Is the fuel filter easy to change? The reason I ask is that I have done a lot on petrol car engines in the past but modern diesels make me a bit wary, especially without a Haynes manual to hand.
Basically yes but can sometimes prove difficult to get the filter canister top ring nut undone.
Anyway procedure is this:
1) Drain the filter. On the bottom of the filter is a small round tap. Place a jar underneath or attach a tube to the tap spout. If you are luck the tap spout will be covered by a yellow rubber cover with a tab on the end. Just pull off downwards and replace when you are done. I say lucky because often garages don't put the cover back.
2) You can now release the quick release fuel lines to the top of the canister. These will spill some diesel so have a clean cloth to hand. I drain excess into a jar and then tie the lines up in the air with their heads high.
3) You will note that the fuel lines are clipped to the bulkhead above the canister. You need to unclip these and move the hoses out of the way.
4) You can how lift the canister out of the metal cradle that supports and surrounds it.
5) Remove the top ring nut and list off the lid. Note filter element and 'O' ring positions.
6) Fit new filter element and do not over tighten the ring nut. Good hand tight is all the is required.
Ensure drain tap is closed.
7) Put everything back and before reinserting the quick release fuel lines ensure the ends a clean and free from dirt, grit etc.
The top ring run could be the only thing that could cause you a little hassle.
Three methods I've used successfully are (assuming you don't by the proper wring nut wrench:
1) Super grip clean rubber gripper gloves (Toolstation, Screwfix)
2) Oil filter chain wrench
3) Wide flat blade screwdriver and small hammer
A decent way of holding the canister is also required. Second pair of hands, vice, workmate for 1) and 2)
For 3) a firm flat surface and second pair of hands or a vice / workmate. For 3) you use the flat blade of the screw driver located against and behind one of the ribs on the ring nut and *gently* tap the ring nut loose.
Last point. After refitting then just turn the ignition on and do not attempt to start the car. Allow the system to prime and self bleed and leave like this for a good couple of minutes whilst looking for any fuel leeks.
