What intern at Chrysler designed the quick-connect system for our fuel filters? I went in thinking I'd have a 10 minute job to replace my filter, but when I broke one of the PLASTIC quick-connect tabs and jammed it all at the same time I had to go to engineer mode.
I decided the best thing to do was just cut out the filter and the fuel lines in either direction for a couple inches. Two short pieces of hose, 2 pieces of metal tubing used to connect the old lines to the new ones and 6 clamps later...and I should be an engineer for Chrysler. If I ever have to replace the filter again, it's going to take about 3 minutes to do so.
If I ever get a digital camera or a scanner, I'll post some sexy pics of the way a fuel filter should be hung.
Shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure that the clamps are for fuel line use, not the worm drive type. The filter on my 92 Caravan is connected this way, works fine.
Well, it happened. I can now swallow my pride. My ghetto-rigged fuel filter setup lasted about 2 months, but let go last Friday night. Long story short, I couldn't fix it on my own because it died in the middle of the highway and I didn't have my tools so it cost me 600 bucks (which includes the tow, rental car, and dealership fix) to replace my 20ish dollar fuel filter. UGH.
Did you by chance release the pressure from the system before trying to disconnect the plastic fittings from the filter? I did my fuel filter this weekend, and it was a 2 minute job. THe only thing i can think of is that you still had pressure in the fuel line, making it very difficult for those fittings to work properly. Sorry if this info is too late for ya.
Yeah, I did release the pressure from the system. The problem when I was trying to change out the filter was that one of the plastic quick connects was sticking and then it broke and jammed all at the same time.
It was something in the section between the filter and the tank that let go. It was dark, the ground was covered in gas, and I was at a stoplight in the middle of a highway when it croaked, so I'm not even sure if it was a clamp or the line actually breaking (I suspect a clamp though). I was there for probably 10 minutes trying to start it before I got out and stepped in the puddle of gas. It looked like I had probably pumped a gallon out in trying to start it for those 10 mins. Next time I stall, I'll get out a little sooner!!!
There are tools for them, i picked up a set for 20 bucks, does ford, gm, chrysler and some imports. Well worth the cost they have those connectors all around on the fuel system.
The fuel filter and fuel pump are all on the same housing right? Anyway, woould you say that changing it is something that a newbie can do? Or do you suggest going to a mech? This is on a 1st gen..
I just got done changing the filter on mine. It took me a few mins of studying the filter and fittings to figure out how to get it off but was successful in changing without breaking the plastic fitting. The front and rear lines disconnect slightly differently but are actually quite easy once you figure them out.
All I have ever used have been 1 pair needle nose pliers, 1 very small flat top screwdriver to remove the clips. Works every time. turn and squeeze the 2 halvs of the white clip where it is closest to the filter body and then use the screwdriver to pry off the line. Works everytime.
My '00 Grand Am has the best set up I've seen so far. You open up a "window" in the clip, and push up on the center (green) piece and line pops right off. Very easy.
New cars with high pressure fuel pumps have to have line spliced in using compression fittings, not hose clamps. If using clamps, at least flare the ends of the tube.
i was looking at my clamps, and the inner outlet does not have white tabs. I am able to get the outlet clamp out just fine. Maybe the person before screwed it up?? Dunno...I was reading this and decided to change my filter...low and behold it is the same OEM filter from '93 with 117k of gas through it...
Power Ram: What do you mean differently? I cannot squeee the tabs since I don't have any..but the back one can be popped out no problem.
I had my filter replaced by the dealer for 75, cause i was gonna break something..well i watched their mechanic pull and prod... once it was done the OTIS was giving better mileage yet the DTE was screwed up. Well today on my way home the engine sputtered while driving around 5-10 mph and then had a complete shutdown. I pooped the hood and smoke was coming out of the camshaft hole (near the sensor). Not sure if they depressurized the system. If they didn't would that make the car take a dump? maybe break a rail? I am taking it to a firestone tomorrow (dropping it off tonight actually) The 54 code popped on... and i am pissed..every time i do something ..something else happens... any suggestions? fuel system failure?
When 'smoke' was coming out of that hole on my Intrepid, it wasn't a good thing. If you smelled the smoke, it should smell sweet.
More than likely, it's not something you want Firestone to fix.
When I had that problem, the idler pully, timing belt and water pump needed replaced. One of those popped and took out the other 2.
This caused my car to overheat and go 5-10 mph before stalling out.
It's not a hard fix, especially if you have the tech manual. It's just time consuming. It took me 5 days (1-3hrs/day only because it was 10 degrees out when I had to work on it.)
I had to:
1. Pull off all belts.
2. pull out the radiator and fans (for extra room)
3. pull off the lower crankshaft pully
4. pull off the front timing belt cover
5. take out the idler pully, timing belt and waterpump
6. replace everything
7. put everything back together.
One thing I learned from when I was a kid and tried to replace my own waterpump on my 318ci. use ziplock bags to hold every bolt individually and use a permanent marker and make a drawing from where the bolt came from. This helps when one bolt is slightly longer than another and was designed to keep coolant seperate from the oil.
Hope this helps.
Hardwarz
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums
2.2M posts
41.9K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to Dodge Intrepid owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, specs, parts, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!