Fuel filter drama Please Help
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Fuel filter drama Please Help
I am in the middle of changing my fuel filter and have the old filter unbolted, and the quick connect lines off. However the Outlet line will not come off. I purchased the tool which is kind of like a clamp which ended up breaking and didn't work. Any advise?? My car is up on the curb on a small ramp just looking all pathetic due to this dumb hose not coming off. Is there a different type tool, and any special trick? Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: MILTON FL
Take your time. i had the same problem working with the fuel line disconnect tool. You have take your time and finess the tool and it will eventually pop off. My old filter was leaking so I had to get mine fixed. The tight space is what make it difficult. Also do a search on google there might be some good pics that show the removel. GL.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
Take your time. i had the same problem working with the fuel line disconnect tool. You have take your time and finess the tool and it will eventually pop off. My old filter was leaking so I had to get mine fixed. The tight space is what make it difficult. Also do a search on google there might be some good pics that show the removel. GL.
I got mine off easy the first time, but for the life of me couldn't get it off the second. My bro-in-law jumped in and took it right apart. I still have to hear about him"fixing my car"....
We didn't use any tools either time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 54
From: Chandler, AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
I unbolted the exhaust pipe between the muffler and converter, it gave me lots of room and then the tool SUCKS, after shooting gas all over myself I found out slow down and patients works best to get the line to pop off. Good Luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
If you would have read the service manual you would have know to de-pressurize the fuel system before attempting to remove the filter assembly. The tool does not suck if you use the correct one.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Ditto on rclinton's advice. You sometimes need to insert the tool (use one of the little 'ring' tools available at any parts store for your size line) then push the line toward the filter. Wiggle, then try to gently pull apart. It's a little awkward if you only have two hands, but keep at it, don't use too much force, and it should come apart.
There are stories about people having broken the little plastic clips by being too forceful, then the job's difficulty got worse. Good luck, report back as to what eventually worked for you
There are stories about people having broken the little plastic clips by being too forceful, then the job's difficulty got worse. Good luck, report back as to what eventually worked for you
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
The main line will not come off
I undid the exhaust - more room - got both the feed lines off fairly easy - unbolt - no problem. Then tried the tool. I could get it to start into the filter - but it seemed to thick to fit in there and the two sides of it did not touch there was almost a 1/8 inch or so it looked.
I took the tool and stuck it into the new filter and it only fit if both halves touched and then the left over hole side was way smaller than the fuel line.
Does that fuel line compress? Could I have the wrong tool? 5/16 & 3/8 I believe were the two end sizes on my tool.
Went on to other things - maybe in a nother week I will try again.
There did seem to be brake lines right there in the way - can those be moved easily? And the tool is for the 1 line out end is it not? I got the 2 in lines with my fingers. I need a plan "B".
I took the tool and stuck it into the new filter and it only fit if both halves touched and then the left over hole side was way smaller than the fuel line.
Does that fuel line compress? Could I have the wrong tool? 5/16 & 3/8 I believe were the two end sizes on my tool.
Went on to other things - maybe in a nother week I will try again.
There did seem to be brake lines right there in the way - can those be moved easily? And the tool is for the 1 line out end is it not? I got the 2 in lines with my fingers. I need a plan "B".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
Or, instead of being your normal condescending self and only saying go read the service manual, you can actually post something that helps and tell him what the service manual actually says.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Charlotte NC
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 4
From: Sahuarita AZ
Release the pressure in the line at the schrader valve on the drivers side fuel rail (put a towel around it and push it in).
When you have the disconnect tool round the lines you should slide it into the female end of the line and push the line into the tool then pull it away from the filter. It seems counter intuitive but this is by and far the easiest way to get them to separate.
I fought like crazy trying to get mine apart last year when I changed my fuel pump. The space is tight and I did mine with the exhaust in the way. Take your time, be sure you push the line toward the filter just a smidge before you try pulling it away. It should slide over the tool then it will easily come off.
When you have the disconnect tool round the lines you should slide it into the female end of the line and push the line into the tool then pull it away from the filter. It seems counter intuitive but this is by and far the easiest way to get them to separate.
I fought like crazy trying to get mine apart last year when I changed my fuel pump. The space is tight and I did mine with the exhaust in the way. Take your time, be sure you push the line toward the filter just a smidge before you try pulling it away. It should slide over the tool then it will easily come off.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 4
From: Sahuarita AZ
I wanted to add this, I use a metal fuel line disconnect tool. It's much easier than the plastic ones and won't break on you.
http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-647.../dp/B004KED5FO
That's essentially what I have but I bought it from the local Autozone for ~$10 several years ago.
If I'm reading your post correctly you're having trouble with the forward facing connection from the filter to the male line in the car. Putting the disconnect tool on the line and sliding it into the old filter and pushing the filter into the tool should make it slide right off for you. Again, I had a heck of a time doing this last year and I almost cut the damn thing off with. Take your time and try the push then pull method.
http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-647.../dp/B004KED5FO
That's essentially what I have but I bought it from the local Autozone for ~$10 several years ago.
If I'm reading your post correctly you're having trouble with the forward facing connection from the filter to the male line in the car. Putting the disconnect tool on the line and sliding it into the old filter and pushing the filter into the tool should make it slide right off for you. Again, I had a heck of a time doing this last year and I almost cut the damn thing off with. Take your time and try the push then pull method.
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
The last time I changed mine, we went to a massive heated garage for a MOD Party.
One of my task was to change the fuel filter. As Murphy would have it, I forgot to bring the damn tool!!!
So,,, I used the little red FME dust cap that seals the end for the new filter. Cut the bottom off of it and sliced it spiral down its side.
I found out that if you "PUSH" the filter on to the line, it will release the small fingers inside the fitting and it makes it easier for what ever tool you use to get under the fingers and release the filter from the line. Once the tool is in and the fingers are released, the filter will easily pull off the line.
Try that.
BC
One of my task was to change the fuel filter. As Murphy would have it, I forgot to bring the damn tool!!!
So,,, I used the little red FME dust cap that seals the end for the new filter. Cut the bottom off of it and sliced it spiral down its side.
I found out that if you "PUSH" the filter on to the line, it will release the small fingers inside the fitting and it makes it easier for what ever tool you use to get under the fingers and release the filter from the line. Once the tool is in and the fingers are released, the filter will easily pull off the line.
Try that.
BC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Will not fit into female end
My tool seems too thick - I can not get it more than 1/16" in. Not what seems to be others problems that once it is mostly in they still can not get it to seperate. I may get to that problem next - but first I need it to make it in there. Any tips for this.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
I've done mine on my 97 3 times and it still takes about an hour with the car on the ramps.Relieving the pressure only takes the first little bit of spray out of disconnecting the lines and does nothing to help the fuel running down your arm. I have the tool,but there simply isn't enough room to use it well enough to do any better than I can with my fingers.Just look at the plastic clips and get a handle on how they work and you will see what you have to do to release the line.Keep at it and it will come off without damage. I have also had better success using genuine GM filters.I had to redo a Fram after 25 miles due to an oring that wouldn't seal.The GM has worked drip free.