New member, very little experience. Needing to replace the fuel filter in the tank of my 07 Tahoe. What are the fuel connections like and does this require a special tool. Any information, helpfull hints, suggestions, ideas, and thoughts would be GREATLY appreciated

The fuel filter is contained in the fuel sender assembly inside the fuel tank. There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement.

Meant to say the fuel pump not the filter. Vehicle is hard starting, took it to a mechanic and he advised it was the pump.

There isn't any special tools required. It helps to have a vehicle lift and a tranny jack to lower the tank. One thing I recommend if doin it yourself, the evaporative lines at the tank like to gather dirt and makes it difficult to remove. Blowing out the dirt with air helps a lot, and but penetrant oil will do. There is also an evap line that need removed near the filler neck on top It runs from the front of the tank to the rear, its routed over a metal brace on the frame. BE CAREFUL IT WILL BREAK IF THE TANK IS LOWERED TO FAR.

I'm far from being an expert on fi, but your post has made me ponder abit. Generally when a fuel filter begins to get clogged, you notice more performance issues the more the throttle is opened, not so much on startup. And what kind of mechanic, ASE certified or a df shadetree old fart like me? Did he attach a fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail? With a little more information I'm sure the more knowledgeable and tech sav vy members (like TechII) can help you out.

2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS

Not uncommon for a fuel pump to cause no start or a hard start concern, seen it time and time again. To the O.p. get a second opinion if you want, its your money.

A big thanks to those who have responded so quickly

as the newer type pumps wear the pressure goes down and the mpfi stuff is pretty finicky on proper pressure, so the pump only has to go down 5-10 psi from normal before it has issues starting and running

Successfully completed the fuel pump replacement, enjoyed it so much, did it twice because the fuel sending unit was not wired correctly. Followed the way the old sender had been wired and not the picture found in the directions that came with the new AC Delco fuel pump. Thanks to those who responded