Chevy Cobalt Leaking Fuel Lines Fix! | EASY!

[@MaXimusD3cimus]

My fiance's car had this exact leak. (and it became much worse) She drives for work every day. Parts are backed up, dealerships are booked and my local trusted guy couldn't help right now. Your video gave me the insight and confidence to try the repair myself. Her 08 cobalt had way less room to work and I only have a driveway and jackstands to work with. Either way it worked and I came here to say THANK YOU.

[@scottlax]

Right on! Excellent video. I like the compression fitting idea and splicing only what was rotted. I bought a set of those picks you linked and they work great to get the clips out! Instead of steel I used nylon fuel tubing. I was able to save the flexible heat shield that’s wrapped around the fuel and brake lines as they traverse by the exhaust. Only made a 6” slit in the one heat shield that bends, in order to unclip the fuel lines from another clip hidden under the wrap right in the corner. Thank you for knowing your stuff and sharing in an edited video.

[@BuddysDIY]

Appreciate the love!! Glad you were able to get it done man!! Awesome stuff!!! :)

[@lukeparnell6982]

This video hands down is the best video ive ever seen for making fuel line to fuel line compression fitting repairs. Great job on the video. 👌🔥🔥🔥

[@enduro_alex]

Just fixed my 2010 cobalt 110,000 miles with the help from this video! Thanks Buddy for the great info. This is not an easy job however. Lots of hours on your back, looking up with rust falling on your face. Lots of hours of re-doing and re-bending fuel line. If you have a large section of line that needs to be replaced, I recommend cutting two sections and using a compression to join them. It makes it easier to bend and install. It seems like only my main fuel line was bad, so I only replaced that one, not both. Also keep in mind, in some inspection states, compression fittings are a no-go.

[@BuddysDIY]

Rule number 1. Don't move to a communist bstate with inspections 🤣

[@frapalog790]

@@BuddysDIY (Walter White's voice) You're godamn right!

[@francinacoleman4085]

Excellent video. Easy to see what you were doing and you explained everything so well.

[@survivormary1126]

I had same problem on my cobalt. Pain in ss to fix, mostly because it's a biatch to cut those lines with little wiggle room. I ended up cutting it with some metal cutters and then pulling it down for a better angle and using the pipe cutter. Then it just leaked somewhere else again not long after. I had a mechanic who just took the entire line out front to back and ran the nylon tubing. Pretty cheap fix that way (had I known) Just make sure you use the proper fitting on the line and don't cheap out or it will pop off and leave you stranded.

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

I just used rubber fuel injection hose and emissions hose. Been working for 3+ years now

[@theroyalcrownedtiger2946]

I used the rubber gas hose too.

[@superdow1000]

OK just got done fixing a leak on a 2010 HHR (120K miles) near the back rear drivers side wheel. Replaced both inlet and outlet line with the recommended tubing. The saw which you recommended was very difficult to use but I managed to cut one line. Perhaps its the wrong type of blade (too few teeth?). I resorted to the tube cutting tool to cut the remaining lines. The tube cutter can be used to cut one half of a line where only a 180 degree motion is possible. The saw can then be used. to finish the job. There are two cloth heat shields. The leak was near the heatshield closest to the driver. There was no way I could remove the second shield and replace the lines closer to the tank. Just not enough room when the car is just jacked up. That area looked very rusty. The bending tool worked but there was no way that I could bend the tubing into an exact or even near exact shape of the old tubing. Consequently I cut a straight piece and attached it using gentle bends as necessary once under the car. No way will it fit back into the plastic fittings. Most of them broke anyhow getting them off. I used zip ties instead. Thanks for your video. It was very helpful. Can't believe this isn't subject of a recall. I know the transportation board was looking into it in 2020 but nothing ever came of it.

