Fuel Filter Disconnect??????????

[xFatcatx]

I can not get the filter off for my life. I bought the wrong size disconnect tool, went and got the right size, i am using the same blue plastic one in the fuel filter how to, and it will not come off. The guy at the parts store said Frams can be hard getting off sometimes because the ring on the filter is further down but this is a motorcraft on the truck now. Maybe im just an idiot but i know im doing it right, any help please. Im about ready to give up.

 

[DeRocha]

Did you read through the Fuel filter removal thread? It has lots of good information and pictures on using the fuel line disconnect tools.

One of TAS98xlt pictures from the thread.

 

[JoeMahma]

I can not get the filter off for my life. I bought the wrong size disconnect tool, went and got the right size, i am using the same blue plastic one in the fuel filter how to, and it will not come off. The guy at the parts store said Frams can be hard getting off sometimes because the ring on the filter is further down but this is a motorcraft on the truck now. Maybe im just an idiot but i know im doing it right, any help please. Im about ready to give up.

Just did this myself. Don't give up...it is really tricky. That pic is exactly how you have to use it.

 

[parad1mg]

I used that "x" looking fuel disconnect tool from advancedautoparts. It took me a good half hour to remove my filter since it has never been replaced before. Just make sure the tool gets inserted all the way, jiggle it in and it will slowly disconnect. It also helped when I took the filter out of the metal bracket that was holding it.

and wear a face shield! fuel is pretty painful in the eyes...

 

[xFatcatx]

Thanks guys but I already found that how to thread with that picture and I am doing it the right way. It is the stock filter I believe so maybe since it has never been changed its a little bit harder to get off. I did take it out of the bracket also. Guess Ill just have to try harder here in a couple days.

 

[aldive]

The first time one changes the fuel filter it is somewhat tricky, however, the next time it is cake.

Good luck ...

 

[Explrr96XLT]

I can not get the filter off for my life. I bought the wrong size disconnect tool, went and got the right size, i am using the same blue plastic one in the fuel filter how to, and it will not come off. The guy at the parts store said Frams can be hard getting off sometimes because the ring on the filter is further down but this is a motorcraft on the truck now. Maybe im just an idiot but i know im doing it right, any help please. Im about ready to give up.

Dude, don't feel bad...I tried for three weekends in a row before I finally said screw it and brought the truck to my mechanic and paid him to do it. It was just a lot less stressful that way.

 

[X-North]

its only around 25$ at autopart store for this tool kit of different sizes

 

[xFatcatx]

i still cant get it......i have tried 3 different times now. i have the correct disconnect tool (and it was only $8.99 for the assorment of tools) and i am doing it correctly. i can here a click when i put the tool into the fuel line, it just wont come off, either side. my only other option i guess is to cut and put new lines on? it needs to be changed since i am confident now that it is the stock one. i called my dad and asked him about it, he just started cussing, he said he couldnt get the one off my sisters cavalier years ago, he finally cut it off and hes one hell of a backyard wrencher. i dunno

 

[aldive]

If you cut it off, how do you plan on attaching the new fuel filter?

 

[xFatcatx]

i havent exactly thought that far ahead yet............im sure i can come up with something. i dont know what else to do?

 

[pumpkin]

It was a P.I.T.A. for me too. I cut my filter (not the line) 'cause that blue plastic piece in the was not working and my patience had ran out.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157364 #3

 

[wolfnutts]

u have to use some your superman powers hold tool in till it bottoms out an pullllllll on line just watch out for your elbow when it comes free it can sting abit if u hit it on trk frame @#@%^

 

[JoeMahma]

i still cant get it......i have tried 3 different times now. i have the correct disconnect tool (and it was only $8.99 for the assorment of tools) and i am doing it correctly. i can here a click when i put the tool into the fuel line, it just wont come off, either side. my only other option i guess is to cut and put new lines on? it needs to be changed since i am confident now that it is the stock one. i called my dad and asked him about it, he just started cussing, he said he couldnt get the one off my sisters cavalier years ago, he finally cut it off and hes one hell of a backyard wrencher. i dunno

This might be a stupid question...but did you take off the metal retainer clips before you tried that tool? I'm not even sure if you can get the release tool in there without taking off those clips...just thought I would ask.

 

[xFatcatx]

i am confident after spending as much time as i do here that ther is no such thing as a stupid question. stupid is not asking the question. and yes i did take the clips off.

 

[JoeMahma]

i am confident after spending as much time as i do here that ther is no such thing as a stupid question. stupid is not asking the question. and yes i did take the clips off.

Found this explanation and it explains how to use the removal tool perfectly...

Grasp the fuel filter in one hand and one of the fittings in the other. Try gently moving the fitting back and forth while it is still in place. Notice that there is about 1/8" to 3/16" worth of movement. Pull gently until the fitting is all the way back as far as it will move. Clip the special fitting removal tool (the tool should be designed to work with 3/8" fuel lines) over the fuel filter tubing. Now push the fuel line fitting towards the tool as far as it will go. While still holding the fitting in, use your pointer and index fingers on the same hand holding the fitting to pull the fitting removal tool "into" the fitting itself as far as it will go (the tool should "bottom"). Still grasping the fitting and tool together, pull them back in the direction for removal, keeping the tool inserted in the fitting (important). At some point, the tool will stop as it hits the fitting retainer "nub" on the filter tubing. Keep the tool pressed against the retainer nub (use ! ! your other hand now for this) and continue pulling the fitting off of the tubing. It should come off with only a few pounds of force. Repeat the procedure for the other fitting.

It is important to push the fitting in towards the filter to engage the fitting removal tool as this relieves the tension on the "fingers" prior to insertion of the tool. If you don't push the fitting all the way towards the filter first, the tool will not release the retainer spring and you won't be able to pull the fittings off. This is the mistake that I made repeatedly the first time I tried changing the filter in my vehicle. Don't use the tool to try and "pull" the fitting off with - it isn't supposed to work that way.


I hate to see you cut those fuel lines. Good luck.

 

[jkfoote]

Just went through this headache on my '98 XLT. Yikes that was a pain. What eventually worked for me was the penetrating oil trick, plus the 3/8" plastic tool with a supplementary metal strip snipped from some roof flashing I had laying around. Even so I'm not going to admit in a public forum how long I spent on what should have been a 15 minute job.

I'd second DeRocha's post above - without TAS98xlt's detailed pictures and accounts from others I doubt I'd have succeeded. Thanks to everyone for the help.