Having owned several Honda products over the years, the cars generally have a fuel filter that is replaceable up near the injectors that should be swapped out about every 25,000-50,000 miles.
My former '97 RL had a fuel filter right up front near the firewall that needed to be changed.
So...it was assumed to be the same with the '06 RL that there would be a fuel filter in the engine compartment that would be changed at regular intervals.

Guess what? There is no fuel filter in the engine compartment. As someone pointed out to me, the fuel filter is part of the "fuel pump" assembly. In other words, the pump goes directly into the filter and then the fuel goes to the injectors. (Part A)

My experience is that the fuel pump filter is nothing more than an intake screen to remove large particulate matter before it goes into the pump on most cars. Then just before the injectors is a paper filter in a metal can to catch the super fine silt that would plug a fuel injector. This is the filter that would normally be changed.

The manual says to only replace the tank filter when the fuel pressure drops. That advice I find to be a wide open statement. If you buy fuel from a station that doesn't pump a lot of fuel or doesn't filter the delivery to the station pump, you could get a tank full of crud, and plug this filter easily. Any idea's why Acura would go this route? I wonder what the flat rate labor manual says about how much time it takes to R&R this filter? Anyone know what the parts costs?

 

Told ya.

The "Filter Set" is $32.88 on oemacuraparts.com

I would be pretty pissed if I got dirty fuel considering I pay $0.30/gallon extra for the good stuff.

 

Yep, you did tell me... The filter is cheap enough, I wonder how hard it is to replace? Anyone have a picture of the hole in the chassis where you install this? Looks to have a retaining ring that presses the whole assembly into the tank, sealing O-ring and a couple smaller O-rings to seal the pump to the filter. Might be worth the effort at the T-belt time to swap it out if it isn't to complicated to get the fittings off. Then you know that your good to go for another 100,000 miles.

 

Call and ask how much it is and how many hours you will be billed for... that will give you an idea.

 

Shouldnt be hard. I had the fuel pump in my 2G TLS(for supercharger purposes) replaced and it was in the tank just as the RLs is. My mechanic did in about 45 minutes.

 

My dealer told me there is not any reason to replace it. It's in the fuel tank, hard and expensive to get to. Definately NOT a DIY.

 

if the dealership can do it so can you. just take your time and follow the manual

 

This is not good information to pass on above.

The fuel filter setup and pump is a very simple process to swap out. I did it in just under an hour from start to finish. The opening in the top of the fuel tank under the passenger seat is just large enough for this to be taking out of and to squeeze the new one in. If your already in there it doesnt hurt to change the fuel pump since its just an additional plug and a few hoses. I had to change mine out at 110k miles because of the failing fuel pump. The hardest part is the quick release hose connectors for the fuel lines as its nerve wrecking removing those knowing if you break one that its probably a pretty expensive replacement but other than that its quite easy. Pop your rear seat off and you will see a silver round plate that is screwed down and sealed off. Pop it off and you will see the plugs that go into the top of it to unplug so you can begin the process of removal. If you need assistance you can ask but i assure you if you have the slightest mechanical experience and a pretty basic tool set you can do this.