Mar 6, 2015, 01:24 PM
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- How to Replace Fuel Filter
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourselfers.
Browse all: Engine and Powertrain
How do I change a Fuel Filter ?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,924
Likes: 78
From: Forney Texas
It's located on the driver side in the tunnel between the tranny and the fuel tank. should be a 10mm bolt holding the clamp. Relieve fuel pressure from the rail then use your fingers to squeeze the plastic clips on the lines going into the filter. Push in lightly then pull the lines while the clips are collapsed. Slide old filter out and new one in. Push lines on the filter and they will lock in place. Turn key on and off about 4 to 5 times to fill filter and then start the vehicle, check for leaks and you're done. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 2
From: Manteo NC
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,421
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
I bought 2 sets of removal tools, neither worked. I kept trying every oil change. Even ground one tool down.
Then, one day, my fuel filter started leaking. That was it, I used my fingers and no problem.
Except, the "bracket holder" came off, had to "quick epoxy" it back to the body.
Then, one day, my fuel filter started leaking. That was it, I used my fingers and no problem.
Except, the "bracket holder" came off, had to "quick epoxy" it back to the body.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,421
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
I bought 2 sets of removal tools, neither worked. I kept trying every oil change. Even ground one tool down.
Then, one day, my fuel filter started leaking. That was it, I used my fingers and no problem.
Except, the "bracket holder" came off, had to "quick epoxy" it back to the body.
Then, one day, my fuel filter started leaking. That was it, I used my fingers and no problem.
Except, the "bracket holder" came off, had to "quick epoxy" it back to the body.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I developed a leak on the outlet side of the fuel filter on my 98 corvette. When the engine is running and there was pressure, no leak, as soon as I turned off the engine, fuel just poured out , ran down the side of the gas tank and onto the exhaust. I was lucky the car didn't catch fire. This is outrageous for a pressurized fuel system to leak like that. There appears to be an O ring inside the filter and that may have caused the leak. I think the connections and the filter itself is a defective piece of junk. I filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I have the factory service manual and it says the filter never has to be replaced. It was extremely difficult to get off. Rear stabilizer bar and muffler have to come off. I wonder if there was some kind of recall on this.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,421
Likes: 1,146
From: Dyer, IN
I developed a leak on the outlet side of the fuel filter on my 98 corvette. When the engine is running and there was pressure, no leak, as soon as I turned off the engine, fuel just poured out , ran down the side of the gas tank and onto the exhaust. I was lucky the car didn't catch fire. This is outrageous for a pressurized fuel system to leak like that. There appears to be an O ring inside the filter and that may have caused the leak. I think the connections and the filter itself is a defective piece of junk. I filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I have the factory service manual and it says the filter never has to be replaced. It was extremely difficult to get off. Rear stabilizer bar and muffler have to come off. I wonder if there was some kind of recall on this.
10 year old fuel filter..........goofy...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 0
From: Troutville Virginia USA1
I have developed a fuel leak, almost in front of the left rear tire, maybe a little toward the center of the car, on my 97. I havn't had a chance to crawl under there yet. I noticed it today when I pulled it out of the garage for a wash. It seemed to leak mostly when engine was running and pretty much quit when I turned engine off. I'm wondering if I have the leaky fuel filter. I'll investigate the situation when time allows. For now it's just going to have to set until I can figure it out. I did a search on fuel leak and was lead to this thread.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Livingston NJ
I have developed a fuel leak, almost in front of the left rear tire, maybe a little toward the center of the car, on my 97. I havn't had a chance to crawl under there yet. I noticed it today when I pulled it out of the garage for a wash. It seemed to leak mostly when engine was running and pretty much quit when I turned engine off. I'm wondering if I have the leaky fuel filter. I'll investigate the situation when time allows. For now it's just going to have to set until I can figure it out. I did a search on fuel leak and was lead to this thread.
Its probably the filter. Its an easy job, just a bit difficult to avoid spilling fuel all over the place. As you disconnect the lines it starts to run down your arm, be careful, I hear it tingles the nipples. Keep a few towels handy.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
Buy the GM filter from a dealer. The aftermarket ones leak within a few months. There is really no room to use any line tool, so the fingers are the best choice. Watch out for the sharp edges on the filter brackets or you will look like you wrestled a cat. The easiest way to get some room is to disconnect the flange on the exhaust (drivers side) and just expect the job to take an hour.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Nope get the right filter not the most expensive one
Buy the GM filter from a dealer. The aftermarket ones leak within a few months. There is really no room to use any line tool, so the fingers are the best choice. Watch out for the sharp edges on the filter brackets or you will look like you wrestled a cat. The easiest way to get some room is to disconnect the flange on the exhaust (drivers side) and just expect the job to take an hour.
BIGHANK
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
It's located on the driver side in the tunnel between the tranny and the fuel tank. should be a 10mm bolt holding the clamp. Relieve fuel pressure from the rail then use your fingers to squeeze the plastic clips on the lines going into the filter. Push in lightly then pull the lines while the clips are collapsed. Slide old filter out and new one in. Push lines on the filter and they will lock in place. Turn key on and off about 4 to 5 times to fill filter and then start the vehicle, check for leaks and you're done.
I have the fuel filter leak as well. How do you relieve the fuel pressure?
On another note, it blows my mind that some engineer approved the placement of the fuel filter over the exhaust pipe. How many fires has this caused ?????
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 0
From: Troutville Virginia USA1
Well I finally got the fuel filter replaced but what a pain in the a$$. One problem was getting my hand to it up passed the exhaust. I almost took the exhaust system dowm but I worked passed that somehow. The other problem was disconnecting the fuel lines with one hand because I couldn't get both hands to it with the exhaust system in the way. I finally got the fuel lines loose after a few hours for I was trying not to damage anything and not having the correct tool. The next time I attempt the fuel filter change I will have a fuel line disconnect tool. Does anyone have a picture of the tool I need or a link to a site I can see the tool?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 0
From: Troutville Virginia USA1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Any parts store sells the tool, Which is hard to manipulate in the tight confines allowed. Fingers are easier. What chaps my butt is you have a front mount engine and a mid mount fuel tank setup so why the heck put the filter in the back in the most inaccessible location?