Hey I'm back with another rookie question. I noticed that the inline fuel filter in the engine bay is a bit old. It had no markings besides "IN" on one side, while it's probably not the original it's clearly been in there for quite a while at this point and it seems replacing it would be the best path forward. The question is, what's the best option for this type of engine in your experience? Also the hose I pulled out if there for the main line is 3/8", I assume that's what it's supposed to be? Thanks.

 

Just get the same type replacement one. I would also change the rubber hose. It is aftermarket, not factory.

 

Right, just go to the local auto parts store and ask for an inline fuel filter for a 3/8” hose.

 

Do you know if there is also filter still in the fuel inlet nut at the carb? Probably should also be changed.

 

I wouldn't mess with the fuel filter in the carburetor unless the carburetor is going to be rebuilt, or if that fuel inlet is leaking.

 

Why not? I just did mine and it's pretty easy. They do get clogged.

 

What car is this? I have two Toronados, both with 403 V-8s, and the only fuel filter in each one is the one that is in the line right up where it attaches to the carburetor. You can't tell how old it is until you remove it. Is yours some kind of add-on thing?

 

The fuel inlet threads on a Quadrajet carburetor are known to leak.

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They’re also known to get stripped from being over tightened. Continued use of the existing inline filter and leaving the carb inlet alone is a good idea.

 

I'm with bangscreech on this one. Carburetor inlets can leak if they're not treated nicely and get cross-threaded or overtightened. But if treated right, they don't leak, and, while I agree it's not often, you DO need to change the fuel filter now and then, although I have only done it when I've noticed a loss in performance. Waiting until a carburetor is rebuilt to do it means it might never get done because not everyone rebuilds a carburetor during the time they own the car.

 

Some of us remove the in carb filter and put a 3/8" filter in it's place before the pump. I was having fuel starvation issues running my 403 down the 1/8 mile. I removed the in carb filter and replaced with the type of filter someone installed on your 403, problem solved for me. The in carb filter may look and flow perfect or be so plugged you can't believe it is running or somewhere in between and possibly deleted. You don't know till you look, just hold the 1" carb nut and use a good 5/8" wrench to break it free. Every Olds V8 I buy seems to come with a pre twisted pump to carb line.

 

It's hard to believe that I've worked on every Olds V8 you ever bought.

 

Yeah, I have twisted one or two as well. Making sure the filter housing is tight when tightening the line and held with a wrench when loosening the line is key.

 

To reduce binding of the tubing nut at the fuel filter housing, slide the nut back as much as possible, clean the tube where the nut rests, coat the area where the nut covers the tube including the back of the flange area that contacts the nut with anti-seize and then tighten the nut with a quality tubing wrench while holding the already tightened filter nut with a 1" wrench.

 

I always make it a point to crack the line fitting down at the fuel pump and/or even back it out completely.

Having the ability to sway the line some side to side, makes things easier with less chances of cross-threading the inlet - rounding off the line fitting up there etc etc.

 

Great question, I'm not sure. Next time we open up the carburetor I'll take a look.

A 98. That's the one that I've seen so far, the external one between the pump the carburetor, but I'm pretty sure it's been in there for a while because it developed some surface rust on the housing. The car was benched in 2001 and a few years ago another guy got it I'm pretty sure he didn't mess with it. I figure the one that's on there now has been on since some time in the 90s. Better safe than sorry and should replace it.

 

If the car's been sitting for a long stretch, you may wish to service the one in the carburetor as well, per the helpful tips above.