Do I need to use a special tool to remove the fuel filter?

[drakeguy22]

did you have to get a special tool to get the filter off????

 

[drakeguy22]

fuel fiter replacement

Is there a way to change your fuel filter on a 99 explorer with out the "special tool" thats needed????

 

[celly]

Is there a way to change your fuel filter on a 99 explorer with out the "special tool" thats needed????

I just did the research on fuel filter replacement and it sounds like the tool is needed. They're not overly expensive, so worth your while if you want to DIY.

LOTS of threads on fuel filter replacement in the archives. Might want to search around and see if anyone has another way.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've renamed, and moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section.

 

[TheJackal]

Some people have made things to disconnect the filter with, but it's probably a lot easier when you have the right tools.

There was a poll here about each different type of tool, but I can't find it now

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here it is: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237368

 

[jlsparky7]

How to in the link in my signature. The plastic tool set is a few bucks at any parts store. 7/16 I believe is the one needed.

 

[cniggeler]

Fuel Filter remove / replace, 2000 Explorer 5.0

There are lots of archived posts that helped with changing out my fuel filter: try http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102197 But since they are old and/or in dead branches, no comments were allowed. I thought I'd pass along a couple notes about the process in this live branch.

Summary: Fuel filters, bah! It's almost annoying enough to pay someone else to do it. Almost. With all the tools it was about a one-hour job for me. Messing with the wrong tools and having to drive 25 miles r/t to get the right one added a couple more :thumbdwn:

0. Relieve the pressure. I opened the fuel cap, disconnected power from the intertia switch in the passenger floor pan, cranked the engine 20 seconds or so (it never actually started), then replaced the cap.

1. Jack the car up at the driver's front side, and put in a stand. Remove the filter from the bracket. Remove the clips from either end; I just used a screwdriver to get over the retainer tab.

2. You need a spreader. The best I found was the little plastic dealies, not the metal ones, which are too thick. Slide it into the line fitting to get started.

3. The secret is that you push the fitting ONTO the spreader, not the spreader into the fitting! Try twisting or rocking the hose to get it to advance. I used a wrench on the back side of the spreader rather than have it continually dig into my fingers. Using this process, you should be able to get the fitting within a 1/4" or so of the back of the spreader, and the spreader should feel real solid in the fitting.

4. Now, whatever you believe in (the Force, fairy dust, magic, angelic intervention), call upon It to help you get the fitting off I say that because, after getting one side off first try, I had many false starts trying to get the fitting off the other side! (I suppose if you do it for a living you get a feel for it, but once every two years, you forget.) Best I can say, once the spreader is wedged in there good, prevent it from sliding backwards towards the filter while simultaneously pulling the fuel line off, the other way.

5. You will fill a rag with gasoline from the line. Gas will dribble and drabble the whole time you are working under there. Try to hold the filter level, cuz it will dump a LOT once both ends are freed. Eye protection definitely recommended.

6. Compared to removal, replacement is literally a SNAP. Make sure the filter is aligned according to the fuel direction arrow, take one end and push it into the line fitting. You will hear a definite click. Pull backwards just to be sure.

7. Reattach the clips (you're supposed to use new ones, but the ones that came with the filter didn't look right to me), reconnect power to the inertia switch (and hit the reset if necessary), remove the jack stand/jack, and start 'er up!

 

[SoNic67]

One more advice - park your car with the gas tank downhill from the filter that you will remove. Use "nitrile" gloves and do NOT wear synthetic clothing - gasoline will leak no matter what on your hands and clothes and it is nothing more aggravating than dissolved plastic stuck in your arm hairs
And get that tool from eBay - they have sets with all the sizes for the same price as the one in the store.

 

[Hartman]

Go to Autozone, buy this tool kit, use the baby blue one (outside of the package in the pic below). The lines disconnect by pushing in towards the filter, then pulling out. You'll be done in 15 minutes.

 

[cniggeler]

Go to Autozone, buy this tool kit, use the baby blue one (outside of the package in the pic below).

Actually, it's the gray one (smallest), at least on my 2000 Explorer with 5.0L.

 

[DeRocha]

the tool needs to go in ALL THE WAY in order to release the garter spring. If you insert the tool and the filter still doesn't release the tool is NOT in all the way. Use long nose pliers if you need to force the tool in more.

 

[tribal599]

I changed my fuel filter two weeks ago for the first time. Using the disconnect tool I had troubled taking the lines off. Here I am cursing at this useless diconnect tool when I realized the bracket holding the filter DUHH lol...popped the filter off with my hands and wouldn't you know it the lines this time came off easily and I was rewarded with a little gasoline splash. Good thing I had safety googles.