rear fuel filter removed looked at, now what!

[cnardinola318is]

I have a chiltons book and did what it said to remove and replace the rear fuel filter. I was told to clean it, so I did and replaced it. How was I sposed to clean it and what was I looking for. the car sputters and backfires but runs and smooths out every now and again, so I am cleaning the fuel filter or at least trying..
can someone help on what I am sposed to be lookiing for in the filter, or what i am really to do...
thanks all,
I love my car, I just want it running again smooth so I can drive fast and have fun.

[StereoInstaller1]

Clean it? WTF, REPLACE with new...but I bet you find that is not what is making your car run shitty.

GL,
Luke

[cnardinola318is]

so far it's not,
could it be the one under the hood?

[PeaveyBassist]

There is only one filter. Its the one back by the tank on the driver's side. There are lots of things to check on that car before you start throwing parts at it. Check the plugs, Check for vacuum leaks (there are LOTS of lines on that engine. There are a couple under the upper intake manifold. Too bad you're not closer, I replaced all those lines on another car this week. Get a fuel pressure tester. Put it in line with the fuel supply line and see what fuel pressure is. It should be around 45 psi. Those are the 3 things to check first.

Will

[cnardinola318is]

thanks, I live with a touring bassist, Josh Kerin with Grason Capps. Thanks feel free to come to New Orleans.
I think I will keep checking

[restoration]

i think 84 and 85 318 had them in the engine but all others have them under neath body underneath driverside rear passenger

[cnardinola318is]

I cant find the filter, It is not behind the drivers seat. where would it be under the hood?

[restoration]

underneath the car where the left rear passenger sits look under the car it will be a cylinder probably white get a new BOSCH one 12.95

[cnardinola318is]

I must be an ass, I can't find it... I get it's under the car,
would it be hiding under somtheing, I am confused... I am not the best at this
any one have a pic so I can see where I need to be looking

[restoration]

I must be an ass, I can't find it... I get it's under the car,
would it be hiding under somtheing, I am confused... I am not the best at this
any one have a pic so I can see where I need to be looking

Your not an ass you might be looking in the wrong area

[lordofthewaters]

I'm not familiar with the configuration of the 318. BUT, the fuel filter should be under the car, in front of the driver side wheel well. There should be a cover over the gas lines and filter. That needs to be removed for you to see the filter.

If not there look under the brake reservoir and fuse block.

[cnardinola318is]

Ok
I found it. no prob. just looking in the wrong place
when I remove it, do I just unscrew the clamps and slide it out, and do I just take off the hoses, clamp them?
then i'm guessing just reattach the hoses and tighten the clamps
anything I could be forgettting
thanks

then

[jlevie]

Clamp off the hoses. A couple of pairs of needle-nose vice grips work well for that. Then loosen the clamps and remove the filter. When installing the new filter keep in mind that the direction of flow is to the front of the car.

[cnardinola318is]

ok changed the filter \
it still runs crappy, sputtering and backfiring
can anyone with prior exp. please help me trouble shoot
thanks

[restoration]

could be

plugs
air hose leak
air filter

check all the basics that are replaced frequently