Cant get fuel filter off

[silverfords2001]

I am doing my 60,000 mile maint, and cant get the fuel filter out. I did undo the two clips on both sides. (2001 X SPORT) I just did my wifes windstar and it was cake, 3 min job. Any help would be great.

 

[cybercreeper]

my '96 used a special tool to take off the fuel filter...i don't know about the '01. tool cost me no more then $5.00

 

[silverfords2001]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[410Fortune]

Yeah you need the Ford fuel line tool...its a little plastic ring you press into the pressure fitting, it lifts a little spring up over the metal lip and then it comes apart.
They can be a real PITA, kinda like a chinese finger puzzle, you dont try to pull the line off the filter until you have the plastic tool seated all the way, then it will come apart...

 

[DeRocha]

Check out this Fuel Filter Removal Thread. It has a lot of info with detail pictures on how to use the fuel line tool..

 

[Glacier991]

I always liked the name ... "garter spring".

 

[WDP]

You need to bleed the pressure off the system. There is a valve on the fuel rail that looks like a tire air stem that needs to be pushed in. WARNING!!! this will emit a small high pressure spray of gas. Best to use a rag wrapped around a phillips screwdriver to do the job. No smoking or drop(ed) lights until the fumes disapate.

WDP

 

[danlong]

A much better way to relieve the pressure is pull the connector off the fuel pump inertia switch at the passenger footboard, then crank the engine over a few times. This way is much cleaner than spraying gas everywhere, and there's no possibility of it puddling up and igniting later.