[@superdow1000]

Followup: Shortly after making the initial repair, the line started leaking near the heat shield that I had not addressed. I think that I jostled that line so much doing the first repiar that I cased the leak. I jacked the rear wheel until the front wheel was also almost lifted. Used woods blocks to secure the vehicle. This gave me plenty of room to crawl under the car from under the back bumper. Cutting the additional rotted line was very easy. Plenty of access room. I used 3/8 innder diameter barricade rubber injection fuel tubing and high pressure clamps to make the repair for this section

[@jimhenderson2308]

The brake lines also route thru the same heat shield and they look like new. Thx GM.

[@robertheffley4470]

Thank you for this video it totally works. Just fixed the gas lines on my brother's car with this technique.

[@amike4211]

Good video but I suggest staggering the compression fittings for ease of installation later.

[@BuddysDIY]

That would be ideal. But I didn't want to cut too close to the bend!

[@thor294]

I swapped the vapor line and return line on my 98 subaru... the charcoal canister was now a secondary gas tank LOL great video!!!

[@joevalente7256]

Very good video I just finished mine but it was no where as easy as you made it look

[@freddylongbow3421]

Why isn't this a recall? Literally every g5/cobalt leak from there

[@BuddysDIY]

It really needs to be. It's absolutely insane how they ALL do it lol

[@sawyerbennett8227]

Or just live where it doesn't snow like me lol

[@smoof1973]

@@sawyerbennett8227what a cheap and cost effective fix

[@ddreyerjr]

Great video! My daughters 07s fuel lines are leaking at those same places. This helped me out a ton!

[@BuddysDIY]

Happy I can help. This is a super super common issue. Be sure to get the lines that I put in the description. the nickel copper alloy is rust resistant and that way you don't have to worry of them ever leaking again!

[@MiGMasterXD]

Thank you very much for the video and the parts list. I though my little cobalt was done for, but thanks to you i was able to fix it and its runnign great again.

[@BuddysDIY]

Awesome man I'm glad to hear. Good stuff 😃

[@rayehamas5748]

Excellent informational video! Mine leaks right there!

[@BuddysDIY]

Glad i can help!

[@juliocesarsantos2230]

This is great!!!, I have a leak in the exact same spot, I am going to give it a try, seems straightforward. Thank you so much!

[@BuddysDIY]

Absolutely my friend!

[@johnjin4310]

How did it go?

[@juliocesarsantos2230]

After a long wait and a lot of wasted gas, LOL I finally got to this job!! I took my time to save my arms from running out of blood from keeping them above my head while laying on the floor, also a LOL. Overall this was not a bad job at all. Everything is accessible, not easily, but accessible. I purchased some of the same items that Buddy provided as I already had some of them. i am so glad to stop the waste and that this was a successful project. thanks again Buddy for the tip!

[@toyotagrande2113]

maaaan you are gooood. this was a very simple step by step instructions video that I could follow without any problems. GREAT JOBS. GREAT VIDEO. SIMPLE A SUPER JOB. KUDOS GUYS.

[@googleuser868]

Just bought a new OEM feed line from the dealership. Got the employee discount from a friend who works there. 2008 is still in relatively good condition and wanted a better repair. Choice words ready as I fish that line into place.

[@stlrider4714]

Thank you, Thank you!!! Buddy's DIY. HOW IN THE HELL IS THIS NOT A SAFETY RECALL??!!! SHOWS GM DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN!!! This video likely saved my son's life! He was planning to drive 2 1/2 hours to come home from college for the weekend. One contributing factor to the potential explosion/fireball🔥 his car could have turned into, he lost his sense of smell four years ago, but anyway, so he's away at college and has been telling me his car is getting hard to start, has to crank it a few times, I thought maybe the battery or a failing fuel pump, but come to find out it was MUCH WORSE and MUCH MORE DANGEROUS_SERIOUS 🔥 hazard!!! As he was preparing to leave this Friday, he called me to say he was getting ready to leave. On the call, he mentions to me, his fraternity friends said his car smelled like fuel. I said put the car in ignition state, right before you start it and get out of the vehicle walk around, lift the hood check for puddles, look under the car for liquid dripping, then he sent me a picture of fuel puddle under his car by the Left Rear tire. Fuel was pouring out by the LR tire. I said turn it off lock it up I'm heading the 2 1/2 hours to check it out. Google your video. Same exact thing 💯. I did the exact same repair, with three additional notes, I wore goggle style safety glass (due to all the rust falling right in your face), thick rubber gloves, fuel resistance thread lock on the union barrels and staggered my unions. But again thank you so much, saved my son and I a very dangerous situation and a major rip off costly repair, that should be a safety recall 💯!! GM 🖕

