Need Urgent Help!!!! Fuel filter won't go back in!!!

[FiveOhSlow]

Went to change the fuel filter today (never done by me before). Old one came out fine, went to put the new one in and the flared end of the fuel line wont go in! It seems like the flared end is too big to go into the filter on each side


I figured the part guy gave me the wrong part (even though my new Fram looked exactly the same as the old Purolator) so I tried to put the old Purolator back in just to see if it would fit... Its doing the same thing! the old filter I just took out now wont go back in (same problem, end of fuel lines wont go into filter at the neck down point after the threads). I didnt seem to need any fancy tricks taking it out, what am I missing when putting it back in?????


-lying under the car waiting for help

 

[turbofrank]

try bending the lines i know its going to be hard to do. Hand screw one side
on a couple threads then other side be patient it will come together. Don't
force it stripping threads not fun.

 

[FiveOhSlow]

I can't even get it to the point of threading it in. It stops before it reaches the threads. The wide part of the fuel line that supports the o ring seems to be hitting the entrance to the filter (like the entrance was too small?) But it's doing the same thing to the one I just took out so there has got to be someway to get it in.


I swear I'm not this stupid but this is getting frustrating

 

[turbofrank]

Never heard of that before? Fuel line should slide right in

 

[TwinyTwin]

I just put my fuel filter in yesterday and was having somewhat the same problem (purolator filter also) . First thing just tkae your time and dont force it or you'll be kicking yourself later for messing something up. What I did with mine was, I screwed the filter into the line closest to the engine so atleast one side was in right. then what I did was I had to menuvor(sp) the rear line inorder for it to fit right without damaging the line. You might have to move the filter so you can line up the fitting to go in right so you are gonna have to keep the filter clamp loose. Once you get it lined up start threading the fitting but keep your eye on it so you dont strip the threads. I hope this helps you but like i siad take your time and if you get frustrated take a break and come back to it.

 

[topfuel]

Are the fuel lines rusty? The threaded fittings on the fuel lines should readily slide on the metal line and the bottom end of the threaded fitting should be resting against the o-ring flare on the line.
It sounds to me like your threaded fittings are seized and you can't get them close enough to the filter to get them started.

 

[TurboBuckeye]

.........you can't get them close enough to the filter to get them started.

That sounds about right^^^^^^^^^^^

Have you tried twisting the threaded parts so they move up to the flared ends?

 

[FiveOhSlow]

Topfuel, that makes total sense.... how do I get them moving again on the fuel line without damaging them?

 

[topfuel]

Well, some rust penetrant spray would help, WD-40 or something.
Soak the fittings and use the closed end of the wrench to gently start
rocking the fitting back/forth until it moves freely enough to slide down
to where it should be. Careful not to twist the metal lines, work it a little at a time and keep soaking it if you need to.
Make sure the o-rings are ok too, new ones would be good.
These fuel filters are a pain in the arse, especially rusty ones

 

[FiveOhSlow]

When I took off the old filter I pushed back the fittings and they got wedged on the fuel line, and I didn't realize they were suppost to be able to slide (duh) when I went to put on the new one...


After your post I had the job done in about 2 minutes.... thanks a ton!!!

 

[topfuel]

No problem FiveOh, help is only a few mouse clicks away on this site!