Fuel filter removal problems

[Calaber]

OK, anybody who has replaced the fuel filter on a VY 6 cylinder Commodore will know that they can be a bitch to remove. As I found out today.

I have replaced this mongrel previously without a problem, but today was different. I have a pair of long-nose pliers with the ends bent in to use as a removal tool, to compress the little locking lugs in the connectors.

Well, today they didn't want to budge. I eventually disconnected one, but the other fitting is almost butchered beyond use and still won't release.

So, my question is, has anybody ever cut these useless connectors off and replaced them with good ol' rubber hose and clamps?

The pipe that won't release is the one leading from the filter to the engine, and comprises a 90 degree bend and a small length of hard plastic tubing, which is pushed onto a steel pipe up by the chassis rail. It's a bit of a mongel to get at but I was thinking of replacing the whole plastic pipe and fitting with fuel hose. Hopefully, the other clamp which did release, will do so again, otherwise it goes too.

Any advice on this problem would be welcome. At present, all is back together with the old filter still in there, and fortunately, it doesn 't leak...for now.

[wortus]

Usually you just push the connectors in towards the filter then squeeze the connector and pull back. I think it's easier if you release the fuel pressure first.
if you want to go back to using fuel hose and clamps you should use a vn type filter which has a barb end and you should have the metal pipe flared to give it a barb otherwise the hose may come off however this may be harder to do on the fuel tank end as the connection onto the tank is plastic. You could try making up a double sided barb to join the fuel hose to the plastic tube that's used and use a hot air gun to push the tube used in the car over the barb.
other option is to buy the short hose tank to filter and cut it to the length of the other side ( it presses over the metal tube near the floorpan) take off the old tube with the busted connector off being careful not to put any cut marks in the metal pipe and heat up the new bit with a hot air gun and push it over the metal hose.

[Calaber]

Thanks Wortus. Do you know if the short plastic pipe is available as a separate spare part? I had thought of just cutting the old pipes away and replacing them with new bits but don't know if they can be purchased separately.

I had de-pressurised the system and one end came off with a bit of a fight, but that other end just doesn't want to know about coming off. It's now pretty well buggered and I doubt it will ever release without being totally destroyed.

Bloody shit of a system - obviously designed for quick assembly on the production line. Absolutely nothing to commend it in preference to the old reliable hoses and clamps.

[WAGON MAN]

Do you know if the short plastic pipe is available as a separate spare part? I had thought of just cutting the old pipes away and replacing them with new bits but don't know if they can be purchased separately.


Bloody shit of a system - obviously designed for quick assembly on the production line. Absolutely nothing to commend it in preference to the old reliable hoses and clamps.

The fuel line is sold by Holden as "one piece" (fuel filter to engine).
I'm sure you will be able to fix it with a section of new fuel hose and some clamps.

[wortus]

The hose from the tank to the filter is available from Holden for less than $20.00 For the filter to engine I think it comes as one part ie the metal pipe to the firewall which would not be easy to replace.
The plastic tube Holden use looks like nylon pressure tube something like Festo etc. If you want to use normal fuel line and clamp it on you should be careful it is a really tight fit without clamps or somehow flare the end. I don't think clamping would be a reliable joint over the small length available on the fuel filter as you' never get the rubber hose over the locking ridge. As I said before what I would try first is to go and buy the small tube that goes from the fuel tank to the filter and cut it to suit the length from the fuel filter to the metal pipe going to the firewall (the one you have buggered). Next get the broken tube off the car, I don't know if a heat gun is OK around fuel but I would try to slit t and get it off or use gloves and a rag dipped in hot water to try and heat it up a bit. Then I would get the piece cut from the new hose and heat it up with a hot air gun and push it over the pipe on the car on as far as the original part and let it cool down and see if it is nice and tight.

I think these clips are designed not to be hard to get off but to be more leak proof ie they don't leak if there not tight enough and also the tube does not perish and split so it's probably for safety reasons.

I managed to get mine off fairly easily but I have bough tthe small hose incase I break it next time.

[Calaber]

Thanks for the assistance guys. I have a piece of long rubber fuel hose the right diameter, and I think with a bit of effort, I can force it over the raised lip on the filter. Worth a try, anyway. The other end, the one that did release for me, from the tank, well, I just hope it releases again. If not, at least it is a cheap replacement. (Assuming it's easy to disconnect from the tank, of course - does it use the same stupid clip set-up?)

I like the idea of purchasing the short pipe and using it to replace the plastic line. It seems to be more of a rubber compound than plastic, so forcing it over the steel pipe above the axle might be possible, then clamping. The problem there is the other pipes that are grouped next to it - no room for a clamp unless I shift them.

What really shits me is the fact that the clip absolutely refused to release. When I replaced the filter last time, it came away easily with the tool I made up. This time, the tool just mangled the outer housing of the clip and I doubt that I can get them to release, now.

[maginoodle]

i have had a bit of trouble with these. i then bought the proper removal tool. i bought the 2 sizes. cant remember how much they were but i know they were less than $20 for the pair.

cheers shane

[VYMAD]

i have had a bit of trouble with these. i then bought the proper removal tool. i bought the 2 sizes. cant remember how much they were but i know they were less than $20 for the pair.

cheers shane

From where did you buy the tool?

[wortus]

Yes it's the same setup on the fuel tank. The type of tube Holden use on the VY is semi rigid type and looks like some pressure tube I've used inthe past to push over metal tube and it has sealed up fine. Whatever you do just keep a close eye on it for any leaks. I'd also make sure the fuel pressure on a VY is similar to the older Commodores that use clamps. If it's a lot higher this may be another reason for these snap on clips? There's a tool for them around but everyone I spoke to takes them off without it. I think it's a matter of when you do it a lot it becomes easy. The first time I looked at it I just lowered the car and left it for a few days then on the advice I got I went that way and it worked fine. I thik the best bet is to keep tools well away so you can't bugger them up.

[Calaber]

Yes it's the same setup on the fuel tank. The type of tube Holden use on the VY is semi rigid type and looks like some pressure tube I've used inthe past to push over metal tube and it has sealed up fine. Whatever you do just keep a close eye on it for any leaks. I'd also make sure the fuel pressure on a VY is similar to the older Commodores that use clamps. If it's a lot higher this may be another reason for these snap on clips? There's a tool for them around but everyone I spoke to takes them off without it. I think it's a matter of when you do it a lot it becomes easy. The first time I looked at it I just lowered the car and left it for a few days then on the advice I got I went that way and it worked fine. I thik the best bet is to keep tools well away so you can't bugger them up.

Hmmm....I might have one more go at getting the clips to release first. They seem to be holding ok at present with no leakis so the seals must be alright. Many thanks for your assistance.

FINAL DECISION I chickened out. Too worried that I would stuff something expensive, or leave myself with a disabled car and a long walk to the dealer and back. Booked in at Ultratune. Fancy having to get a professional to fit something as basic as a fuel filter, just because I'm not as game as I used to be when faced with the risk of damaging something.