After that experience, I made sure to regularly (~20K miles) change that little strainer, and especially after a trip or vacation where I had to buy fuel from unfamiliar sources.

It wasn't too hard -- I took a 1/2-inch drive ratchet extension, and ground down three sides slightly (i.e., the three sides without the little ball) to fit the piece's square drive hole, because the hole is slightly smaller than the drive's dimensions.

And I made sure it was when the tank was very low. Some gas came out (I never measured it), but my impression was that it was only a bit trapped in a baffled area of the tank surrounding the fuel pickup (and the strainer).

Just screw out the cap (be prepared for the fuel dripping), and the filter should drop out. Then take the new filter and insert it onto the pickup tube, and replace the cap.

Realize that this is all from memory -- but I think I'm "in the ballpark"!