The filter is an important part of the fuel system on a 1997 Chevrolet K1500 truck. As fuel flows from the tank to the engine, the filter strains it for dirt and rust particles. Over time, however, the filter can become clogged with dirt, which can cause engine problems. Chevrolet recommends that you change the fuel filter every 25,000 miles.
Park your truck on level ground. Make sure the area is well-ventilated. Engage the parking brake or apply tire stops to the wheels. Unscrew the filler cap from the fuel tank. Pop open the hood and disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Crawl underneath the vehicle from the driver's side. Find the filter mounted to the frame rail just below the seating area. You should be able to identify the filter as a metal cylinder attached at both ends to a black hose, which is the fuel line.
Inspect the fuel filter and note that it is secured to the fuel line with a clamp. Expand this clamp with a pair of pliers. Slide the expanded clamp toward the fuel line. Gently but firmly twist and pull the fuel line away from the fuel filter until the fuel line is disconnected. Remove the bolts that secure the filter to the frame rail with an adjustable wrench. Set the bolts aside and discard the filter.
Secure a new fuel filter to the frame rail with a set of bolts. Align the fuel line with the inlet tube on the filter. Push the fuel line onto the filter and slide the clamp over the area where the filter connects with the line. Tighten the clamp over the filter.
Crawl out from under the vehicle. Screw the gas filler cap to the fuel tank. Connect the negative cable to the battery. Turn the car on and allow it to idle for a few minutes to pressurize the fuel line.
