HELP! fuel line stuck to fuel inlet nut...can't change filter - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

punkdude908 · 06-23-2008, 10:13 PM

i have an 83 bird, CCC q-jet. the fuel line that connects to the fuel inlet nut won't come off so i can change the fuel filter. last time i changed it was a few years ago and don't remember making it that tight. i've already tried PB blaster and it didn't work.

any tricks/ tips on how to get this unstuck so i can change my fuel filter? or should i just take it to a professional mechanic?

Apeiron · 06-24-2008, 12:21 AM

Keep trying carefully, with a flare wrench. If you can't get it off, you can cut the line at a convenient point and unscrew the filter nut from the body.

punkdude908 · 06-24-2008, 12:43 AM

ok but then what do i do with the rest of the steel fuel line that comes up from the fuel pump? i really don't want to have to start cutting things. should i try it with the car warmed up in hope that getting the brass fitting warm will help them back out easier?

Apeiron · 06-24-2008, 01:10 AM

You could, but I doubt it would make much difference. Warming things up with a propane torch helps loosen things, but I wouldn't want to do it on a carburetor. If you cut the line, you'd have to replace the entire length, or flare the cut ends and use a short piece of hose to join them.

punkdude908 · 06-24-2008, 06:27 PM

ok, so here's a solution me and a few guys @ work came up with: i'm going to cut the existing metal line right before the fitting on the carb. then, take off the carb fitting and take a torch to it to try to get the stuck fitting off. after i remove the fitting, i'm going to put in adapters in the fuel pump and carb fitting to make it so i can run a 3/8" fuel hose from the pump right to the carb.

sound like a good idea? the guys i talked to have a lot of experience with older cars and said it should be no problem whatsoever.

Apeiron · 06-24-2008, 08:28 PM

It'll work, but I'd shy away from using that much rubber hose in the fuel system.

punkdude908 · 06-24-2008, 09:23 PM

why? is there anything bad about it? it's SAE rated fuel line. i planned on wrapping it in flame resistant electrical conduit to protect it a little bit.

Apeiron · 06-24-2008, 09:40 PM

It's SAE rated, but it's intended for short runs with limited movement. If you're going to use a flexible hose, do it properly and use braided stainless, or a proper hose like StartLite.

punkdude908 · 06-24-2008, 10:22 PM

what about something like this:
http://www.holley.com/370026ERL.asp

i already bought the bulk fuel hose though. i'll probably switch over to the earl's diamond lite eventually (too expensive for me right now). as long as the regular fuel hose won't do any damage, i'm still going to use it- all the gearheads i work with says it'll be ok (i work @ the local parts store). seems like the earl's stuff is just high pressure fuel hose w/ a braided covering and fancy clamps. i don't really need the high pressure stuff anyway- i'm running a stock q-jet with the stock mechanical pump.

thanks for the input!

Apeiron · 06-24-2008, 10:42 PM

Bulk hose is what, 20 cents a foot? You're not losing much by not using it. It'll work, but it's not the right way to do it. You won't be able to pass tech inspection with it if you ever plan on running at the track.

scooter500 · 06-25-2008, 05:49 PM

hey, if you haven't cut the line yet then suggest asking another mechanic to give a hand loosening the bolts. it's amazing what my mechanic friends can help me spot. you know two heads working together. sometimes nuts/bolts can be really hard to take apart and a small breaker bar might even be necessary.

comp · 06-29-2008, 11:33 AM

did you get it out ??

bigbird89 · 06-29-2008, 03:08 PM

I just had the exact same problem - I'm going to cut it, flare the ends, and use an 8 - 10" section of rubber line, at least temporarily. Just thought I'd chime in.

punkdude908 · 06-29-2008, 07:02 PM

i haven't had time as of yet...been prepping for the all-firebird show in upstate NY. i plan on getting to it next week sometime and i'll let everyone know and take pics.

89RsPower! · 06-29-2008, 07:55 PM

why not just buy some steel fuel line and make a new line from the pump to the carb? It's not very long, just bend it flare it and install the proper fitting. Basically the same way it was from the factory. It will only cost you a few bucks for the parts..

punkdude908 · 06-30-2008, 12:55 AM

eh too much of a PITA. plus, i don't want to run in to the same problem in the future. with the hose, there's no need to take the fitting out to unscrew the filter housing. basically, it's just easier and more practical....at least in my opinion.