Fuel filter fix?

sfsentra · Oct 13th, 2005, 11:25 AM

When I attempted to replace the fuel filter on our '93 Sentra XE, I discovered that the upper length of fuel line (the out, from the filter to the rail) was essentially 'welded' stuck in place (from old age, no doubt). Pull as I did to try to disconnect it from the filter, there was no way it was coming loose. And I'm reasonably strong...

My idea--last resort, I guess--is to slice the line open at the nipple connection to the filter and remove it that way. If the rail end is similarly stuck, I'd follow the same procedure there. I'm hoping that I won't have as much of a problem disconnecting the filter from the lower 'in' hose--maybe being able to get a better grip on the filter itself once the upper line is disconnected will give me more leverage to pull it off the lower line, without having to cut it loose. Emphasis on 'hope'!

Before I do this though, or use vice grips to try to yank it off, I figured I'd tap into the collective wisdom of this board and see if anybody has a better solution. And while I'm asking, since if I do this I'd have to replace at least one length of fuel line, what's your recommendation on that--best brand of line to get, or doesn't it matter? What's the diameter I need to buy?

Thanks for any advice--

**wes** · Oct 13th, 2005, 01:20 PM

Well they will stick that bad on ANY car. Heck I change mine pretty often and EVERY time I do it (once a year) it is that difficult to remove. Anyway what I always do is I use a small flat blade screwdriver to pry the hose away from the filter nipple, I then use a firm twisting motion and i am usually able to seperate the two that way. If the hose is not leaking there is really no need to replace it.

Once you have the upper hose off you can hold the lower hose and pull the filter off. Just be sure and drain all residual fuel before you start flipping the filter.