Gasoline Classic

Where is the fuel filter located on my 88 caprice classic?

I don't have an Owner's Manual and I can't find it. Every time I crank my car up there is an enormous amount of smoke coming from the tailpipe. The smoke smells like fuel/gasoline. And I can also smell it inside my car. Can that be the reason for the smoke or what?

No. The smell and smoke is almost certainly unburned fuel due to misfire/ignition problems. '88? When was the last time the plugs and wires were done? Wild guess says it has been a while. Changing the fuel filter will do absolutely nothing with regards to that (although it is part of the tune-up you should get). Anyway, it will either be up around the tank area (in front or behind) under the car, or by the right frame rail (can't remember). Small silver (although in your case, rust-colored) cylinder about 5 inches long, should be 16mm (5/8") for the line and 20 mm for the hex on the filter for a small female-female GM filter. Make sure you get the IN and OUT correct when you put the new one on, if you choose to do it. Click the key over 2-3 times to prime/pressurize the filter/line. Check for leaks. Done. Honestly, don't do it, have someone else do it that does it everyday. With the age of the car, you don't know the tricks to free up the connections which I bet money are frozen and are asking for problems. Last thing you want is to damage the actual fuel line, then you are screwed pretty much, way over your head. Depending on what part of the country you are in, with a car that age, you can rupture a steel brake/fuel line sometimes just by touching it where normally it would be fine believe it or not. Good luck.

---