Fuel Filter Change

[viper8907]

Im in the process of changing my fuel filter, I got the quick connect part off, but Im having trouble with the other side. It is very rusty, I would guess that it has never been changed before (<----to the previous owner)

anyway, I tried spraying some liquid wrench on it and letting it soak for a few minutes, but I still cant get it, and Im afraid Im going to round the hex off. The filter side of it seems to be 20mm? and I can't find a 20mm wrench around here, so Im using a cresent wrench (Im not worried about that side rounding its the other side). The other is 5/8 (right?)...I'm thinking I will leave it overnight and see if the liquid wrench loosens things up. What do you guys think?

[Pontiacdad]

The best tool to use on the fuel line is a flare nut wrench.
I dont think waiting overnight will help the rust, it can get pretty corroded.

Try a pair of vise grips but set them really tight so there is no chance of them slipping, watch carefully as you hold your breath and apply constant even pressure.
Whatever you do, DONT apply heat

[viper8907]

I think I might run to town and try to find a flare nut wrench in the morning then if the vice grips dont work. The last thing I want to do is round that thing off. Am I right with the two sizes?
Oh and I would never apply heat dont worry.

[Pontiacdad]

I cant remember the sizes but that sounds close and the heat comment was a funny,,,well sort of

Its a bad angle to try to work and is part of the problem unless you have a lift. Take your time and try not to loose your patience, if it helps sometimes I get Pmom out there to do the swearing for me while I work, 2 heads are better than one.

[viper8907]

Yea I wouldn't put it past some people to try to heat it up, but I know better.

I know what you mean I have the car up on jackstands, so its pretty cramped. This is a time that Im glad that I have a lot of patience . I'm done working for the night, I'll try it again in the morning and post back with the results.

Now if only I had a girl to come help me with the swearing part....

[wjcollier07]

you need two flare nut wrenches...anything else WILL round it off. and maybe some iron pipe on the ends of each..and it'll get it...it'll break loose.

[harofreak00]

you need two flare nut wrenches...anything else WILL round it off. and maybe some iron pipe on the ends of each..and it'll get it...it'll break loose.

x2

its the only way...

[Rebel25A]

Sawzall... ....JUss kidding...I hate it when you inherit someone elses poor maintenance

[00Beast]

^ Agreed, X2

[BillBoost37]

If the line appears overly rusted you may find the fitting on the line will try to round with everything including a flare wrench.

Something I have found helpful is a good pair of vise grips on the fitting, cresent wrench on the filter...and turn the filter while holding the vise grips still. This way you won't compromise the line if the fitting is rusted solid to it.

[viper8907]

And the winner is...............................




Vise grips and a cresent wrench!

I bought a 5/8 flare wrench, but there was no place I could find one to fit the size on the filter (not much to choose from around here). So i tried with the flare wrench and a cresent, but the flare wrench was starting to round it off (just like Boost said)

Anyway, I got it done and it doesn't leak, the nut it a little messed up, but the next time it will still work to use a vise grips again.

Also, when I turned the key to let the fuel pump run, the schrader (sp?) valve was leaking a little, I got it to stop, and used a rag to wipe up everything I could, I'm a little worried there still might be a little fuel that ran out...what should I do?

[wjcollier07]

i can't figure out why they had the perfect system for a few years 93-95 i think...something like that...with two plastic connections...and then went back to metal fittings. lame.

just a side note..i think it would be very beneficial to you to put something like antiseize on those metal threads...just so you don't have to do the same hell in another 20k miles

[viper8907]

yea two plastic fittings would have been really easy!

I did put some anti-seize on the threads, so hopefully it will be much easier next time.

[skypilot]

Is the fuel filter on the 00+'s in the same place as on the 90's models, below the passenger doors?

[Bonneville92V688]

i can't figure out why they had the perfect system for a few years 93-95 i think...something like that...with two plastic connections...and then went back to metal fittings. lame.

Only 92/93 has the 2 plastic connections. I just replaced mine, simple as click...click, an snapped both in, and bolted the new filter in and done... all in less than 5 minutes.

[viper8907]

i can't figure out why they had the perfect system for a few years 93-95 i think...something like that...with two plastic connections...and then went back to metal fittings. lame.

Only 92/93 has the 2 plastic connections. I just replaced mine, simple as click...click, an snapped both in, and bolted the new filter in and done... all in less than 5 minutes.

I am jealous.

[crzydmnd72]

And for anyone reading this topic and considering flare wrenches, spend the bucks for good ones. I learned the hard way that cheapies will actually open up under load JUST enough to round your fitting anyways. And thats enough to piss off the pope.

[viper8907]

Yes I think that is probably what my problem was. There arent any good tool stores within 20 miles of me (thats rural MN for ya)....and I just bought the only one that the local Fleet Supply had, and Im sure it wasn't very good quality.

[crzydmnd72]

Mine were AZ cheapies. After the difficult brake line round off incident (as it came to be known around here LOL) my brother and I tested them out on several rusted fasteners under his Blazer. With just hand pressure, no bodyweight or cheater, they would visibly open up.

Craftsman open ended did not open and successfully loosened the bolt.

Have not used the cheapies since. I am keeping them around for now so I know what sizes I want next time I stop at Sears

[viper8907]

I would have been using a Craftsman open end in the first place, except my brother was not around, and he had all his craftsman wrenchs with him. Maybe I would have not wasted my money on the flange wrench that didnt work.

I love this place, its so easy to gain knowledge that makes it easier to get stuff done with our cars!