[@BuddysDIY]

Glad to help:)

[@lorenzo42p]

working on my cobalt now. I love how the fuel lines are rotten right up to where they follow along the exhaust pipe

[@stlrider4714]

@@lorenzo42p and image that ridiculous heat shielding, soaked in fuel, right inline with the hot exhaust pipe, turning into fuel vapor quickly...🔥 🔥 NHTSA still silent on this "ongoing investigation"

[@elmexicanodelnorte5333]

Great information, I have to try this method later today. Thanks

[@allenreed7829]

That was awesome. thank you very much. You might have not save me a ton on car insurance. But you save me a ton on brake lines brother. 🤟🖖

[@BuddysDIY]

Absolutely man! Happy to help!!

[@giulius7176]

Thanks for the video… it’s great to see it before diving in to fix it!!!

[@daniell.4787]

the métal hose is 3/8 or 5/16 ?

[@0093HeinoJ]

Thanks, similar thing happened to my car currently in shop. 09 cobalt

[@BuddysDIY]

You should have done it yourself!! Save yourself hundreds!

[@TERMIN8TOR99]

@@BuddysDIY sounds good on paper, you need a hoist.

[@ronaldjenkins1946]

Man job/ now I got a understanding of what my mechanic has to do. ? For ya ! For a 2008, Chevy Cobalt 230,345miles on it. To replacea leaking fuelline.How much would that job cost ? Again a great channel & very helpful. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@BuddysDIY]

It depends man. If they don't this way It would only be like 150. If they do the whole lines then it would be close to 1000 I'm sure

[@ColorlessMocha1]

I’m going to try this!! I’ll let you know how it goes

[@BuddysDIY]

👋💪

[@itrevorip2306]

When I google my car problems it always comes up with the cobalt , my car is essentially a cobalt(pontiac g5) I see alot of problem similarities between the 2

[@d.j.9961]

Bro, I have a 07 Pontiac G5 the fuel line is leaking on the line that runs to the single port side of the fuel filter so, the driver side, single port of the fuel filter. A previous owner ran rubber tubing to a small peice of metal tubing right b4 it enters the driver side/single port of the fuel filter. I am looking at 2 braided line kits ranging from $109-120 from amazon that comes with 2 long lines with the original ends & hangers, bolts, washers, nuts, also a nylon kit for approximately $79.99-80 which all have the factory ends allready attached. Without the proper tool to expand nylon, I am very weary! I have 3 different brake line tools (basic bar with forcing screw, a inline type, & a amazon or ebay special which mounts into a vice using the correct die & you just pull the handle. I am wondering if I can make the fuel line crimp with my current tools? My question to you is, what size fuel line is used on the cobalt/G5/hhr/Ion is it 3/8 ths?

[@Theconcretewizzard]

Yes it’s 3/8 line

[@phargan143]

Awesome video it was very helpful. Thanks.

[@user-sm2wu2fb4u]

What year was that car and how many miles on it at that time give me a ball park.

[@dieselgeezer18]

At least you managed to create some content on the car before scrapping it :) It didn't go totally to waste.

[@BuddysDIY]

Hahah foreal!

[@Blazzinghotdog]

Do you have to drain the gas?

[@Mmagnus7]

With letting the gas evaporate out of the lines before cutting with the hacksaw...how do I do that? Do I drain the lines or the tank? Something like that

[@Alexandra-fz7lk]

I have a 2009, stupid things were rusting out. Had someone patch them up a while back, then a few days ago I got them replaced altogether. New lines + filter came to $357 (NE Ohio). The NHTSA is FINALLY investigating the rusting fuel line issue. Hopefully they'll issue a recall, maybe I'll get reimbursed!

