I have a 99 Cav base with a 2.2L. At highway speeds (between 65-70 MPH) the car becomes hesitant and I have difficulty maintaining a speed. The temp gauge also begins to fall down to C. My mechanic believes the problem could be due to the fact that the fuel filter has never been replaced. Unfortunately, the fuel filter is rusted on and every mechanic who has looked at it has refused to remove it. I was told that the gas tank, pump, and the filter would have to be replaced due to the rust ($850).
How can I go about repairing this myself?
Thanks.
I would could cut the tubing (fuel line) just before and after the seized filter and just replace it with an old style filter that came with pieces of rubber hose on each end to y clamp in the fuel line. Since there is gasoline in the line and explosion or fire danger, maybe better have a qulaified mechanic do it for you. Just be sure to have some extra gasoline approved rubber hose and clamps both in the right size in case the ones that come with the universal filter are too short. Also use only a metal filter that can withstand the pressure not a plastic one.
iirc the gas tank on 3rd gens are plastic. I don't think replacing the tank is needed at all. I ran into the same issue with the filter being rusted and I ended up kinking the fuel line. Went to the wreckers since my pump was almost pooched so I dropped a tank, took the pump, and cut a piece of the fuel line that goes to the filter. Went home, replaced my pump, put in a fresh filter, and spliced in the line with my tubing cutters and a section off hose and gear clamps. Works perfect, although sometime soon I want to change out the line properly. In the end it set me back maybe 45 bucks for the used pump, new filter, and my entrance into the wreckers.
had a blown ecotec swapped 2000 cavy, now just an 02 Grand Am, and a 74 BMW 2002...
Ty Petersen wrote:iirc the gas tank on 3rd gens are plastic. I don't think replacing the tank is needed at all..
Nope. It's definitely not plastic. Maybe you're thinking of 01-05.
00+ tanks are plastic.
As for the filter I would cut the side that has the pressure fitting, and use fuel pressure hose and hose clamps to connect it, and you should be able to unscrew the other side.
I'm not sure your issue is fuel filter. Seeing as your temp gauge is dieing on you, seems more electrical. Fuel filter has not connection to the temp gauge,.
FU Tuning
I know they make fuel line repair kits, just have to find the proper size ones...
as for the Coolant Temp, change your thermostat, get the next level up one too, not the cheapest one.
