94 Fuel Filter problem

[X2Xtreme360]

Quite simply.... those eye bolts will not come off! I've almost punctured the filter, but after testing, it's still OK. I need to get the new one on there though, this one is pretty old, obviously, the bolts have rusted so bad I can't get them off. I'm probably going to have to break some stuff to get this apart, but what's the best way to do it? I can replace a line that's no problem. Any ideas?

[Linebckr49]

when you say "eye bolts" i assume you are talking about the "banjo bolts". basically, the bolts that go in the top/bottom of the fuel filter that have a hole in them.

if you haven't yet, try spraying some rust penetrant on the bolts, letting it sit for about 30 mins, then spray em again. PB Blaster is a great product, but you can find several brands of rust penetrant at any hardware or automotive store.

also, when trying to break loose the eye bolt, are you holding the fuel filter itself? if not, then hold the fuel filter neck with a wrench (i believe its a 19mm).

[hink12341234]

I had the same problem. PB Blaster worked very well. Took some time but they came loose.

[X2Xtreme360]

Alright second attempt. Bought a can of PB, ended up basically drenching the entire filter in the stuff from it running and what not, had to have gone through 1/4 of a can at least. used a Breaker bar, extension, and 19mm socket with another 19mm wrench to hold the filter. Absolutely NOTHING. Did not budge. I ended up rotating the filter itself trying to get the damn bolt off, and that was the top bolt, I can't even imagine what the bottom is gonna be like. I wanna replace this filter because I think it's the original one from way back in '94. Any other ideas cause I think I'm gonna have to break some sh**.

[liquidPunk]

Make sure that you are holding the neck of the filter like lnbacker said... also make sure that you are turning it the right way, lots of people make that mistake and end up tightening them instead of loosening (i dont think they are reverse threaded but its been awhile)... but seriously, do yourself a favor and dont break anything, it will suck to an insane amout if you do!... also check out stealth316.com for step by step instructions with pictures on how to replace it. They can be pretty tough because nobody ever messes with them and they had a copper washer to seal.

Did you take off your intake pipeing and take out your battery, tray and washer tank? Doing this will give you a little extra room. GOOD LUCK

[X2Xtreme360]

Yea I used stealth316 as my guide for the procedure. I am turning it the right way (unless it is reverse threaded, probably not) and I'm holding onto the neck of the filter. I didn't remove the intake piping but yes to the battery, battery holder, and the batery tray holder. I have plenty of room to work with. It's hard to hold onto one end while trying to get leverage to loosen the bolt, but it shouldn't be this hard.

[Linebckr49]

how long did you let the PB blaster sit before you tried to break the bolt loose? they are NOT reverse threaded. remember: "righty tighty, lefty loosy" .

but again, make sure when you're trying to break loose the bolt, that you hold the neck of the filter with a wrench. i think the easiest approach is to use 2 wrenches. one holding the bottom, one on the bolt, and squeeze the wrenches together in a scissor-like action. watch your knuckles!

if still no luck, i would recommend two things:

1) let a friend try his hand at it. not trying to imply that you're weak, by any means, but sometimes 2 heads are better than one.

2) if the above yields nothing, then you might try some air tools.

honestly, it really shouldn't be THAT hard to break. i'm thinking that perhaps the last person that changed the fuel filter didn't put the copper crush washers in there, and maybe that's why its rusted stuck. check your washer fluid tank and pump for leaks. if it were to leak, the water/fluid would drip down onto the fuel filter and could cause the bolts to rust over time.