The first time I did it was in May I think (of 2002) so it wasn't too cold out. The engine was also warm.
I did the pre-filter first (straightforward)
I then unscrewed the large hex bolt at the top of the main fuel filter housing then took the old filter out and just threw it away.
I didn't even put fuel or anything in the new one, put it back but I didn't tighten the hex bolt completely (as per the Haynes manual)
then I just used the primer pump (which wasn't leaking yet last year) for a while until fuel gushed out at the top, tightened everything up, and fired it up!
It idled perfect then the idle speed dropped so I just put the throttle down and it kept trying to die but after a while the revs rose back and I just took my foot off the accelerator.
Worked...
Second time I did it, it was really cold and the engine was really cold and the primer pump was leaking. This time I actually put fuel in the new filter but it just wouldn't start !!! until I primed it like a million times. It finally started.
The next day I put a new primer pump in and no more leaking pump.
I think maybe the warm engine and good primer pump help
Where are you in Boston? I am in the BU side of Boston if you ever need help let me know.