Fuel filter disconnect questions

[Masterd]

Hey guys I have a quick question about the quick disconnect fittings on the fuel filter. Ive been reading the threads here and gathering up info to try and make changing my fuel filter a painless task, but its been a nightmare. Ive got both the metal and the plastic disconnect tools and my connections are pretty clean and crud free, but no matter how hard I try or what technique Im using, neither side will disconnect at all. Is there something im missing here? Or do i need to just keep trying and hope to get lucky?

 

[MrShorty]

I'm beginning to wonder if the quality of the tool set makes a difference. The last time I got into my fuel system, I fought for about an hour using my old cheap plastic disconnects and my metal "scissor" style disconnects. I finally got so frustrated I went down to Carquest and bought something like these (http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-39400-Angled-Disconnect-Tool/dp/B000W0UZHG). 5 minutes after getting home, the connections were disconnected. I haven't had a lot of opportunity to use them, yet, but on that one day they sure seemed way better than the previous, cheaper tools I'd been using.

 

[something9000]

when i did mine one side came off in like 30 seconds the second took like 15 min of wiggling and pushing and manhandling. i used the metal universal tool from advanced auto. it was cheap but it did the job

 

[Masterd]

I guess im gonna have to get at it again tomorrow then. I started with the metal scissor style one. Then I bought the plastic set but they didnt budge.

 

[something9000]

get s flat head screw driver and hammer..once you get the thing on the disconnect you can kinda go around with the screw driver hammer lightly to push the disconnect tool onto the fitting. its a pain in the ass but its worth it not to have someone else do it for you

 

[Masterd]

Well guys, turns out the retainer on the inlet side of the filter had some bent pins and thats what was holding it on there, so I hack sawed the filter off and yanked out the remaining tube, and just went to ford and bought a replacement retainer and now its all back together. The front retainer was still in good shape, and came off just fine. Thanks for the help