter. unfortunatly the fuel pump is in the gas tank o checking it is a little more difficult. Have someone turn the key on and get under the car next to the fuel tank and listen to see if you hear any humming noises. the noise should tell you your pump is running or at least trying to run and this will let you know if it is a electrical issue. if the pump is running and still no fuel, change the filter. you can also have someone turn the key on while you have the filter off and see if any gas is coming through the line, if no gas then the pump is not working or bad one of the two. I think too many people forget about this and it is straight forward and a good preventative maintenance. From my experience if it hasn't been changed by 40-50 K get it changed. You're just asking for fuel pump problems. The more restriction there is in the fuel path the harder that pump works to push fuel. It's located just under the driver's seat on the frame rail. You will need a 13mm socket/wrench, and a flat screwdriver to undo the supporting bracket/clamp respectively. A special tool is required on most models to release the fuel line; however, it is relatively cheap and can be obtained at your local parts store. It is used like a quick-disconnect to undo the fuel line.
Once disconnected the new filter is just snapped on the line with ease and the safety clips can be reinstalled and thus the filter remounted. Interestingly, take your old filter and turn it opposite of the fuel flow and empty it in a coffee can. To see just how plugged it was getting, try blowing backwards on the filter and you can see a lot of the sediment come out in the can
The real key to removing the special fittings from the fuel filter
is the technique employed using the special fitting removal tool. Once the fuel pressure has been relieved and the filter mounting bracket and band clamp have been loosened and moved out of the way, proceed as follows:

Remove the lock clips that are placed over the fuel filter tubing and the fittings. They should come off without having to use excessive force. A small screwdriver inserted into the open end of the clip at the fitting end can serve as extra leverage if needed to get the clip off.
Grasp the fuel filter in one hand and one of the fittings in the other. Try gently moving the fitting back and forth while it is still in place. Notice that there is about 1/8" to 3/16" worth of movement. Pull gently until the fitting is all the way back as far as it will move. Clip the special fitting removal tool (the tool should be designed to work with 3/8" fuel lines) over the fuel filter tubing. Now push the fuel line fitting towards the tool as far as it will go. While still holding the fitting in, use your pointer and index fingers on the same hand holding the fitting to pull the fitting removal tool "into" the fitting itself as far as it will go (the tool should "bottom"). Still grasping the fitting and tool together, pull them back in the direction for removal, keeping the tool inserted in the fitting (important). At some point, the tool will stop as it hits the fitting retainer "nub" on the filter tubing. Keep the tool pressed against the retainer nub (use ! ! your other hand now for this) and continue pulling the fitting off of the tubing. It should come off with only a few pounds of force. Repeat the procedure for the other fitting. It is important to push the fitting in towards the filter to engage the fitting removal tool as this relieves the tension on the "fingers" prior to insertion of the tool. If you don't push the fitting all the way towards the filter first, the tool will not release the retainer spring and you won't be able to pull the fittings off. This is the mistake that I made repeatedly the first time I tried changing the filter in my vehicle. Don't use the tool to try and "pull" the fitting off with - it isn't supposed to work that way.

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ALWAYS START YOUR BLEED PROCESS AT THE WHEEL FARTHEST FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH IN YOUR CASE IS THE RIGHT REAR, THEN THE LEFT REAR, FOLLOWED BY RIGHT FRONT AND THEN LEFT FRONT.

the fuel filter should be located just below to the right of the air filter box. this is in the right side of the engine compartment. to change the fuel filter you must remove the air filter box. the top fitting is a banjo fitting and the bottom fitting is a standard screw in flared fitting.

your filter should be visible from under the hood....or from under the nose of the car. will be bolted to the fender well.
Fig. Always use new gaskets when replacing a fuel filter


Fig. A line wrench with an extension may be needed to loosen the inlet line at the filter-Corolla

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable. On vehicles equipped with an air bag, wait at least 90 seconds before proceeding Protective shield for the fuel filter If necessary, air cleaner hose and cap If necessary, charcoal canister. Slowly loosen the lower flare nut fitting until all the pressure is relieved Banjo fitting and 2 metal gaskets. Discard the gaskets Fuel line with the flared nut from the filter Filter from the mounting bracket
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   New fuel filter Banjo fitting with a new metal gasket on each side and install the union bolt. Bolt: 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm). Flare nut to the lower connection. Nut: 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm). Charcoal canister Air cleaner hose and cap Protective shield Negative battery cable

LOCATION OF FILTER IS DRIVER SIDE FRAME RAIL ABOUT AT DRIVER DOOR HARD TO SEE BUT FALLOW FUEL LINE ITS THERE. hOPE THIS HELPS PLEASE RATE ME !! THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK

TOOLS Are Simple and inexpensive local Parts Store like AutoZone will Have it

FUEL FILTER REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED
J-46363 Fuel Line Release Tool

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Refer to Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the fuel composition sensor bracket nuts.Reposition the fuel composition sensor/bracket off to the side
   1. Using a flare nut wrench and backup wrench disconnect the fuel line fitting from the fuel filter.
   2. Pull the quick connect fitting back until the internal retainers hit the filter stop.
   3. Twist one end of J-46363 and insert it between the fitting and the filter.
   4. Twist the opposite end of J-46363 and insert it between the fitting and filter.
   5. Once J-46363 is inserted, ensure that J-46363 is parallel to the filter and fitting.
      1. While holding the filter, push the fitting towards the filter in order to disconnect the quick connect fitting.
      2. Remove the fitting from the filter.
      3. Remove J-46363 from the filter.
         1. Remove the fuel filter from the bracket.
         INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
         
      4. Install the NEW fuel filter to the bracket.While holding the filter, push the fitting towards the filter in order to connect the quick connect fitting
      5. Using a flare nut wrench and backup wrench connect the fuel line fitting to the fuel filter.
         1. Position the fuel composition sensor/bracket into place. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
         2. Install the fuel composition sensor bracket nuts. Tighten the nuts to 17 N.m (13 lb ft) .
         3. Lower the vehicle.