The fuel filter is one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance components. This can be particularly problematic with the 350 engine, since the fuel filter screws directly into the carburetor, where it is easily overlooked. Over time, a fuel filter's ability to effectively remove solid contaminants from the fuel supply diminishes. The internal components of the engine can become dirty, and fuel efficiency and power can be reduced. Thankfully, replacing a fuel filter on a 350 engine is a simple process.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal to avoid the risk of electrical shock and fire. The negative battery terminate is next to the "---" symbol which is stamped into the case of the battery. The cable attaches to the battery with a single clamp, which is secured with a single bolt. Loosen the bolt with a wrench, then lift the battery cable away from the terminal.
Locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is a metal cylinder located on the side of the carburetor that faces the radiator.
Disconnect the rubber fuel line from the fuel filter. Loosen the hose clamp that appears at the end of the fuel line. The hose clamp consists of a metal band and a single screw. Loosen the screw on the clamp with a Phillips screwdriver, then pull the line away from the filter.
Remove the fuel filter. The fuel filter screws into the side of the carburetor. At the tip of the fuel line, where the line enters the carburetor, is an integral nut. Turn this nut in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench until the filter can be pulled out of the carburetor.
Insert the replacement filter into the carburetor, then tighten the filter's integral nut with a wrench. Slide the rubber fuel line onto the tip of the filter, then tighten the screw on the hose clamp with a Phillips head screwdriver to secure the line in place.
Connect the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal. Place the cable over the terminal, then tighten the clamp's bolt with a wrench to complete the replacement process.
