A Rant on Fuel Filters

[IbnAlfreak]

Well...

I attempted for 3 hours to change my fuel filter today. It hasn't been changed in 185k miles and desperately needs a new one. My car was idling rough, like it needs a little more gas, stalled out for the first time the other day, so I figured I'd start troubleshooting by changing the filter (a $13 piece). After watching a ton of YouTube videos featuring your typical GM quick release I figured the filter swap would be a breeze. Nope.

I did everything correctly, I got the flange nut off and moved onto the quick release portion. That's where the problems began. Apparently there is a black plastic quick release "tool" already installed. This puzzled me so I searched the internet and found that all you had to do was squeeze it and pull the filter out. After much trying, the plastic piece finally disintegrated, leaving me with no way to remove the filter no matter how much I pulled, twisted, and pushed the remaining bit of that plastic tab into the housing.
I even tried using a quick release tool to no avail.

I just wonder why it's so hard is it for GM to use the basic quick release filter like everyone else. I'm done trying to change this. :angry:

[1970cs]

If need to take and cut the plastic line, Dorman offers repair parts see PDF page #6
http://www.dormanproducts.com/documents4rb/135-145QuickDisconnectBuyersGuide.pdf

Pat

[falloutboy]

Yeah, I got the same fuel filter with the black collar "quick release" I never figured a way out to remove it.
Especially as I was unable to find a replacement filter that seems to fit this kind of release, all I could find was the later released 2 prong style quick disconnect filters.

[zzyzzx]

If need to take and cut the plastic line, Dorman offers repair parts see PDF page #6
http://www.dormanproducts.com/documents4rb/135-145QuickDisconnectBuyersGuide.pdf


Which part on page 6?

[1970cs]

It's been a few years like 07 when I changed one on an Alero. I am afraid you are going to have to measure the outside diameter to see if 5/16 or 3/8?
(the outside diameter will be slightly large than the inside) 5/16=.3125 3/8=.375

056-057-058-059 depending on if it's straight or you need a 90?

Pat

[falloutboy]

Keeping in mind, you would also probably need the repair set with it.
(be glad you have the option to repair, here something like this is deemed 'impossible to repair' )