[@BuddysDIY]

That would be nice. I obviously scraped it. But il show them this video and demand my 30 bucks in parts back hagag

[@SB-gn7bs]

They announced the investigation last summer, but silence since. I am going to have to fix mine soon as I smell gas. The dealer wanted around $1,400 to replace the whole lines. If I had confidence they would recall 10+ year old cars I'd pay them knowing I should get the money back. But the parts are just under $75 so I guess I'll probably give it a go. I

[@googleuser868]

@@SB-gn7bs Factory original feed line around $135 with employee discount from a friend who works for a dealer. Parts guy was glad to get it out of inventory. Kinda dusty box so I get the feeling most people don't want to pay dealer price for the repair.

[@jakemartin8183]

Hey there its a great video and Its definitely gonna save my girl a lotta cash however Im a bit stuck, I have half a tank of gas left, would u recommend running the car till its empty? Also how would the shop vac technique work?

[@BuddysDIY]

Hey man. The gas will not be in the lines just because the track is full. The girl pump sucks the gas in the lines from the tank. Go ahead and do it now

[@jimhenderson2308]

I'd also like see the hands free camera and light your using. It must be attached to your head with a face shield to rust from getting in your eyes. Also how you raised and are holding the vehicle off the ground. Perhaps you are able to walk under the car that's on a car lift. Many dyi ers have to lie on back with rust falling down. Have to wear face shield or goggles. I also repaired these lines and 3 years later started to leak again in another rusty spot that developed. The rust is not isolated to the heat shield area but just rusts there first. The fuel line rust will continue to progress towards the front of the car while the brake lines remain new looking because those were treated with a rust resistant coating. I can imagine gm making millions off their future rust trap investment

[@AngryWoodsman]

In the beginning of the video you showed two black lines right next to those fuel lines. What are those? I think mine are leaking.

[@jamesfederer5592]

Brake lines

[@user-te9op3hj8g]

They say Not to use Brass But to use a Steel compression Fitting.

[@johnscripter3345]

What size tubing are you using 3/8???

[@DarkkLestat]

Not sure if you respond to comments on here or not, just curious if it's necessary to replace the fuel line heat shielding or could I get away with wrapping my exhaust with some heat wrap

[@BuddysDIY]

i do respond to comments! i recommend replaceing the heat shield but you can probably get away without doing it for a little. they have to do it at the factory by code

[@DarkkLestat]

@@BuddysDIY I did decide to go ahead and replace the heat shielding on it, wrapped it a little better than they did at the factory so hopefully I don’t end up with any rot or corrosion again

[@kansascitykillas816]

How did you get gas out of the lines?

[@toddorth1744]

i used rubber too replace rusted spots, rubber doesnt rust

[@5layerinmybelly]

what size is the fuel line ?ima trust you an go with your amazon link in hoping it's what inneed

[@morganjohnson1844]

Where is the link to order the fuel lines? I need to replace the intake & the outtake line on my 07 Chevy cobalt.

[@BuddysDIY]

I see it there in the description. You don't see it?

[@dustinbrewer4091]

Great video! Cheers!

[@allenreed7829]

Never seen a list of parts can you put it on the comments

[@BuddysDIY]

Check the video description! All materials are in there!!

[@x7deadlysloths197]

I sadly did not mark the lines (like a dummy) how do I figure out which one is which?

[@trevorpopkin4233]

Do you have to drain the gas tank first?

[@BuddysDIY]

No sir!

[@ElReyDelCamion]

How did you reach back there, I have an 08 and I'm trying to figure out how to get back there to replace the lines

[@TERMIN8TOR99]

Gonna need a hoist.

[@googleuser868]

Tow truck raises it up nice and high too.

[@xXTriDENTReXDXx]

Will this work on a turbo chevy cobalt? With high fuel pressure?

[@BuddysDIY]

Yeah im sure. The compression fittings can be used on brake lines. (Although not recommend) and brake lines top over 1000psi. So yes without a doubt it can handle fuel pressure from even a mclaren.

