Fuel filter fuel lines won't come off | Page 2 | Ford Explorer Forums

  • Register Today It's free!

Fuel filter fuel lines won't come off

the only tool i had luck with is the metallic harbor freight colored tool (there are like 5 bright colored tools in the plastic package). The scissor and plastic ones didn't do the job for me. A fraction of a mm could mean the difference with those clips. Spray with pb and wd40 (I use both, they compliment each other).
 



Join the Elite Explorers for $20 each year or try it out for $5 a month.

Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!
.





the only tool i had luck with is the metallic harbor freight colored tool (there are like 5 bright colored tools in the plastic package). The scissor and plastic ones didn't do the job for me. A fraction of a mm could mean the difference with those clips. Spray with pb and wd40 (I use both, they compliment each other).

I use a similar set of disconnect tools (anodized aluminum, different colors). I bought mine at AutoZone. They've never let me down. I even managed to get the fitting at the fuel pump assembly off with those tools (though I don't bother disconnecting the fuel pump assembly anymore). 5/16's for the filter and 3/8's for the fuel pump assembly.
 






I bought some CRC Freeze Off super penetrant spray (which works really well) and sprayed both lines real good. I was able to get the right line off close to the engine, but I can't get the left line off. The fuel filter does spin freely. I'm using the small metal fuel tool and it is all the way down flush against the doughnut on the tube. I'm pulling on the hose and pushing on the tool at the same time and still it won't come off. I tried using my Knipex plies without the grooves and I put the pliers on with a little pressure wiggling it and pulling and still it won't come off. What a PITA!! I'm thinking there something wrong with the clips, not allowing the line to come off? I have the tool all the way against the doughnut and the line should come off. Is it possible the clips are still frozen?

Now I don't know what to do with this line? Any other ideas? I want to get this dam filter off and be done with this.
 






Push inward as far as you can on the filter, my 01 was the same way, the seal likely has stuck to the filter.
 






Some bloke cut one of the ends off on one of my Explorers, I use the metal scissor type tool, spray some wd40 in there with the red spray tube to get the pressure/cleaning penetrated right in there. I'll put the tool in and sometimes give it a tap around with a small hammer, work it and the filter connection in and out a bit and it usually comes apart not too bad.(Canadian Truck)
 






Push inward as far as you can on the filter, my 01 was the same way, the seal likely has stuck to the filter.

Did you push the line inward as far as it goes with the disconnect tool on the filter? Or did you push the line all the way in first, then use the disconnect tool?
 






Did you push the line inward as far as it goes with the disconnect tool on the filter? Or did you push the line all the way in first, then use the disconnect tool?

The fuel line must get pushed onto the filter, or the filter pushed into the fuel line (whichever way you want to look at it) while the tool is pushed into the fitting. This method has worked every single time for me (and I've changed a bunch of these filters). Once I push the line onto the filter (it pushes on almost in-perceptively) it takes very little pressure on the tool to release the clip.

As has been said earlier, getting these clips to release is a matter of finesse and not force.

You need to push the fuel line in before/during the time you push the tool into the fitting. It's a bit tricky to do with only 2 hands, that's why I leave the filter held in it's bracket until both lines are released. If the filter and line are not pushed together before the tool is pushed in THE CLIP WILL NOT RELEASE,
 






The fuel lines are hard to remove, depending on the method used, and how you push the connection together along with using a tool. But the actual tool matters also, not every different type of line tool is perfect or works every time on all connections.

I have several different line tools, the plastic individual type were my first and I still like those the best. Those are a bit longer than most other types, and with gentle application, they work almost every time. But I have the cheap scissors kind, and two other aluminum line kits. I've also use high end tools from Mac and Snap-On.

How the tools are used is most important, go through that process very slowly and be sure the joint moves freely. The locking springs and clips inside the connection female side, they can bend or break. If the joint isn't coming apart with the proper method and tools, it's possible one or more of the metal clips or tabs is bent and will not release.

