Depressurizing fuel system and removing filter
 

Got a couple of questions. Got my 1988 240 sedan up on a lift at the auto hobby shop on my military base to change the fuel filter. Before that, I pulled fuse 6 and let the engine idle for about 5 minutes, then tried lightly depressing the gas pedal for a couple more minutes to speed along the process. The engine wouldn't quit. How else is the main fuel pump powered?

Nonetheless, I read somewhere online that another person has skipped the step and instead puts a rag over the banjo fitting as he unties it, so armed with this and a catch pan, I disconnected the battery and went to work. Long story short, I could not for the life of me disconnect the banjo fittings! I was using a second wrench on the flats on the filter itself to hold it in place, but it got to the point that I was applying so much force, I was worried about tearing fuel lines out and ripping the entire assembly off the car. Basically I paid the garage six bucks to stare up at the bottom of my 240 and frustrate myself!

I'll call a 240 enthusiast I met locally and try again tomorrow, but in the meantime, any tips? Would not depressurize the system make it that difficult to remove? Thanks for the continuing help!

88 240 has the fuel pump and injection on a seperate blade fuse near the battery

fuse 6 was only used for a couple years in the mid 90s.

as far as tight fittings go? squirt some Kroil (or PB Blaster) on the bolts, and let it soak in. use 6-point wrenches wherever possible (or a pipe 'flare' wrench).

+1 to the 6point wrenches.

Grab a set like these: Sears.com

Really handy for fuel and brake lines.

all I do is "crack" fuel lines and let the fuel drip out for a few seconds in a cup.
This will also make the pressure drop.

Dont forget to open the fuel filler aka remove the filler cap while trying to make the engine die out