5 replies to this topic

[minicooper1.3i]

Hi

I want to renew the fuel filter on my '98 MPi, but the unions are seized. I tried to undo them to no avail, I then asked my local garage to do it (thinking it'd be easier with the car up in the air) and they gave up trying when the fuel line started to twist in the union.

So....any ideas how to get the unions undone? I haven't. In any other scenario, I'd get the blow torch on it, but I don't think that's very advisable here

Appreciate any suggestions!

Cheers All

[MrOz]

Could you not remove the filter by taking off the flexi pipes? Then give the unions a good soak with PlusGas or WD40?

[elvisthepizzaman]

here is what I would do. pump out all the fuel you can out of the system and then use a hack saw to cut the filter off at the neck. then you can take the housing off of the subframe and have more access to the unions. wait a day or two with the cap off to let all of the residual fuel in the lines evaporate and then use a torch to heat them up and attempt to break them free.

If you can order new unions, then you can hack the filter off at the union itself instead of trying to cut the filter neck off without damaging the union threads. if you slice the union down its length along the threads but not deep enough to cut the fuel pipe connector, you might get it to break free.

See photo of the cut areas I am describing.

Attached Files

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Edited by elvisthepizzaman, 14 April 2008 - 11:37 PM.

[minicooper1.3i]

here is what I would do. pump out all the fuel you can out of the system and then use a hack saw to cut the filter off at the neck. then you can take the housing off of the subframe and have more access to the unions. wait a day or two with the cap off to let all of the residual fuel in the lines evaporate and then use a torch to heat them up and attempt to break them free.

If you can order new unions, then you can hack the filter off at the union itself instead of trying to cut the filter neck off without damaging the union threads. if you slice the union down its length along the threads but not deep enough to cut the fuel pipe connector, you might get it to break free.

See photo of the cut areas I am describing.

Cheers for that. I suspected I'd have to drain the tank out. I reckon I'll have to get one of those dremmel tools with the small cutting discs though , to get up in there to cut through it.

[MrOz]

I'd say it would be easier and safer to removed the filter by pulling out the flexi pipes - that's what I had to do with the exit from my fuel filter.

[minicooper1.3i]

I'd say it would be easier and safer to removed the filter by pulling out the flexi pipes - that's what I had to do with the exit from my fuel filter.

Hi

Do you mean, disconnect the rubber hoses from the tank and the solid front/rear fuel line? Then undo the mounting bracket and pull the tank hose through the body to remove the whole assembly from the car?

I can't picture where the flexible hose connects to the solid front/rear pipe. Is it easy to get to?

Cheers!