I had the big end of my tank line do that, it was that way the first time I tried to replace the pump. I got it off, but it took a thin screw driver and some serious prying. I knew it was messed up before I started, because the line itself was flopping/damaged back in the flexible section. I was very careful with it the entire time, and did get it apart. I had to drop the tank two other times, and the last time I had a spare line ready to replace the old one with.

You might have to get very rough with it soon, and if so replacing the line may be the only good solution. Go at it again slowly, they are not easy every time for anyone. Once damaged somehow, they will always be hell for the next person. Good luck,
 






What I'm done:

- Take off the fuel pump relay
- Crank 2 or 3 times to release pressure
- With a cutter plier, cut both old filter tubes
- With a small flat screwdriver, release the fuel lines clips.

Take 5 minutes in the overall process

they say if you take off the fuel cap will allow the pressure to be release :-)
 






The fuel line must get pushed onto the filter, or the filter pushed into the fuel line (whichever way you want to look at it) while the tool is pushed into the fitting. This method has worked every single time for me (and I've changed a bunch of these filters). Once I push the line onto the filter (it pushes on almost in-perceptively) it takes very little pressure on the tool to release the clip.

As has been said earlier, getting these clips to release is a matter of finesse and not force.

You need to push the fuel line in before/during the time you push the tool into the fitting. It's a bit tricky to do with only 2 hands, that's why I leave the filter held in it's bracket until both lines are released. If the filter and line are not pushed together before the tool is pushed in THE CLIP WILL NOT RELEASE,

damn that makes sense , I try and try and gave up !! I will surely try to push the damn filter in again for the millionth time :-)
Thank you !
 






nobody takes the blue cap off the fuel rail schrader valve and bleeds off the pressure that way?
 






nobody takes the blue cap off the fuel rail schrader valve and bleeds off the pressure that way?

Hmm I forgotten about that one too !! :-)
 












That is sometimes true but this 7 year old thread is in the 95-01 explorer section of the forum.
Also on some of the later sohc engines the shrader valve is on the very back of the fuel rail

Also a 2004 uses completely different fittings on the fuel lines
With the gen iii truck you actually press the plastic clips into the line and then the fittings will release
 






That is sometimes true but this 7 year old thread is in the 95-01 explorer section of the forum.
Also on some of the later sohc engines the shrader valve is on the very back of the fuel rail

Also a 2004 uses completely different fittings on the fuel lines
With the gen iii truck you actually press the plastic clips into the line and then the fittings will release
Also, for 2004 no Schrader valve

20230529_015435.jpg
 






they say if you take off the fuel cap will allow the pressure to be release :)
Some pressure will be released by opening the gas cap.
 






Some pressure will be released by opening the gas cap.
Yes and No ( I think there is a check valve at the pump)
The service Manual states
to shut off the fuel pump by, using a small screwdriver in the slot on the side of the inertia switch and lifting the button up. Turning off the fuel pump, than start the car too release the fuel pressure. The engine will run then stall.
 






Just pull the fuel pump fuse or relay while running it will die out and no more pressure

Some
Sohc still had schrader valve on the back of the fuel rail pass side
 






99 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC, trying to replace the fuel filter and I'm using the metal quick disconnect tool. I'm pushing the line in as I'm pushing the tool in and it won't release the line. I sprayed some PB Blaster in there and still won't come out. I tried the sharpie and pen method as seen on You Tube and that didn't work. The vehicle has 170k miles and I'm thinking this fuel filter has never been replaced before and the release clips are completely seized.

Any suggestions or ideas? Has anyone ran into this issue before with the fuel lines not coming out?
I ended up cutting the built in metal lines as close to the pump as I could. Then I could move the line with the connector better to use the tool properly. It was not fun. For some reason that tool just wouldn't seem to work for me when it was connected and hard to get to.

holy crap didnt notice how old this was my bad.
 



Join the Elite Explorers for $20 each year or try it out for $5 a month.

Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!
.





I would never cut the metal lines which are made to be permanent on the frame etc. Cut the pump hard line if needed, that is easy to replace. The frame line requires R&Ring the tank and a lot of trouble to buy, and install. I've done that, the prior owner yanked on the lines at the connections and damaged the flexible part too much. Be careful with those precious lines.
 






Featured Content

Back
Top