Please Help! How do I replace my Fuel Filter?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 533
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From: Orlando Florida
Please Help! How do I replace my Fuel Filter?
Please guide me on how to replace my fuel filter in my 93 Vette. I can’t seem to get to one side of the filter because the exhaust is in the way. Also do I have to have an empty tank of gas? When I loosen the one side of the filter the gas keep on draining. Please help!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
You will lose a reasonable amount of fuel during this procedure, but maybe only about a cupfull. You do not need to empty the tank but make sure the gas tank cap is off (pressure in the tank could drive more fuel through the lines). Also, make sure you remove the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine a few times until it wont run - this makes sure there is no residual pressure.
As far as getting to the top of the filter, there are a few techniques:
Either
1. Remove the inner wheel well on the passenger side, or
2. Disconnect the fuel lines at the top of the engine (you will need a $5 fuel line disconnect tool from autozone) which allows you to loosen the fuel line clamps and pull the filter downwards for better access or:
3. Buy a mini-wrench (I call them wrench-heads) from Sears and squeeze your arm up and over the exhaust to get to the nut. This is the the simplest but tends to involve more blood (ask me how I know...).
Dont lose the O rings when doing this; or buy some new ones. they prevent leaks at the filter.
Good luck!
As far as getting to the top of the filter, there are a few techniques:
Either
1. Remove the inner wheel well on the passenger side, or
2. Disconnect the fuel lines at the top of the engine (you will need a $5 fuel line disconnect tool from autozone) which allows you to loosen the fuel line clamps and pull the filter downwards for better access or:
3. Buy a mini-wrench (I call them wrench-heads) from Sears and squeeze your arm up and over the exhaust to get to the nut. This is the the simplest but tends to involve more blood (ask me how I know...).
Dont lose the O rings when doing this; or buy some new ones. they prevent leaks at the filter.
Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
There are several things you can do to stop the gas from flowing. One is to loosen your gas cap, the other is to pull the fuse from the fuel pump and start the car. The car will use up all of the gas in the fuel line. Next, you need to jack the car up on the pass. side, and remove the sheild, if your car has one (my '90 does). Then "break" the nuts loose on the front and the back, but do not loosen them completely. Get a pan, like that you use when you change your oil and put it under the filter and remove the old and install the new. Some gas will drip out, just try to work as quick as possible, making sure that the O rings on the fuel lines are not cut or nicked. If they are, you could develop a leak. Be careful not to cross thread the lines.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
I've been meaning to change mine as well. Here's a link to another thread with some good tips:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1682559
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1682559
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
Pull the fuse for the fuel pump and run the car until it dies. Remove the gas cap to release any pressure inside the tank. I removed mine under the car. No special tools needed just a few wrenches. There is a hardline in the way of the bolt that holds the bracket around the fuel filter to the frame. You can move it carefully up to get a wrench on the bolt. You can pull the clamp that holds the hardlines together. This is on the passengers side of the engine near the back of the fuel rail. I think it's a small allen, once you remove that clamp you can pull the lines down and push them up as well for better access. Do not yank on it like captain caveman. This should be all you need to do. Worked for me.
Last edited by JD'S WHITE 93; Jun 3, 2007 at 11:47 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Also, unhook the battery (for safety's sake) after you've started the engine and ran the excess fuel out of the lines.
It's real easy to introduce a spark under there accidentally with tools since you're in relatively close proximity to the exhaust cats, the starter motor solenoid and other metal components.
It's real easy to introduce a spark under there accidentally with tools since you're in relatively close proximity to the exhaust cats, the starter motor solenoid and other metal components.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
You'll need a 16mm line wrench (some report using 7/8" with success but it is actually 16mm), a 22mm open end wrench, a 10mm socket for tools and possibly quick disconnect fuel line tools for the disconnects over the right side fuel rail cover if you decide to remove the filter and lines as an assembly. You will have to buy the "O" rings separately the number needed which will depend upon how you decide to remove the filter. The filter fittings each require one and the return line beside the filter will also require one. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area and not in a closed garage with a gas fired water heater nearby. Be prepared with rubber caps to block the steady dribble of fuel with the lines disconnected. Be prepared for a puddle of fuel on the floor and fuel running down your arm while you are wrestling the fuel line fittings apart.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 628
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You'll be fine because the fuel lines come out of the top of the tank. So once you have removed all pressure from the system there is minimal risk of losing any more fuel.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 533
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From: Orlando Florida
Is replacing the O-rings a must or is this a good thing to do? And is this called fuel line O rings and are they all the same size? You are correct about the fuel running down my arm I was full of fuel yesterday when I loosen the one end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
The old "O" rings will all be pinched and cut. Not worth taking a chance on due to pressurized fuel lines. All same size; number 4 I think, however material should be viton. I would get them from the dealer to be sure you have the right ones.