I was attempting to replace the fuel filter on my 97 Bonneville SE and when attempting to break the nut connection on the solid line side(fwd) my worst fears were realized. I twisted the rusted line a bit and now it is leaking...and I still have not broken the 16mm/20mm connection.

Now what do I do? It appears that the line is solid all the way up to the motor with lots of turns and clamped in with the two other lines that I assume are also fuel....one return and the other ?

Is there a way to splice the line with a repair or am I looking at replacing the whole line?

Thanks,
Tim

Welcome TMERAW.. If u can find the time post an introduction for yourself in the Intro for New Members section. Pull up a seat in the Lounge and have fun..

u would be better off replacing the whole line.. U could cut it and install a "sleeve" and roll the edge but u still might risk leaking.. Just mock up the line and use ur hands to make the gradual bends needed.

I do have a line-bending tool I purchased when I replaced a brake line. Problem I see is figuring out exactly where the line goes and connects once running up into the engine compartment. After a quick look it appears to run up along the firewall and then maybe connects into a hose somewhere under the windshield and then runs across the top of the engine to the carb I assume(I see a couple of rubber hoses that say caution fuel fire hazzard etc.
Seem to be quite a daunting job.
Also...in looking along the rail a few feet forward of the filter I see a rubber hose splice in the middle of the 3 lines. I assume that it is probably a return line that again i assume has considerably less pressure than the feed line.

Ok I managed to get it fixed. I picked up a fuel line repair kit. Cut the steel line off and cut the repair line to length, put the necessary bends in the line and the compression fittings seem to be holding tight and not leaking for now.
A great relief to not have to replace the whole line...at least for now .

Thanks,
Tim

I know it'* a bit late, but may help in the future or other people that stumble on this thread. Turn the filter and hold the nut in place. This prevents the fuel line from twisting and braking like yours did.

Yep...hindsight is always 20-20 but that is for sure the key....though somewhat hard to do when it is severely rusted and the whole system is moving/suspended. A good set of vice grips or well fitting 16mm butted up against the frame or bottom to prevent the line side from turning would also help.

Thanks for the idea.

Ageeed! I forgot to mention that little tibbit

Soak it with PB Blaster before hand as well, that always helps.

This same thing happened to me a few months ago. Ended up spending about $20 on one of those Dorman fuel line repair kits, and cut the steel line off the car where it separates from the body and goes up into the wheel well.

Welcome to the "learned it the hard way" club. Say it with me…*PB Blaster, WD-40, and non-adjustable wrenches are our friends.