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[Jukeboxnut]

I decided to change the fuel filter this evening, after a huge struggle using the proper pliers I managed to remove the old one and fit a new genuine Vauxhall filter having to reuse the plastic clips which appear to be in perfect condition.  The pipe fittings were a bit distorted but they appeared to squeeze back into shape OK.  The tank side one fitted with a reassuring clip but the front one (which goes to the fuel rail) would not clip in position and each time I switch on the ignition and start the car it pops off.

It is the most awkward job to get at but nothing is broken on the pipe fittings, the plastic is still intact where the clip should locate.  As the filter did not come with new clips I had to use the old ones which look perfect with plenty of spring in them.

Is there any way to fix (bodge) it so that I can get the car on the road again, or is a replacement pipe/clip needed?  It would be  very awkward to replace the pipe by the look of it.

Any help would be most appreciated,this is my first apparent unsolvable problem on the car, my last 2.0 estate was no problem or my wife's Vectra.

[05omegav6]

Where abouts in west sussex are you? Pm if it helps.

[Jukeboxnut]

Hello Al, I am in Bognor Regis.

[05omegav6]

Buggre. Stuck in sunny Horsham at work, was thinking if just around corner I could escape for 10.

Try depressurising the fuel rail, then have another crack at the connector. They are either a complete shite, or no problem, hence stealers NEVER changing them. Might be slightly easier with the filter unclipped, the clips on the filter have to be in exactly the right place or they don't clip. they have a tendency to slip round slightly as you try to clip them in. Stick at

HTH, Al.

[jonnycool]

The fuel filter usually comes with new connector clips - if it doesn't, you can buy them from a dealer. Try new ones

[Jukeboxnut]

Hooray, I have finally managed to fix it.  Careful filing of the clip and the pipe fitting to remove any burrs, especially in the fitting, resulted in a satisfying snap as the clip located properly.

What a sod of a job it is though - could the filter be any more difficult to access?  It looked like it had never been changed in 104,000 miles so hopefully a job that will not need doing again.

Thank you for help and suggestions, what an excellent and friendly forum this is, I do not make enough use of it (too busy with my main hobby).

[Lazydocker]

Having looked at the fuel filter location on my estate today I decided it didn't look that old

[05omegav6]

100k intervals seem perfectly reasonable   :-/

Glad all sorted