2003 Yukon 5.3 - cannot remove fuel filter even with "special&quo

resslera · March 5, 2007

Alright, GM engineering is killing me here with removing the flex fuel disconnect from outlet of fuel filter.

I got the Lisle disconnect tool and I can get the tool in place on the outlet side of the fuel filter but it will not release. When the disconnect tool is in place, I slide the hose back to the filter as far as I can get it and then pull the handle back hoping to disengage the clamp with no luck. I even wedged a screw drive between the fuel filter and the fuel line release tool to push and nothing.

What am I missing here?

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks,

Aaron

C & A s Dad · March 5, 2007

If this is the original filter, you will see an expanded portion of the tube right in the way of where you are attempting to insert the tool. If this is the case, this piece that was made onto the original filter makes it very difficult to get the tool inside the sleeve to release the clamp. It can be done but it is not easy.

If you can get it off, the replcement filter you have likely does not have this intrusive piece making your next chage easy.

03blackburb · March 5, 2007

This is the way I change it on my 03 suburban:

The way I change mine is to unscrew the nut for the rear rigid line. The follow the flex line forward, it's only about 10 inches long. Disconnect the flex line and pull out the filter with the short piece of flex line attached. BE CAREFULL with the hack saw. DO NOT go fast. You want to keep the blade cool and not create a spark.

Take it over to the bench and using a hack saw cut the nipple off the filter, as close to the can as possible. Then just slip you QD tool over the sutb of the nipple and it's out.

For the installation It is your choice whether you assemble the new filter and short flex line before you get underneath or not.

resslera · March 6, 2007

when you say cut the nipple off as close to the can as possible, how much are you talking? The first 1/2 or so? If that is the case will the line stay on when you insert over the new filter since you cut the locking mechanism off?

What a piss-poor design in my opinion. I read on another site that GM techs usually do this on this car.

thanks for the help

C & A s Dad · March 7, 2007

It was designed so most people would take it back to the dealer to have it changed. This is not all bad as changing these filters on high pres vehicles can get a little dangerous.

Just remember, make sure your replacement filte does not have this nipple and you will not have this issue again.

resslera · March 10, 2007

Much thanks for the info. I took the 10 inch fuel line off. Able to reach that one with normal tool but still not easy to release. I used the hack saw and cut the nipple at the can.

Yes the new filter didn't have that little lip right where the nipple goes to the can. It was complete hell trying to remove the cut off nipple from the line, even using a normal release tool. Finally got it out and figured I'd avoid this problem all together by pulling the clamp out of the line. Now all I have to do is pull the line off the filter with my hand and thats it! I don't see any way the line can come off the filter due to the hook that short line. the line is pressing on its own against the filter so you still have to pull it off.

Started the car, ran it, no leaks. Problem solved!

resslera · April 2, 2007

Screwed up here guys. Just today I went to start my truck. Didn't start and smelled fuel bad. Of course there was a large puddle under the truck so with the fuel pressure in the line it moved far enough off the filter to spray on the ground. PUt the clip back inthe line to hold it on. I guess it was there for a reason other than making the fuel filter change a royal pain.

C & A s Dad · April 4, 2007

Screwed up here guys. Just today I went to start my truck. Didn't start and smelled fuel bad. Of course there was a large puddle under the truck so with the fuel pressure in the line it moved far enough off the filter to spray on the ground. PUt the clip back inthe line to hold it on. I guess it was there for a reason other than making the fuel filter change a royal pain.

Buddy I hate I did not read your post from March the 10th earlier. I could have saved you some greif. We (CARQUEST) sell the replacement locks quite often because a lot of the time they will break when releasing them. We have seen people attempt to reuse the broken lock or go without them and the filter will always leak. I am just glad it did not leave you stranded somwhere.