Replacing the fuel filter

'96 Grand Am SE 2.4L

I replaced the fuel filter tonight, and had a rough time getting it to stop leaking. I'm beginning to think I'm missing a washer or something.

One side of the filter has a hex female opening, and that connected to a hex male connector on the car. That's the connection I couldn't seem to get tight enough. I was really afraid to crank at it much tighter for fear I would strip something out.

Should there be a washer or o-ring or something? Is this just a compression fitting? If so, does it take a lot of torque?

The first time, I tightened it "comfortably" and it leaked like a seive when the fuel pump started. So, I climbed under and really torqued it down, but I'm afraid to start the car again until all the fuel on the ground evaporates. I'm afraid it will leak again when I start it.

The connection on the one end of the filter is a flare fitting. Just be careful and tighten the connection using a line wrench on the flare fitting and a open end wrench on the fuel filter. Keep tightening until it no longer leaks. Just do it a little at a time. What you can do is have you son turn the ignition but do not start. This will prime the fuel system and if it is still leaking tighten the flare fitting some more until there is no leaking from the fuel filter.

Also you will need two wrenches if I can remember. One for holding and one for tightening. If not you can twist the line.

Use a 20mm wrench on the fuel filter and I have found this is better than using a 13/16" wrench which fits sloppy.Cornwell tools does make a special 20mm flare nut wrench for GM fuel filters and it is not cheap