so can I just unplug the fuel pump while I have someone try to start the car to relieve the pressure? I know if it can run you are supposed to disconnect while it runs until it stalls but if it won't run will disconnecting it and trying to get it going be enough to relieve pressure? and removing the fuse/relays. I don't want fuel spraying all over my goggles if i disconnect a pressurized line.

the other way is to hook a 9v battery to the cold start valve iirc.

and that filter looks nasty. that one comes BEFORE your pump right? if that's the case, there shouldn't be any pressure on that side.

Actually, when everything is right there should be pressure on all sides even when he car's not running. Here's how the FSM says the relieve it:

I didn't think there would be pressure between the tank and the pump though.

There is no pressure from the FPR to the tank. There is no pressure from the tank to the pump aside from hydrostatic pressure (actually it is LESS than hydrostatic - there is a vacuum (low pressure) on the inlet side, too much of which can cause cavitation).

Maybe I'm not understanding where he has that filter mounted.

The filter should be on the discharge side of the pump. The inlet of the pump has a mesh filter on the pickup tube. Both of these could be clogged. Inspecting both requires depressurization of the fuel system (but for different reasons).

Thanks. I thought his filter was on the other side. It's a large picture and I didn't scroll all the way across it to get the proper prospective.

ok, so it WILL be depressurize if I disconnect the pump and attempt to start it a few times even though I won't be able to let it stall. or do I connect a 9v like m4x suggested? I really don't want a mess on my hands/body/driveway/etc.

Stephan, I can not see the picture he linked here at work. I was simply stating what *should* be there, not what is actually there. I'll take a look when I get home tonight.

Stephen posted an image that shows how to depressurize the fuel system.

ok, so it WILL be depressurize if I disconnect the pump and attempt to start it a few times even though I won't be able to let it stall. or do I connect a 9v like m4x suggested? I really don't want a mess on my hands/body/driveway/etc.

I guess that would work. I've never tried to do it that way. However you relieve the pressure it, there will still be some fuel leakage when you remove the hoses.

yeah i know there will be fuel in the lines I just worry about an amount that a rag won't soak up. I'll probably start on this tomorrow i'll have to get a filter first though, would a parts store carry these or is this like a universal filter because I've seen some oem nissan filters and they don't look like the one I have. Or would a trip to the dealership be in the future?

And thanks for the diagram sbalke01!