Fuel Filter DIY Change
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
Fuel Filter DIY Change
I have reason to believe that my fuel filter (never been changed with 87k miles on the odo) might be the cause of my high rpm WOT hesitation.
I launched into changing it today (replacement NAPA part). I managed to get the two rear lines off pretty easily and enjoyed the gasoline shower. I have the 3/8 inch disconnect tool (the cheap one that is round and simply pops around the fuel line). I tested it on the new fuel filter and it slipped in no problem.
After working on the existing filter for about 2 hours, I still haven't gotten it free. I had my electric cutouts in place making access difficult, so I finally removed one to give me more space. However, I still can't get the disconnect tool to seat all the way down onto the filter. It goes about 80% of the way and it feels like it snaps in but when I let go it eases back out.
I've been squeezing the tool towards the filter while at the same time pushing the filter towards the fuel line (towards the front of the car) but I can't get this dang thing OFF!!
My forearms are pretty mangled and I'm defeated.
Any suggestions?
I launched into changing it today (replacement NAPA part). I managed to get the two rear lines off pretty easily and enjoyed the gasoline shower. I have the 3/8 inch disconnect tool (the cheap one that is round and simply pops around the fuel line). I tested it on the new fuel filter and it slipped in no problem.
After working on the existing filter for about 2 hours, I still haven't gotten it free. I had my electric cutouts in place making access difficult, so I finally removed one to give me more space. However, I still can't get the disconnect tool to seat all the way down onto the filter. It goes about 80% of the way and it feels like it snaps in but when I let go it eases back out.
I've been squeezing the tool towards the filter while at the same time pushing the filter towards the fuel line (towards the front of the car) but I can't get this dang thing OFF!!
My forearms are pretty mangled and I'm defeated.
Any suggestions?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,781
Likes: 14
From: Phoenixville, PA
try a different tool. One of the cheap plastic ones I bought works, the other doesn't. Not sure if the $ aluminum ones are any more consistent, though I was told by Advance that the plastic ones work best.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Second fuel filter post today. 
PUSH the fuel line INTO the filter and then insert the tool. Pushing it in, releases the pressure off the retaining spring and makes tool insertion easier and more effective.
BC
PUSH the fuel line INTO the filter and then insert the tool. Pushing it in, releases the pressure off the retaining spring and makes tool insertion easier and more effective.
BC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
This is still not working.
I'm about ready to cut it off with my hacksaw. How deep does the fuel line go into the filter?
Does it go deeper than the little nozzle that comes off the filter (the part that I can't get to release)?
I'm about ready to cut it off with my hacksaw. How deep does the fuel line go into the filter?
Does it go deeper than the little nozzle that comes off the filter (the part that I can't get to release)?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 468
Likes: 15
From: Jupiter FL
Check out this thread where people have given me some good suggustions.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...#post157474919
Good luck to both of us and thanks to all the forum members how have
helped.
Jay B
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Try twisting the filter on the line and see if it will break loose from the O ring. While your twisting it, also try inserting the tool and pushing the line into the filter to release the spring
BC
BC
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
I have been pushing the filter towards the engine while trying to insert the disconnect tool into the filter. At the same time I've rotated the filter and the disconnect tool counter to one another. I've sprayed lithium grease into the filter end trying to lube the disconnect tool. I've inserted my small flathead screwdrivers into the filter trying to move/pry the springs a bit.
I've now detached the fuel line from its bracket to get more clearance but it still won't budge.
I really think the only option is to cut this thing off, but I don't know how far the fuel line runs into the filter.
I've now detached the fuel line from its bracket to get more clearance but it still won't budge.
I really think the only option is to cut this thing off, but I don't know how far the fuel line runs into the filter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 7
From: Redding CA
That's the type that I use, along with them being the aluminum pair and I haven't had an issue yet. I've had the intake off 10 times or more etc and no issues.
Keep at it using the pushing on fuel line and twisting the filter...that spring isn't too strong and you should be able to break it out of there before having to cut the line..I actually did it before I knew about the special fuel line tool on these cars...LOL.
I used a flat head screw driver(small) and just pried around until the little spring broke..
Keep at it using the pushing on fuel line and twisting the filter...that spring isn't too strong and you should be able to break it out of there before having to cut the line..I actually did it before I knew about the special fuel line tool on these cars...LOL.
I used a flat head screw driver(small) and just pried around until the little spring broke..
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 9
From: Charlotte, NC
Still couldn't get the thing off. Finally had to use needle nose pliers and some spreading tool to tear up the lip badly enough to pull the clips up. Once I pulled back on one clip, the filter fell off, leaving just the clip clinging to the fuel line.
