Thought I would put in a new fuel filter today since I'm in the middle of a NXL install. Didn't look to difficult, just a little tight in working room. (A4) Since I have a '98, the filter just has one inlet line & one outlet line, BOTH with 3/8" quick disconnects. Already have set of quick disconnect "tools". Piece of cake, right? WRONG!!!

I slipped the quick disconnect tool over the front (OUT) fuel line & it pops right off. (straigth metal line) Great, nothing to it! Now I'll just slip the quick disconnect over the rear (IN) line (plastic, part of fuel filter) & I'll be done in five minutes. Whoa, whats this? The gap between the quick disconnect & the fuel filter is 1/2" but the quick disconnect tool is 5/8" long. (Std length) OK, so I'll angle it in. 60 minutes later I find out this ain't gonna happen. (By the way, this is a GM factory filter identical to the GM replacement filter I just purchased)

The 2nd problem is that the rear (IN) line neck is stepped in two diameters. The diameter comming immediately out of the filter is 1/2" O.D. for 3/8" in length then necks down to 3/8" O.D. This 1/2" O.D. neck, also interferes with the insertion of the 3/8" quick disconnect tool, & combined with the short gap (1/2") between the quick disconnect & the end of the filter means another hour totally wasted. (remember, confined working space)

I'm mystified as to why a GM factory set-up would be this screwed up. Is there a special tool just for the rear (IN) quick disconnect? This doesn't seem likely to me. Am I missing something here? I am totally "p*ssed". I must be missing something, but I can't imagine what. This should be a piece of cake job!


:mad :rant: :mad :rant: :confused: :confused:

 

You can use a small screwdriver; removal of the exhaust in that area gives you more room too.