need help with fuel filter

[spidey3479]

I got it off, finally(rusted threads on front end and tricky quick connect on the back) I got it back together but it is leaking. Do I need to try and derust the threads? I put the filter on that end first and got it hand tight first and then wrenched it another full turn. When I took the old one off, 2 o rings, 1 orange and 1 white and one white spacer, came loose. Should I replace these and what order do they go back on?

[spidey3479]

New filter is on, Yay! Getting the right new o rings was no fun at all. Took 4 tries!! Now no leaks!

[kts0347]

Tell us more about the right o-rings. I plan to replace my filter in the near future and would appreciate the benefit of your experience.

Thanks.

[00Beast]

I seriously don't remember o-rings. Were they in the quick connect? I didn't have issues with them on either of our cars. KTS, I wouldn't worry about it.

[spidey3479]

Pretty straight forward, I needed them on both ends of the filter. An oversized one on the engine side, and 2 of the same size on the quick connect. I tried installing w\o any first, then found them on the concrete. They smelled of gas so I figured they came out of the filter. The connections leaked on both sides with no O-rings, so I bought an assorted pack and started experimenting. Ended up with one really thick one, but the same diameter as the one that came out on the engine side and it took two of the matching diameter and size on the quick connect side. Just took a little playing around and a little gas in the hair, eyes, and hands.

[94SilverSSEi]

THis is kind of related but should the fuel filter be changed or if it is too rusted just leave it alone couldn't it potentially end up causing you to have to replace fuel lines?

Also is there any way to tell when it was last changed?

[spidey3479]

I think it is a preventative maintenance thing. I'm not certain but I think it should be every 60k. You're not supposed to wait until the car won't run because it can't get any fuel.

[94SilverSSEi]

My fuel filter has got a couple small spots of rust on it and it looks kinda dingy. So I might look into replacing. I'm assuming it's got to be at least 3-5 years old if it has rust and in the last 4 years about 95,000 miles have been put on the car so it's probably about time.

[00Beast]

Unless someone wrote miles on it with a paint pen or something, you won't be able to tell. Spray it with some penetrating lube, let it soak a day and then hit it again and try it.

[94SilverSSEi]

Ok. I'm just worried that the fuel line that goes into it will brake becuae it looks pretty rotted too. But I guess that means that it needed to be done.

Would you guys advise just using a runner hose and clamps to fix a broken gas line?
Because that's how we fixed one car and it seemed to work just fine.

[spidey3479]

Did that on my son's car, 96 Cavalier, it worked for a while, but then I had to have my mech redo the whole thing. Might be worth it to buy some metal tubing and a bender and do it right. Fuel spewing from under the car is not a fun thing.