Tools Required: 20mm open end wrench
16mm open end wrench or vise grips
Materials needed:Fuel Filter - AC Delco P/N GF578, Purolator P/N F54714, other brand
Fire Extinguisher is recommended
PB Blaster, if needed.
Spare Rags
Car Ramps or Jack and jack stands
Difficulty:*****Time Required:15 - 40 minutes
Instructions:(1) Jack up the rear of the car and support it with jack stands at the recommended jack locations, or use car ramps. For safety issues, apply the emergency brake and chock the front tires.
(2) The car should be cold when attempting to do anything with the fuel system. A fire extinguisher should be on hand in case of fire.
(3) Locate the Fuel Filter. This is found under the car, on the drivers side in front of the rear tire.
(4) Check the “female” connection between the fuel filter and the steel fuel line. If the fitting on the steel fuel line is rusted and shows signs of corrosion, apply PB Blaster and let it sit for 20 minutes or so.
(5) Depressurize the fuel system. The easiest way to do this is to unscrew the fuel cap. Once it is removed, go ahead and replace it.
(6) Disconnect the “male” end of the filter. The male end, or neck, of the fuel filter is connected to the hard plastic line running from the fuel tank. It is held in place by a plastic lock that’s attached to the fuel filter neck. Squeeze the lock with your fingers, disengaging the tabs from the plastic connection on the fuel line.
(7) Once the plastic lock is compressed, slightly twist both ends of the connection to break the seal. The plastic fuel line should slip right off with no issues. Have a rag handy. When the line is free a small amount of fuel will escape from the line. Don’t panic....this will stop.
(8) Disconnect the “female” end of the filter. Using a 16mm wrench, place the wrench on the fitting of the steel fuel line. The fitting is soft, so vise grips may be needed instead of the 16mm wrench to prevent the fitting from rounding off at the flats.
(9) Place the 20mm wrench on the female connection on the Fuel Filter. Holding the 16mm wrench or vise grips on the fuel line fitting, use the 20mm wrench to loosen the connection on the fuel filter. Once the connection is loose, spin the filter off by hand. Again, have a rag handy as a small amount of fuel will escape from the steel line, and whatever fuel was retained in the filter.
(10) To install the new fuel filter, reverse the process. After the filter is installed, start the engine and check for leaks.
