Hey everyone, I have a few concerns. I'm a newbie to all of this car stuff and I noticed my Chevy Cobalt was sluggish, the P0171 code was reading with the check engine light, and overall it wasn't acting as it should, so I decided to change the fuel filter. Here are 2 of my concerns/questions:

1. During the fuel filter change, I ended up spilling gas everywhere. How long does it take for the fuel to evaporate, and will it matter if I start the car sooner or later? I already wiped down as much as I could when it came to where the gas spilled but i would rather be safe than sorry.

2. How do I pressurize the system after I return the fuses?

As I said, I am new to this stuff and want to make sure I'm doing it right. Connections are good so im not worried about that.

Thank you.

 

I would guess by now all your spilled fuel has evaporated. To pressurize the system, turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start) wait 10 seconds, turn it off, then cycle back to on. I would do that a few times as that turns the pump on and pressurize to the rail. I don't think any of the cobalts came stock with a fuel return so even with cycling it a few times it might take a couple tried to get it started or it will run a bit rough initially.

I would additionally check all your connection points for vacuum leaks, and check your exhaust for leaks as well for the p0171. Depending on the mileage it could be due for spark plugs and o2 sensors.

 

On a hot day, gasoline evaporates in minutes (single digit minutes too... not like 20 or 30). If in need, you can usually speed the process along by wiping up standing pools and hitting it with compressed air.

And you really don't even have to go through all the cycling that he mentioned above. In fact, after you turn the key on and off the first time... the pump may not even try to pressurize the system the next time you cycle it (I've run into this while trying to set my fuel pressure on an adjustable unit). Turn the key to the on position, wait 3-5 seconds (the pump with pressurize the system in a second or two), attempt to start.