Fuel filter replacement - removing the fuel line

[Stallion]

I read in the manual that you just torque out the fuel line nut, but does anybody know how exactly this works? There is a 1" nut on the housing of the fuel filter and a 9/16" (pretty sure) nut on the line it seems. I was torquing them but seemed to be getting no where besides twisting the fuel line. I stopped because I didn't want to proceed to permanent damage to the fuel line.

How does this work? How am I supposed to do this? Any ideas? 1978 L48.

 

[RodsnRides]

2 wrenches

You need two wrenches to get this done right. A 1" for the fuel filter housing and a 5/8" tubing wrench for the line. Don't scrimp-get a tubing wrench. They also make a really nice special 1" wrench for the big nut-about $20 from Snap-on. Makes it easier to get access. If the fuel line nut is already "rolled", you can carefully line up the jaws of vise-grips on the flats of the nut and get it without major damage if you are careful. If the fuel line is tweaked-it will be a flow restriction, and may die out when you are doing the on-ramp boogie.

Anyways, to disassemble: put the 1" wrench on the filter nut and hold it. Put the tubing wrench on the fuel line nut. Sometimes you need to 'shock' it to get it to break loose. If handy, I get someone to hold the 1" wrench, while I hold the 5/8" wrench and smack it with a shot-filled (dead blow) hammer to crack it loose. Remove line. Remove 1" filter nut. Check little nylon 1" diameter washer at the end of the 1" nut for cracks/tears. Install spring and filter, install nut on carburetor and tighten. Reinstall fuel line. Hold nut with 1' wrench while you tighten fuel line. If the nylon washer is bad, the carb will leak. You can only get that in a carb kit. Some carb shops may give you one.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Rick

 

[Stallion]

That's what I was doing. Holding the 1" wrench while turning counter-clockwise on the 5/8" wrench. Yet it seemed to be doing more bad than good. No? Should I just continue on like that?

 

[curtis]

Sounds like the nut is frozen to the fuel line. If the line is not already so twisted to cause restriction, I would cut it so it turns off with the nut. Then slip some gas line over it then clamp with small hose clamps to reinstall. Sort of like Bubba does it. This also makes a nice place to add an aftermarket filter to the line. You may want to consider a new line from pump to carb, either stock type steel or braided stainless.

 

[Stallion]

A new line would be a big project. That wraps under the engine, doesn't look easy to install a new one of them.

 

[RodsnRides]

Not that bad

It's not too bad to install a new line. Summit has a nice braided one, P/N SUM-G3150. Try this link:

http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=esearch.asp&N=100&Ntk=PartSearch&Ntt=SUM-G3129&x=15&y=11

I noted it says pre-1975, but I'm thinking you can make it work.

Another suggestion is to soak the area with PB Blaster and let it sit for awhile. I agree, it sounds like the nut is froze (rusted) to the line. After soaking, take a small hammer and tap around the area a bit. That might pop it loose.

Hang in there. Patience is a virtue. It's been apart before, it will come apart again.

RicK

 

[Stallion]

Got it out! Wasn't too bad, just needed a little more torque. Thanks, Rick!!

 

[brusso]

Got it out! Wasn't too bad, just needed a little more torque. Thanks, Rick!!

What I found to work well for me was this. To remove, position the 2 wrenches on their nuts in a manner that they form a V. Then just squeeze together keeping 1" wrench still. The same will work for installing. Just reverse the wrench directions and squeeze keeping the 1" wrench steady. This is of coarse after you have torqued the 1" filter housing to the carb.

 

[lucky76]

A new line would be a big project. That wraps under the engine, doesn't look easy to install a new one of them.

I just put a new fuel line on my 76 from the carb to the fuel pump and it wasn't bad at all. Hint: Empty the gas tank to nearly empty before starting. I tried it with a full tank and had to stop because gas ran out the fuel pump. Do it when your nearly empty and with the front of the car higher then the rear.

Your fuel line must be frozen to the filter housing nut or stripped by someone before. I wouldn't clamp the line with a piece of rubber hose, use a new one.