I tried to change fuel filter in a Q-jet. I backed the fuel line nut off with a flare nut wrench while holding the bigger lock nut with 2nd wrench. Manual says pull out fuel line and push off to side, but mine will not budge. Its also atleast an inch back in that locking nut and the fuel line seems pretty solid like it wouldn't have enough play to move it out and off to the side. Didn't want to force it. Should it pull out or do I back that bigger locking nut out (that holds filter in) with the fuel line inside?

Please be patient with me, this is all new to me.

 

A previous owner may have replaced that line with a stronger steel line that isn't as flexible. If the line is a couple of feet long, it shouldn't damage it to pull it out of the carb fitting. Give it the old 'college' try, again and see what happens. Bending it slightly shouldn't hurt it, either.

 

Its a solid metal line. I think I can see where someone "grabbed" it with channel locks.

 

I've got an aftermarket stainless piece on mine; it's pretty solid and doesn't bend easily. If push comes to shove you may want to try disconnecting it at the bottom as well. Just be careful to make sure you've got the threads on the fittings at both ends started when you reinstall it or you can easily strip out the fitting on either your fuel pump or carb (or both).

 

If you just loosen it at the bottom some it should move enough I would think.

 

I take it a stock one is rubber/flexable? Can I just back the bigger nut out to get to the filter with the fuel line still in it?

 

The stock line is metal. The small nut is the line nut that holds the line to the inlet nut so it comes off first. The larger inlet nut comes off next to replace the fuel filter.

The small nut is frequently very tight and stubborn to remove without tearing up the hard fuel line. It sometimes has a tendancy to twist the hard line when you try to remove it from the inlet nut. Work slowly with 2 good wrenches. You might try using a vise grip on the outside of the wrench you use on the bigger inlet nut. That extra clamping power can help prevent rounding off of the flats on the big nut. Some times you just have to replace the fuel line regardless of how careful you are.

One more thing - be careful when installing the new fuel filter. That big inlet nut has very fine threads and that fitting is easy to cross thread when you go to put it back. Make sure it is not stripping the carb threads when you reinstall it. You can screw it in easily by hand and tighten snugly with a wrench once it is fully seated.

Good luck!

-Mark.

 

Be Aware that if the fuel pump isn't raised above the tank pick up, when the bottom of the line is loosened, it will leak gas, unlimitedly.

 

I got both loose no problem using 2 wrenches as discribed. I just can't get the fuel line out of the inlet nut. Its back in that nut about an inch and their is no play in the line. I will try alittle harder tonight.

 

You have to grasp it and exert controlled constant pulling force. Never loosen the bottom nut on the line at the F/P unless you have the fuel pump above the bottom of the tank. Leaks like crazy, also very dangerous. be advised that you will have to "guide-bend" the the line as it moves out toward you.

 

Leave the larger nut attached to the carb and ensure that the small fuel line nut is backed off to the point where it slides onto the fuel line. If not completely separated it will hold onto the fuel line. Once backed right off, you need to pull the fuel line with whatever force is required. Worse case scenerio is a new fuel line; but I suspect the line will come off with no damage.