1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

[Ray C.]

I cannot unscrew the 1961 fuel filter canister and I do not want to damage it. I am not sure how long it has been since it was apart, the 1961 FI had a carburetor on the engine when purchased. Any tricks for freeing this canister up for removal?

[Don H.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

I have never had to tighten mine real tight to prevent leaks. You might try a "wrap wrench" - they have a strap that goes around the bottom and would give more leverage. I'm not sure what it is called but similar to an oil filter wrench. I assume you have a 320 unit, I have to rotate mine to get it to clear the valve cover. Good luck, Don H.

[John D.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

Hi Ray, There is or was a special wrench to take those apart. It looked like a big spanner wrench. Had three "tongues" sticking out to fit the bottom of the cannister.
I provided a sample To Rev Mike Ernst to have them reproduced. But the project must not have transpired.
John Eyestone used to make this tool.
The spanner wrench that Don mentioned might not do it.
If you can't find one and one to borrow mine I will lend it to you. But please return it as I only have one.

If the good Rev Mike is looking in let me know what you did with my tool. Much appreciated. John

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

John,
Your timing is excellent. I picked the tool up yesterday at the machine shop, where it was lost the last x number of years. It is now in my possession, and it will be on its way back shortly!

[Mark S.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

Thanks Mike! I look forward to seeing it! Sincerely, Mark

[Ray C.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

Thanks John for the offer of your wrench! I made a wrench, but this canister will not brake loose, and I am very nervous that I might damage the filter. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this problem and came up with a solution.

[George W.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

Ray,
Good info from John D. Get the special made FI spanner wrench, put a paper towel around the filter so as not to scratch it with wrench, most important, secure the top fuel line at the filter and at the nut where it goes into the al2 intake to prevent cracking the fuel pump top; as you know it is easy to crack. With all secure, one sharp pull of the spanner wrench will break loose the gummy O ring; clean off all the black yuk from the threads and screw the new filter in hand tight, make sure to NOT twist the O ring, it could cause a leak. If at hand tight, it leaks when you start it; tighten it with the spanner wrench. Works for me every time; have fun.

[John D.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

John,
Your timing is excellent. I picked the tool up yesterday at the machine shop, where it was lost the last x number of years. It is now in my possession, and it will be on its way back shortly!

Thanks very much Rev. Mike.

[John D.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

On the same subject. You can go to an Auto store and buy a replacement fuel filter element for the 59 to 61 filter. Filter is OK but the problem is the Square O'ring is very thin.
Look for NOS AC GF-157's in the old box.
No one ever mentions this but I wonder if the ethanol is going to cause issues with that o'ring?
Ray, That's a very nice wrench you made.
The '59 to 61 FI owners break more fuel meter covers than any other year it seems. That original filter is not the best to start with and it causes a lot of grief when you install it as you have to get it at the correct angle. Guys will use teflon tape and you know the rest. Those fuel meter covers are very expensive.
Try spraying some good penetrating oil around the top of the lower can. Almost a two man job. Someone to hold the filter at the inlet fitting and another to be working the tool.

[Don H.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

NAPA # 3271 is a replacement gas filter for 60-61 FI. I compared the square o-ring from a GF-157 and a 3271, they appear to be the same.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

The '59 to 61 FI owners break more fuel meter covers than any other year it seems. That original filter is not the best to start with and it causes a lot of grief when you install it as you have to get it at the correct angle.

Amen, John. For my '60, I parked my original filter canister on a shelf somewhere and installed a GF90 in its place. Looks almost proper and is so much easier to manipulate. My heirs can re-install the original filter canister, if they care.

[John D.]

Re: 1961 Fuel Injection Fuel Filter

Amen, John. For my '60, I parked my original filter canister on a shelf somewhere and installed a GF90 in its place. Looks almost proper and is so much easier to manipulate. My heirs can re-install the original filter canister, if they care.

Well stated Jim. It's my least favorite of all the Corvette FI fuel filters. Difficult to have replated to as crap gets stuck between the inner and outlines lining. Then the FI becomes contaminated.