[@xXTriDENTReXDXx]

Awesome thank you so much my leak is the exact same spot thanks for such a fast response :)

[@BuddysDIY]

@@xXTriDENTReXDXx absolutely! Best of luck. Anymore questions you can comment here!

[@westbenosa7413]

How do you let the lines clear out ?

[@BuddysDIY]

I took a little shop vac to the holes and then let it sit for a day. In small qualities gas evaporates quickly. Much much quicker than water!

[@robdobson5419]

Do you replace the heat shields?

[@DeltaH-9]

No.

[@BuStEdHyMaNrlh]

Rubber fuel line hose?

[@shellshellslaughs3947]

What size is the copper for the fuel lines

[@BuddysDIY]

I can't tell you on the top of my head. But call your local chevy dealership and ask what size fuel lines are on your car and they will tell you. The use my links to buy them since my links will be half the prices as a parts store or dealership

[@danieldangelo7937]

3/8"

[@larrymullett727]

wher is your line size list cant find it

[@savageoutlaw8335]

What if i did everything but it still leaked out the fittings 😭

[@BuddysDIY]

You didn't put the fittings on correctly or your lines were not circular where you placed the fittings

[@savageoutlaw8335]

@@BuddysDIY actually I didn’t tighten th enough but thanks alot foe the vid💯

[@zedgdp]

No reinstall of heat shield?

[@DeltaH-9]

Hell no

[@joshd9181]

Like an idiot I crossed the lines and your buddy is correct thankfully

[@brycegwitt177]

How long will this repair last

[@BuddysDIY]

Brass and nickel copper alloys don't rust. So they will last much longer than the rest of the existing steel gas lines

[@brycegwitt177]

@@BuddysDIY thank you

[@user-eu8sz2qq3b]

ماهوه السبب

[@LerrinB]

Amateur here. How do you drain the line before cutting?

[@BuddysDIY]

hit it with a shop vac or let it evaporate. gas evaporates very quick

[@LerrinB]

@@BuddysDIY thanks for the answer. But I ended up having someone fix it for me. Cost an arm and a leg...

[@BuddysDIY]

@@LerrinB ohh no. How much if you don't mind me asking. Also did they change the section or the entire line?

[@LerrinB]

@@BuddysDIY just under $1000 😣 But they also replaced a few brake lights. They replaces the whole line I think. They also pointed out that my back shocks are completely broken. And the belt is about to go... When I watched your video I was confident I could pull off the fix myself. I just was worried about gas left in the line..

[@BuddysDIY]

Ohh man they got you lol. Well now you know for next time!

[@Theconcretewizzard]

Mine lines just ruptured bad lol

[@helloa10warthogs]

My car hasn't been able to start since February hopefully this is why lol

[@BuddysDIY]

Hahah yo that will deff do it. Does it small like gas when you try and start it?

[@helloa10warthogs]

@@BuddysDIY more like pours out right underneath the heat shield and plastic connecter

[@BuddysDIY]

Ohh yeah that's your problem. Do what I did and replace it all the way up by the file filter so you can cut out both heat shields

[@douglashughes2331]

'it was really funny, he (and his cigarette) got sprayed with fuel and he immolated, cool'

[@BuddysDIY]

Lol I don't smoke man. One of the few mechanics on the world who doesn't anymore 🤣

[@viviertv7349]

Had a mechanic tell me this will not pass a safety

[@viviertv7349]

Or is he just being picky

[@BuddysDIY]

@@viviertv7349 if you have a state inspection it may not pass. My state of florida we have zero inspections. Some people have used these on brake lines. Brake lines undergo over 10x more pressure than fuel lines. It will be fine. I don't recommend doing this on brake lines but like I said. People have done it with no issues.

[@googleuser868]

@Robert Csapo I got the factory pre bent and plan on doing it myself.

[@viviertv7349]

This is not up to code for a safety

[@BuddysDIY]

Up to code means your state wants to charge you bs fees for unreasonable things

[@MadTuning01]

Fuck bro I ordered fuel lines before finding this video 😂 guess imma have to replace the whole lines which sucks cause it’s leaking the exact same spot