The impossible fuel filter change

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Dec 26, 2003 | 02:28 PM

C501

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

From: Arlington TX

The impossible fuel filter change

I don't see how you guys managed to change your fuel filters. Maybe it isn't so bad on a manual tranny, dunno.

I tried for two hours and couldn't even get one line off! That thing is buried up there next to the auto tranny and the exhaust blocks it. I would have to take all of the exhaust off. Just taking the muffler off like the manual says would not be enough. Then I would have to have a very long quick disconnect tool - at least 12 inches. The little 5" POS that I have won't even reach it.

I'm taking it to the dealer and paying them $150. They can take off the exhaust and use their 12' disconnect tool.

Dec 26, 2003 | 04:15 PM

Z06ufgrad2002

Safety Car

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 4,394

Likes: 6

From: Melbourne FL

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (C501)

Yup that thing is tucked way up there. Even on a manual its a PITA. Not looking forward to changing mine either. Removing the exhaust I think is really the only way to get to it.
I don't recall the service interval on it. Anyone know when it should be replaced?

Dec 26, 2003 | 04:51 PM

Shortimer

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 3,644

Likes: 13

From: South of Boston MA

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (C501)

Welcome to the Forum C501. :seeya Unless you have a lot of miles on your car save yourself some aggrevation and skip the filter change. The filter is fairly big as filters go and can handle a lot of fuel flow. Unless your car is acting up, low idle problems, stumbling or the like you can probably go 35-50K before you need to think about changing it out. Don't have my service manual in front of me so I don't have the exact mileage spec when the filter should be changed. Enjoy your ride. :steering:

Dec 26, 2003 | 06:39 PM

kwik8racr

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 1,270

Likes: 0

From: Rockford IL

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (Shortimer)

I went to "Funfest" this year in Effingham, when I got there, a buddy of mine said my car smelled like gas, sure enough the filter was leaking, so here I am out in the hotel parking lot with my car jacked up in the air, laying underneath it with about 1000 vette"onlookers" wanting to check out my car! It was a pain in the azz, but I did get it changed in about 20 minutes, and my car is an auto, and also I have 3.5" exhaust.The way I did it was, I just broke the little retaining clips off with a small screwdriver, because I knew the new filter had new clips, got the old one out ( with a few new cuss words!) and the new one snapped right in, no more leaks! Total time about 20 minutes, and did not remove anything! :cheers:

Dec 26, 2003 | 07:44 PM

jeanlucpicard

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 885

Likes: 0

From: The Woodlands Texas

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (C501)

Please note the following quote out of my 2001 Helms Manual (pag 6-1046) -
"There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement."

This stems in large part from the large fuel strainers GM placed at the fuel sender assembly unit. The downside to the 2001 fuel filter is that the fuel pressure regulator is an integral component so if you start having fuel pressure less that 48-51psig then you may have to change the fuel filter to fix the pressure regulator. Gotta love the General :skep:

So, in short, unless you are having a stumbling problem or have measured less than 48 or psig at your fuel rails then I'd leave the filter / regulator assembly alone.

Dec 27, 2003 | 02:34 AM

cortex

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 4,101

Likes: 3

From: Vandalay Industries

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (Shortimer)

I feel your pain. Took me 7 freakin' hours but I would not give up!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=710833

Hey, my pinging problem vanished at least. :cheers:

Dec 27, 2003 | 10:00 AM

Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast

Racer

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 460

Likes: 18

From: Conroe, TX

Re: The impossible fuel filter change (cortex)

Quote:

I feel your pain. Took me 7 freakin' hours but I would not give up!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=710833

Hey, my pinging problem vanished at least. :cheers:

I had the same pinging problem on my '99 w/ 44K miles right after I bought the car last summer and I thought it was "normal". . . Well, after doing the due diligence maintenance on the car, including changing the fuel filter; the pinging vanished!! :smash:

Changing the fuel filter should be routine maintenance on any vehicle every 25K-30K miles IMO; even if the Helm manual doesn't specify the service interval. :yesnod:

Its cheap insurance to ensure that your C5 is getting its proper fuel supply. :thumbs: