WTF !! Fuel filter impossible to get off ??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
WTF !! Fuel filter impossible to get off ??
What a f*cking nightmare...using The 5/16 filter removal tool is like trying to fit a square a square ped in a round hole. The tool is not even big enough to close around the fuel line, and almost impossible to push it into the filter to release it due to its size being "seemily" to big.I have rebuilt motorcycles from the frame up , tore cases apart, rebuilt engines, but this is nuts trying to force this tool into the filter..One web site even mention to "tap" the tool ith a hammer ??? How can you fit a hammer in this area, i can barely fit my hand...can anyone offer some advice ? my next thought is trying to squeeze a c clamp in there to try and force the filter tool into the filter by tightening it..The tool just seems to big , it wont even close fully around the fuel line...this is nutz 
1999 coupe btw, automatic...doing fuel filter/reg, and fuel pump in tank..if i can get this damn filter off, lol...thanks for any advice
1999 coupe btw, automatic...doing fuel filter/reg, and fuel pump in tank..if i can get this damn filter off, lol...thanks for any advice
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 21
From: Oak Hill Virginia
What a f*cking nightmare...using The 5/16 filter removal tool is like trying to fit a square a square ped in a round hole. The tool is not even big enough to close around the fuel line, and almost impossible to push it into the filter to release it due to its size being "seemily" to big.I have rebuilt motorcycles from the frame up , tore cases apart, rebuilt engines, but this is nuts trying to force this tool into the filter..One web site even mention to "tap" the tool ith a hammer ??? How can you fit a hammer in this area, i can barely fit my hand...can anyone offer some advice ? my next thought is trying to squeeze a c clamp in there to try and force the filter tool into the filter by tightening it..The tool just seems to big , it wont even close fully around the fuel line...this is nutz 1999 coupe btw, automatic...doing fuel filter/reg, and fuel pump in tank..if i can get this damn filter off, lol...thanks for any advice
1999 coupe btw, automatic...doing fuel filter/reg, and fuel pump in tank..if i can get this damn filter off, lol...thanks for any advice
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
It works best when you push the filter or flex line further onto the hard line pushing it further onto the tool. Basically, put tool in place, push filter further onto line and tool and then pull filter and tool down the line until the filter pops off.
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
Push the filter on to the line, then insert the removal tool. Once the tool is in the outlet, wiggle the filter and it will slide off.Ive used the red plactic cap that comes on the filter to remove the old filter. When you press the filter on the line you release the ends of the fingers inside the filter opening.
BC
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
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From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
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I believe in the Beer Fairy
Mine was kind of a PITA but I got it...seems they are not put on there with any regard to getting them off...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
i gave up at 3:30 am last night, tried for hours , even trying to put thin metal shims in there, pushing ,pulling, you name it..special anodized aluminum tool, you name it...nothing worked. i just dont get how others are getting these off, and im more than mechanically inclined..frustrating to say the least...guess i'll buy yet another tool and try this....appreciate all the advice, looks like others are dealing with this also unfortunately 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
I tried the "red cap method ' also, before i read it here...amazing how many of us thought about that little plastic piece ,and if it would work....that thing would not budge at all as far as pushing into the fuel filter
Push the filter on to the line, then insert the removal tool. Once the tool is in the outlet, wiggle the filter and it will slide off.
Ive used the red plactic cap that comes on the filter to remove the old filter. When you press the filter on the line you release the ends of the fingers inside the filter opening.
BC
Push the filter on to the line, then insert the removal tool. Once the tool is in the outlet, wiggle the filter and it will slide off.Ive used the red plactic cap that comes on the filter to remove the old filter. When you press the filter on the line you release the ends of the fingers inside the filter opening.
BC
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 227
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
one more time............................
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
one more time............................
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
the cheap little BLUE 3/8 plastic one worked almost instantly...woohoo....thanks guys, lets put this as
sticky at the top...i wasted over $30 on other more expensive tools that did not work at all ..... now i still have to do the fuel pump
sticky at the top...i wasted over $30 on other more expensive tools that did not work at all ..... now i still have to do the fuel pump
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Organizer St. Jude Fundraiser
I believe in the Beer Fairy
careful getting the float back in the tank
which pump kit did you get? I did the Lingenfelter kit and they sent me the wrong gasket even though it said that was the one on their site and in their instructions they failed to mention you need to swap the ground wire over... fortunately I was paying attention....other than that ...piece of cake
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
one more time............................
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
OTC GM tool from NAPA, one is grey, one is light blue, comes in a pack, $15
the right tool and the right tech data get's it down; the 'generic' metal QD tools don't often work well in this app.
http://www.sears.com/otc-2-piece-for...-SPM209384469P
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 11
From: Wilmington NC
Glad to see it worked. I remember it being an unpleasant task the first time around. Careful to not over-torque the new filter back on... I snapped the bolt. I bent 1/4 steel using a press and bolted it to the frame and then attached the filter to that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
might be helpful to note to wear clear safety glasses , although i only got fuel pouring down my arm and burning my arm pit, it could have easily got into my eye, i was trying to move my head out of the way obviously though...get the little cheap plastic tool kit from advance auto, and use the blue 3/8 size
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 397
Likes: 35
i got the one from lingenfelter, walbro....$177 delivered to my door
careful getting the float back in the tank
which pump kit did you get? I did the Lingenfelter kit and they sent me the wrong gasket even though it said that was the one on their site and in their instructions they failed to mention you need to swap the ground wire over... fortunately I was paying attention....other than that ...piece of cake
careful getting the float back in the tank
which pump kit did you get? I did the Lingenfelter kit and they sent me the wrong gasket even though it said that was the one on their site and in their instructions they failed to mention you need to swap the ground wire over... fortunately I was paying attention....other than that ...piece of cake
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
At least you did not break the fuel line trying as I did and I had to replace that first. A few pointers to help.
1) (SteveDotenMotorsports) hit it with the OTC tool kit. That is the best one. Service Manual is wrong 3/8 is the size.
2) (cdkcorvette7) Practice on the end of the fule line at the driver's side fire wall. If you can not get it off there - give up and go to a dealer. Once you get it there - the back will be easier.
3) Just because the tool is on properly - does not mean it will just slide off. Especially if this is the first time it is being changed since it was built. You have to pull it apart even with the tool inserted.
4) DO NOT bend it side to side to think that will help - it will only break the fuel line like I did.
Mine was on there for 11 years before I got it off. I almost could not get the other end of the fuel line off when I had to replace that. Just by accident I pulled the two pieces apart while the tool was in there and got the technique down. After some practice I believe I can do it next time hopefully many years from now.
1) (SteveDotenMotorsports) hit it with the OTC tool kit. That is the best one. Service Manual is wrong 3/8 is the size.
2) (cdkcorvette7) Practice on the end of the fule line at the driver's side fire wall. If you can not get it off there - give up and go to a dealer. Once you get it there - the back will be easier.
3) Just because the tool is on properly - does not mean it will just slide off. Especially if this is the first time it is being changed since it was built. You have to pull it apart even with the tool inserted.
4) DO NOT bend it side to side to think that will help - it will only break the fuel line like I did.
Mine was on there for 11 years before I got it off. I almost could not get the other end of the fuel line off when I had to replace that. Just by accident I pulled the two pieces apart while the tool was in there and got the technique down. After some practice I believe I can do it next time hopefully many years from now.
Last edited by KingTut; Jun 6, 2012 at 03:08 PM.
. shot fuel everywhere!