So I've got my 93 Sub Legacy all tuned up and ready to change the fuel filter, but the hoses won't budge. I changed it last year in a parking lot in under 10 minutes with no problems. I worked on this for over an hour last weekend and ended up with nothing but bloody knuckles. Clamps are off (obviously) but the hoses won't budge. I thought about heating them up to soften the rubber, but only long enough to envision the ball of flame that would ensue. Short of using a knife and just replacing them, does anyone have a suggestion?

If old and brittle, i would replace them.

If not, go at them with a pair of battery pliers: give the hose a rotational movement to get it unstuck and then pull at it.

My best.

You can also try pushing hose ends off the connectors with an open-end 8 mm wrench.

I had the same problem. Replace the two rubber lines - they are not very long.

 

Also put some teflon grease on the filter nipples when reassembling and you will get them off the next time.

Replacing them is good advice. I removed mine with the same problem. I had a hell of a time getting the ruber fule line back on even after I cut off an inch of both of the lines.

Get new hoses, cut the old ones, and lube the pipes on the new filter before installation.

 

And get some antiseptic on those knuckles!

Spray some WD-40 on them.

Yeah, I also think cutting and then replacing them is a good idea. Just drop by your local auto parts supply and get some 5/16" fuel injection hose. Make sure it's fuel injection hose and not plain old fuel line, unless you relish a carbeque.

 

Also make sure you use fuel injection clamps, not regular hose clamps. Fuel injection clamps have steel liners so they don't bite into the hose. If the stock clamps are in good shape then they're fine to reuse.

 

If you do want to preserve the hose you have for whatever reason, I suggest getting a pair of hose clamping pliers. They're plastic and have rounded jaws so they're easy on hoses. I have found them helpful when trying to remove fuel injection hose.

Yeah, I also think cutting and then replacing them is a good idea. Just drop by your local auto parts supply and get some 5/16" fuel injection hose. Make sure it's fuel injection hose and not plain old fuel line, unless you relish a carbeque.

 

Also make sure you use fuel injection clamps, not regular hose clamps. Fuel injection clamps have steel liners so they don't bite into the hose. If the stock clamps are in good shape then they're fine to reuse.

 

If you do want to preserve the hose you have for whatever reason, I suggest getting a pair of hose clamping pliers. They're plastic and have rounded jaws so they're easy on hoses. I have found them helpful when trying to remove fuel injection hose.

Thanks everyone! I'll add the new hoses to my shopping list.

heat-use heat gun or pour some boiling water on them. Will help loosen up and definitly lube the tubes before reassy. Just did mine last month.

heat-use heat gun or pour some boiling water on them. Will help loosen up and definitly lube the tubes before reassy. Just did mine last month.

Ahhh....a heat gun as opposed to a plumbers propane torch. Much more subtle, yet still effective. Nice touch.