Stuck Fuel filter

[TilliamWe]

Yep, still working on my new-to-me 1990 Chevy G20. My next issue is the inline fuel filter (this van has F.I). It is the kinds that has the big nuts that are part of the filter and then takes a 5/8" wrench to loosen the nuts on the flared fuel lines. Well, as I am seeing, this is most likely the original filter. Or at least very old. So the fuel lines' nuts are rusted pretty good. I sprayed PB Blaster all over them and let it sit for a day. I still can budge it. I am NOT working with a line wrench, though. So my questions are:

1) is there a better rust busting penetrating lubricant to use that will be a miracle?

2) Will a line wrench really do me any good?

3) Any other ideas on how to un stick it?

Not a lot of room to work with as it's bolted next to the "frame" rail and up against the floor.

 

[splitshot]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

line wrench will help alot because it grabs at all the corners where as a regular wrench grabs 2...dont be afraid to put some muscle into it..if it rounds off with a line wrench there was no taking it off...if for some reason you have to cut it off use a tubing cutter it doesnt make any sparks

 

[dolluper]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

Diffently use a flare wrench on the line and hold the filter with another wrench ......forget the muscle though ,all you want to do is crack it,then turn it back to tight again......repeat this procedure until completely off spraying with lots of oil....Be patient!! slow and easy does it.....If you destroy your line there is repair kits you can get.....but take your time and give it a shot first

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

Ayuh,.....

And unbolt it from the Frame.... Just to give you more working space.....

 

[guy74]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

Good advice given above. I would only add, use vice grips to squeeze the hex on the end of the filter a little. Squeeze across one set of flats, then another, shoot it with penitrating oil between squeezes. The squeezing helps work the rust loose, and let the penitrating oil in.
Goodluck,
Brian

 

[jimr]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

if you can't get it loose use a mini tubing cutter and cut 1 end of the tubing, the other should loosen up. Don't twist the line !!! you can also cut both ends of it off and just get new ends at the parts store just hook it in with rubber hose and clamps.it only runs about 15-16 psi so it wont blow out. I sure don't miss working in rust country.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

jimr, the fuel line just after the tank on a fuel injected engine only has 15-16lbs? I take it the 40lbs comes closer to the injectors?

Moving the lines to work at all sides is not really an option, since they are tight against the rail, and don't seem to have any extra play to them. Plus they are rusty, and I don't want to destroy them. I'd rather be stuck with the old filter (the van obviously runs with it in place) than ruin the fuel lines and have to reapir/replace them.

I would have never thought about the vise grips and the squeezing, I'll certainly try that. I've had them be a little rusty before and a lot of force got them loose, but this one is truly special.
I know that if I round the line nut off it means it wasn't meant to come off, and I would probably just not change the filter. But since this van is 18 years old and only has 104k on it, I just fear that it's got more than enough crud in the bottom of the tank that'll cdome back to haunt me soon.

Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna check out my wrench options and give it another try.

Just a fuel filter, tranny filter and a tranny cooler away from being ready to tow!

 

[rwise]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

OK I don't work with FI much, but those I have had 40-50 psi on the filter. My first thought is *If it aint broke don't fix it* If you get good clean fuel in your area it may be ok for another 100k or it may be about to stop up,,,,,,
careful with the vise grips, don't want to smash it egg shaped!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

...My first thought is *If it aint broke don't fix it* If you get good clean fuel in your area it may be ok for another 100k or it may be about to stop up,,,,,,
careful with the vise grips, don't want to smash it egg shaped!

Exactly!

 

[jimr]

Re: Stuck Fuel filter

90 chevy with a v-8 throttle body doesn't have alot of pressure to it. the vortec engines have alot more and TPI is alot too.