[macdaddy]

Hi guys,
On my 1998 2wd Asto I attempted to change my fuel filter last week and the bolts on the fuel lines where seized pretty good. So i soaked the area in liquid wrench several times and today tried to crack em. the front bolt let go, but the rear would not budge, I have begun to round off the nut pretty good now and am not sure what the next thing to try. anybody know any tricks to get her loose?

anyhelp is much appreciated.
thanks

 

[Matrixx]

Hi macdaddy
If you have a small pipe wrench, I would try that first. It usually holds enough to break the nut. Next step would be to try to file the nut back into it's shape again, then use a smaller "Box End Wrench only" to break it free.

The last resort would be vice grips. The reason being, is their will be a good chance from the pressure applied from the vice grips that it will crush the nut and fuel line to an oval shape. It is possible to use them, but it's important to only use enough pressure from the vice grips to hold the nut firmly in place only.

I have used them in last ditched attempts when everything else failed. Another thing to consider here is to have the filter still mounted to the bracket and on the rail for support, but have the bracket loose enough to allow the filter to rotate within it.

My strong suggestion here is to use only box end wrenches for this application (removing the fuel filter). If you do manage to get the nut off and everything is fine, then I would suggest a "light" bit of grease on the threads only to help prevent this from happening again. Hope this helps. Please keep us updated and I'm sure others will chime in if they can.

 

[Big_kid]

Soak it with PB Blaster, try a flare/line wrench on the fitting, and a strap wrench on the filter. If that doesn't work try the pipe wrench.

 

[astro355]

Soak it with PB Blaster, try a flare/line wrench on the fitting, and a strap wrench on the filter. If that doesn't work try the pipe wrench.

Quoted for truth.

 

[macdaddy]

The line wrench made all the difference, got her off with only a few nasty words.
Thanks much for the help guys

 

[Matrixx]

Hi macdaddy
Thanks for the update. It's always good to hear a positive outcome when something like this happens.

 

[ScottS]

Glad it came loose- NEVER touch fuel or brake lines with anything but a line wrench . :thumbup:

 

[Matrixx]

Hi macdaddy
Just to clear up my post above is, "Line Wrench" and "Box End Wrench" are the same thing (for me anyways).
http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?Page ... D=81308664
I apologize for the confusion, Scotts and Big_kid are correct, Line Wrench only.

 

[astro355]

Well, before you install the new fuel filter, you could tack weld some short box end wrenches to the nuts. Problem solved! :rockon: