Fuel Filter Removal

[msk1986911]

I am trying to replace the fuel filter in my 1986 911 (73K miles) since I have no record of the previous owner having taken care of that task. I have not been able to loosen the nut on the top. Is typical that the nut is very tight, or, is the nut reverse threaded? How much force should I have to apply? I assume I should be using 2 wrenches to remove and then install (one to hold the filter; the other the loosen or tighten the nut).

Thanks for your help.

[Rot 911]

Yes use two wrenches. It is not a reverse thread.

[ruf-porsche]

What ever you do don't use HEAT to try and remove the nut.

[kqw]

Just a note;

The filter connections are pretty tight.

Upon installation, make sure you get them tight or you will see leaks.

[ausgezeichnet]

I am currently in the process of trying to change the fuel filter on my 84 911. It is very stubborn . I've already tried a few shots of PB Blaster. I'll try a few more times. After that I plan on purchasing the longest 19mm wrench I can find to get a little more leverage. Unfortunately you can't use heat or an impact wrench!

[wcc]

I just tried to do that, but then I quit cause someone told me that the "made in Israel" fuel filters tend to leak. So I returned it and I'm going to get one that is made in Germany. But I do plan on buying some of those "Flare Nut" wrenches. I would think that they would give a better grip so you can get more leverage. I was using just opened end wrenches.

Let me know what you did and how it worked out for you.


Good Luck!!!!

[msk1986911]

Is it safe to apply some pentrating oil (liquid wrench) to the nuts on the fuel lines?

[jester911]

Just did mine today. It was no big deal. 10 minutes and done.
Guess I was lucky

[stormcrow]

The easiest way to loosen up the nut is place the top wrench on the nut - The nut screws counter-clockwise to take off (on top). Now, place the other wrench with the handle just past (clockwise) the handle of the wrench on the nut. Now, you should be able to squeeze both wrench handles together and you will be amazed how easy it can be to loosesn up fittings this way.

Do the reverse when you reinstall it.

Steve

"A Porsche does more then just go fast in a straight line"

[sig_a]

What size are fasteners/flare nut wrenches for removal of fuel filter for '87 Carrera 3.2. The fitting on the bottom gas line is 17 mm. What are the other three (two on the filter and one on the upper fuel line)? Can I just use an open end wrench on the filter as it will be pitched. I don't want to waste money on flare nut wrenches where they are not needed. Also, is there any truth to the Isreal manufactured filter leaking. Sounds like bs to me.

[msk1986911]

On my '86, the two nuts on top are 19mm; the nut on the bottom is 17mm. I did not use flare wrenches. The nuts are my filter were really tight. Wear gloves if you have much resistance. When the nuts finally broke free, my hand slipped and I had a big gash on my palm. Fortunately, the car was not damaged.

[sig_a]

Following advice here and elsewhere I had no problem removing and replacing the fuel filter on my 1987 Carrera 3.2. First I removed the "S" pipe connected to the blower on the left side of the engine. Then I placed a small crescent/adjustable wrench on the brass fitting mounted to the top of the filter itself. Then I placed a 19mm flare nut wrench on the brass fuel line fitting itself. Then I just held the crescent wrench in place and pushed (counterclockwise) on the 19mm wrench to break loose the fuel line brass nut. The fuel filter fitting at the bottom is also 19mm. I attached the crescent/adjustable wrench on this fitting. The lower fuel line is attached to the filter with a 17mm brass fitting similar to the upper fuel line fitting. I attached a 17mm flare nut wrench onto this fitting and while holding the adjustable wrench in place, I pulled (counterclockwise) on the 17 mm flare nut wrench. Although it did require a fair amount of effort, it broke free easier than I expected. It also helped that I had a shop cloth under the fitting to catch leaking gasoline. After cleaning up about 3 oz of the gasoline, I placed the new filter inside the restraining band lightly tightened . Then I spun/screwed the filter into the lower brass fuel line hand tight. Then I attached the upper fuel line to the top of the fuel filter. Then I tightened up the band holding the filter. Then I used the crescent/adjustable wrench and flare nut wrenches to tighten up the lower and upper fuel lines. I replaced the "S" pipe and finished the job. The starter ran about 10 to 15 seconds before the car started. This is an easy job and probably saves $50 by doing it yourself.

[dentist90]

Originally posted by sig_a
What size are fasteners/flare nut wrenches for removal of fuel filter for '87 Carrera 3.2. The fitting on the bottom gas line is 17 mm. What are the other three (two on the filter and one on the upper fuel line)? Can I just use an open end wrench on the filter as it will be pitched. I don't want to waste money on flare nut wrenches where they are not needed..

A set of metric flare nut wrenches would never be a waste of money if you are undertaking your own maintenance. You can use them on brake lines and oil lines as well. The cost of replacing one damaged brake line is more than the wrench costs, plus by doin' it yourself you are saving $$ that would otherwise go to a mechanic. Spoil yourself with the right tool for the job for each project and before you know it... you're a well-equipped Porsche mechanic!

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by wcc
But I do plan on buying some of those "Flare Nut" wrenches. I would think that they would give a better grip so you can get more leverage. I was using just opened end wrenches.

Let me know what you did and how it worked out for you.


Good Luck!!!!

Flare wrenches are a good thing to have...for any "soft metal" fittings. I'd place these high on the list of tools to buy once the "basics" are met.