Questions and Answers

GM Fuel Filter Fix Q. I am having trouble changing the fuel filter on a 1997 Chevy S-10. The flare nut was very rusted and the nut being so soft is now rounded off. I tried using a PB blaster and that did not help to loosen it up at all. Now I don't know what to do. Can I cut the line and splice some other type of line in place. If so what kind of material do I need and what do I use to attach. Thanks for any help you can give.

A. I have seen this happen many times, personally I think GM could have come up with a better way to attach the filter, but we have to play the cards we're dealt.

There are a couple of ways to get around this. The first and most desirable is to replace the fuel lines.

Another way around it is to cut the lines just in back of the flair, and remove the flair nuts. Then reflair the ends of the fuel lines with a flairing tool. Now you need a fuel filter that has the same size inlet/outlet tubes and two six inch pieces of high pressure fuel line and EFI hose clamps. Don't use regular worm drive mini-clamps.

Once you have the filter, install it inline with the fuel lines using the new fuel hose and clamps. Make sure you orient the new filter in the right direction. You may have to trim the steel fuel line to get it to fit. Using a large hose clamp, secure the new fuel filter to the existing bracket. You might want to wrap some old radiator hose around the filter to cushion it.

Someone once told me there is a repair kit for this situation, but i have never seen one. It wouldn't hurt to check the Dealer or an auto parts store to see if there is, indeed, a repair kit.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA