VZ Fuel Filter Replacement Procedures

[mcsquirt]

Is anyone interested in having a procedure posted (with pictures or a video on Youtube) on how to replace the Fuel filter in a VZ V8 sedan (eg Calais).

The "Quick Connectors" that are used on the fuel lines are very easily broken and it took me a couple of very frustrating hours to learn how they worked and how to get them off without breaking them.

I also found that the standard RYCO Fuel Filters (Z586) supplied as after market replacements come with a white clip in connector that does not work with the Holden Quick Connect System.

May save you guys some grief or considerable expense...

[John_LS1]

procedure with pics would be good. i bought a new fuel filter a year ago and still haven't installed it because i didnt want to break those clips.

[Trewman]

I just replaced those clips with normal clamps like the older cars have. Its a bit easier to work with and you wont eat as much fuel

[Speedy Gonzales]

You can buy a tool which attaches to the clips and makes removing them a piece of cake, looks like half a socket.

Do it once, do it right.

[RARASV8]

You can buy a tool which attaches to the clips and makes removing them a piece of cake, looks like half a socket.

Do it once, do it right.

totally agree!
the stepson changed his filter and broke the clips and i just don't TRUST the clamps to HOLD the FUEL PRESSURE! can be an expensive failure if it leaks and goes up in flames.

Garry

[WOKAZ]

Would be interested in details of how to remove connectors without breaking them (hate learning the hard way!)

[brawlr]

shittest f ucking design those clips!! i did mine the other week and snapped one. had to drop the tank and replace the fuel return hose. wasnt too bad but 13bucks and replaced it on works time on the hoist lol

[GMMAD]

I dont see whats so hard about it
push the connector towards the filter push the clips in and pull off
and yes you have to use the original clips off the filter for the ryco ones

[mcsquirt]

VZ Fuel Filter Replacement Procedure:
(or how to get a Holden Quick Type Fuel Connector to unlock & relock, and replace a Fuel Filter without destroying: the connectors, your car, your sanity, or burning a hole in your wallet or setting fire to your car!)

Couple of quick points:

This procedure relates to replacing a fuel filter (External Canister type) as fitted to the VZ (V6 & V8) series sedans.
All you need for this procedure is the new (replacement) fuel filter, the “C” type Quick Connect Type Fuel line release tool which is available from REPCO / Supercheap Auto for about $17 for a set. The size of the removal tool you need for this job is 3/8”. You will need some clean rags to mop up any spilled fuel. A bucket containing some soapy water, which will be useful if the old filter and or under body work area are covered in dirt, or if you spill some fuel.

With a little practice you can do the whole job (disconnect the lines & replace the fuel filter) in about 15 to 20 minutes.
(Don’t do this work with a full tank of fuel. Don’t work in an enclosed area. Don’t work with or around naked flames, or while smoking!) If you are patient and careful - this is a relatively simple job.... If you are not confident to do this work (DIY) after reading through the procedure, take it to a mechanic – a mechanic should cost you about $70-100 for parts and labour....

If you are into DIY - This work is best done with the fuel tank nearly empty - less than 1/8 full (that’s about 5 litres remaining) or around 60kms to empty if you have the advanced gauges in your car.

THE PROCEDURE:

A: Make sure you have the correct replacement part - Jack the vehicle up at the rear and place it safely on car stands, resting on a solid surface. (This step is important so that the car doesn’t fall on you!)
B: Check that your vehicle has one of the canister fuel filter types shown in the photos below... The Fuel filter is normally located on the forward (front side) of the fuel tank on the RHS of the vehicle tucked up near the floor pan behind the rear axle. It should have a black plastic retaining clip holding it in place, against the car body. (The genuine Holden replacement Filter provides a new body clip (large black Zip tie) with each new filter) – It’s there to hold the filter against the body and stop the plastic fuel lines flapping around (The fuel lines will eventually fracture if you don’t re-install the clip)
NOTE: Some of the VZ Utes / Maloo’s etc don’t have any external fuel filter. On these vehicles the fuel filter is a different arrangement and is part of the fuel pump assembly which is inside the fuel tank. There are separate threads in the LS1 forum that explain what these are and what to do if they fail.
C: Open the engine bay and remove the Fuel Pump Relay.
D: Turn Ignition ON & Crank the engine - it will stall in a few seconds. (This step is necessary as it depressurises the fuel system and stop fuel spraying all over the place. – Once the engine has stalled TURN THE IGNITION OFF – and REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY.
E: Get under the vehicle - Insert the removal tool on the outlet side (“flat side”) of the Fuel filter and gently wrap it around the old fuel filter outlet tube – then push it into the connector as far as it will go. You may have to rotate the tool through 90 degrees as you insert it – there are 4 tangs inside the Quick connector that need to be unlocked. The tangs are hidden inside the Quick type connector – you can’t see them from the outside, but you may “feel them” against the tip of the tool. (I have attached some pictures showing how the connectors work with the tool so you can see how delicate they are.)
F: Holding the back of the removal tool firmly, now gently push the Quick connector towards the removal tool (you may feel a gentle click).
G: Now crisply pull the Quick connector away from the tool and off the fuel filter tube. It should come away cleanly. Some fuel will dribble out of the fuel line, and out of the old fuel filter. Try not to make a mess or get fuel in your eyes.
H: Wrap a clean rag around the filter / loose connector and repeat steps E through G on the other side of the fuel filter. Take the old filter and the removal tool and place them away from the work area. The Removal part of the process is now completed!
I: Orient the new filter correctly (Inlet / Outlet sides) onto the correct lines. (Round side is Inlet – Flat side is outlet)
J: Install the new filter by pushing the Quick Type connectors home – you will feel and here the “click” as the tangs engage the locking ring on the filter tube. (It should look like it did when you started – everything neatly inside the connector.... The Reinstallation is now complete.
K: Re-install the Fuel pump relay.
L: Turn the ignition to “ON” - cycle it to OFF / ON once or twice but do not start the car – Listen for the Fuel Pump--. Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the keys – Now go back and check for any fuel leaks.....
M: If there are no leaks – YIPPEE – GOOD JOB....
N: If you have leaks you may have to remove the offending connector, clean it and reseat it!

If everything is good to go.... take the vehicle off the stands and take it for a test run.... Don’t go too far without topping the fuel up (about ¼ of a tank will do the trick and should be good for about 100km’s)

[mcsquirt]

When you know how a job is done it's really easy!

[mcsquirt]

Stay tuned.... I've put a written procedure together with embedded pictures but having trouble uploading it....Hopefully will get this sorted in a day or so!