So after reading through the FAQ procedures on the Fuel Filter replacement, I thought it would be an easy job I could handle on my own. The fuel line developed a small leak and I ordered the parts from FCP Groton. Not only was I not able to get ANY of the bolts loose on the filter or fuel line, but I snapped the neg wire to the pump as well. Lucky for me my step father was an Electronics Tech in the Navy and spliced the wire for me. I was able to get the car running again and back to the house. The leak is a lot worse after trying to torque on the bolts to remove them. Penetrating oil did not help. They were pretty rusted on there. I actually contemplated a new car during this mini crisis. It will hopefully get into the shop this week.


Dru Tucker
Annapolis, MD

You are not alone: this routine job is made vastly worse by corrosion in the area. I try to make things easier in the future by reassembling everything with antiseize on each bolt thread and banjo facing and that has seemed to help. But the location, subject to salt spray, makes things tough.
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See the 700/900 FAQ at the drop-down menu above right.

It's a good idea to replace the short pipe between the filter and pump and the check valve while you're at it. It helps to take the whole cage off that the pump is mounted in. Assuming you can get that far. I got to that point and it still required a good whack which would have been impossible if mounted undeer the car.

That's one job I first attempted many years ago with my first volvo and being a novice at car repair. Sounds simple enough. Gave up after much frustration like you.
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Paul NW Indiana '89 744 Turbo 145K/ '90 745 turbo 127K

Try some PBlaster. Any auto parts, walmart etc carries it. Spray the fittings twice a day for about a week if the leak is not that bad. Best stuff I have ever used for rusted nuts/bolts etc.
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Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

That's exactly the oil I used. The leak wasn't bad going into Saturday. Now it's pumping and spraying all over. I am so afraid of it catching on fire, that I drove it straight home and parked it. It will remain parked until Monday, when my local garage can get it in.

Many shops actually use impact tools to install the fittings on the filter to insure that they don't leak. With that in mind sometimes the only easy way to get them off is with impact tools.

I know several good shade tree mechanics that have garages change out their Volvo fuel filters because of the poor access, the possibility of having difficulties with the fittings, and the danger of fuel spillage/fire.

Randy