Changing the FCC fuel filter

[Grant_West]

Hey its that time I wanted to know if any of you have any tips for changing the fuel filter located in the bottom of the fuel cell. On my GT-40

[NautiqueJeff]

Hey Grant -

Here are the official instructions from the PCM Service Manual.

[Grant_West]

Thanks that Will help me out.

[Rick]

SKIDIM reccommended I use 2 oil filter wrenches, as he said he has broken several when trying it with one.

[slob02]

I broke one too. Very tight. Some recomend getting a big pair of channel locks??

[Grant_West]

Why do they want you to use 2 Oil strap wrenches. Because its such a long can and it needs more surface area to grab?? and becomes stuck on??

[Rick]

They said to increase the surface area. They also said not to worry about crushing the can as it is thick walled.

[skinautique]

I have never had a problem removing the canister. The only thing you don't want to do is bend the bracket where it is mounted. I always use a regular oil filter wrench. When you go to put it all back together, put some grease on the threads and on the new o-ring. Hope that helps.

[SWCC-PART-MAN]

ALSO, before starting the engine after filter replacment, turn on the ignition and you'll hear the fuel pumps turn on for a few seconds. turn off the ignition and turn it back on again and give the FCC a chance to prime back up so you dont have to over work the starting circuit. the engine should start right up after doing this.

[NautiqueJeff]

Any other tricks to removing the FCC bowl?? I have tried for the past two days to get mine apart. I went out and bought two new strap wrenches, and I STILL can't get it apart.

[skinautique]

Where are you putting the straps at? Top or bottom of the bowl? Sometimes, they take a bit of work. You can bend the bracket that holds it if you aren't careful. I just use a regular oil filter wrench.

[NautiqueJeff]

I was using both at the same time. One on top, one on the bottom.

When you say you use a normal oil filter wrench, are you talking about one of the metal ones with the teeth?

[gotwake]

Jeff - sounds like the same issue I had with mine. It took forever, but we got it with two wrenches (strap kind). I've also seen the channel lock approach work.

[skinautique]

Jeff,
I use a regular metal one but it doesn't have teeth. You don't want to use the wrench too high because you will put too much pressure on the bowl up against the threads. Same case with an oil filter.

[G-man]

I went to Auto zone after breaking my rubber strap wrench and bought in their oil filter section a strap wrench that is made from seatbelt nylon webbing, a new strap wrench. You use a 1/2" socket wrench in the top of this thing and it gives you great leverage. I talked with my dealer about it and he said they are put on extra tight at the factory because they are very concerned about fuel leaks in the bilge. He also said the first couple years for FCC they would send the whole FCC to the factory and have them take them apart when they couldn't.