Hey guys, how hard is a fuel filter change? I've got to do this outside in the cold, just wondering how much time I'm going to suffer in the cold...

Another question, I've got a code P0171 which ebahns says is likely a vacuum leak maybe from the connections to the evap canister, BUT, is it possible that it could be related to the SeaFoam treatment I performed? As in, could all the gunk released from the fuel tank clogged up the filter? because I'm getting a lot of white smoke, and I have no oil leaks, or any fluid leaks for that matter... thanks ahead.

1997 audi a4 2.8q

 

i guarentee its going to be about a 2-3 hour job, one because its cold and your going to be freezing and taking heat breaks and two because there are always issues. lowering the gas tank isnt hard and it helps to have a helper and extensions espacially when putting it back up, and i can almost promise you that sine you have a 97 the screw for the filter clamp is going to be rusted on and just spin until you break it off.

 

P0171 can also be the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF). Common issue with A4's.

 

Here is a link for the fuel filter change, should be pretty helpfull for you I did it the same way it was done here.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng49.shtml

 

You can pull you sensor out and clean it with acetone and then resest your code. Worked for me!

 

Awesome information, thanks guys!

I'm going to check out those leads, but about the seafoam clogging the filter and giving the code- is that even possible?

 

Well I know when i do seafoam, I also introduce it into the vaccum system, at the intake manifold. I got a CEL the first time, because while sucking up the foam, I had to disconnect a vaccum line to get acess to a port in the manifold. Maybe the computer is worried about this?