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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Ok, what is the magic word you need to use to get the Fuel Filter off a 97 SOHC Ex? :fire: I got the tool you supposedly need to do the job but I can't get the connectors to come loose to save my life. I read somewhere you had to un-pressurize the system but when I tried looking for the relieve valve I couldn't location. For something so simple this is sure turning into a big pain in the butt. Help!
To unpressurize the system is just so when the filter comes off it isn't throwing fluid everywhere with a lot of pressure. You can usually do this by just unscrewing the gas cap (that's what I do). Try pushing the filter into the connector and then put your tool in there and get it out. Hopefully that'll do the trick.
On the left side of the motor there is a blue cap (I have a 98 SOHC) on the fuel rail where you can relieve the pressure. I did this but found no pressure after the truck sat overnite and was cold.
I just posted how I got mine loose in the good for life thread.
Ok, what is the magic word you need to use to get the Fuel Filter off a 97 SOHC Ex? :fire: I got the tool you supposedly need to do the job but I can't get the connectors to come loose to save my life. Help!
If you are using a plastic tool for filter removal, then it is possible that is not properly sized. I tried to use one on my 2000 XLT and just could not get it to release. To test your tool, place it on the new fuel filter and check to see if the outside diameter of the tool exceeds that of the fuel filter flange. That’s the only way the spring loaded clips will clear the flange and allow you to release the filter. The plastic tool I had was just to thin to perform this function. Possibly a defect in production, I don’t know. I ended up buying a metal tool which was considerably thicker then the plastic. It was a very snug fit when pushed inside the fuel hose, but it worked like a charm.
If you have the plastic tools, the 3/8 works best. It will push the clips back far enough to clear the flange on the fuel filter pipe. Worked VERY well for me!
Also, crud gets up in there sometimes. Shoot some wd 40 up into the connector and see if that doesn't help.
Thanks for all the insight and help, as ususal you guys are a plethora of information. I have the metal tool that looks like a funky scissor so I'll keep plugging away at it with the methods provided.
On most of the plastic tools' packaging, it tells you that if you're using it on a Ford to use the next size up. I went round and round with my Dad on this one not too long ago.... Finally got it when he listened to me. LOL!!
It took me about 1.5 hours of swearing in various languages and then I finally gave my fingers a break and used a slot screwdriver and needle nose pliers to push in the 5/16 (NOT the recomended 3/8) plastic clip.
It went in finally with a big "click".
If you have strong MEATY hands, this is an easy job. Maybe its time to call that old helpful Uncle Wally. lol
My advice: Uncliping the passenger side fuel pump wiring is easy - you practically don't even have to peel back any carpeting... just look under there and you will see it with a weird red button on top of it. Then I ran the truck to take the pressure out of the fuel line. Then I tried to start the truck a few times. Then I removed the gas cap.
My lines were slightly rusty so that made it way harder. Spin the connectors back and forth, side to side, and tap out the rust particles that exist in there. They can block the path of the plastic clip you are inserting. After following other peoples advice on the forum, the filter came off and a small squirt of gas landed on my nose. SICK!
It was amazing to see all of the crud that my filter collected.
Maybe its a coincidence, but since I changed this filter my truck has stopped pinging completely.
Brandy new member here... Thanks for all the info guys!!! Bought the metal fuel filter tool, had the filter off after just a couple of minutes of fighting with it!!!
Welcome to the site Trailbum. you"ll find alot of good info on here looking
through the threads and using the search function.This is the best and most helpful forum I have ever run across.I think you'll become hooked to it
Thanks for the welcome, Critter!!! I think I'll become hooked too!!! I had A LOT of questions when I stumbled across this site last week. Scanned all 18 pages and found answers to ALL of my questions!!! Spent ALL weekend working on the Explorer... brakes, tune-up, upper & lower intake gaskets, and heater control valve. A lot of work but it all went smoothly, no disasters and I didn't break anything like I usually do (LOL)!!!!
On this link (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102197) there is a picture of a fuel filter removal tool. Will this work on my 2000 Ford Explorer? I bought the wrong one and don't want to make this mistake again. Thank you!
Size "E" works on early Ford's and size "F" on late models. When we replaced the "flex-fuel" filter on an '03 yesterday it had two supply lines with a different type of connection. You have to release the lock with a small flat-head screwdriver and pinch both sides of the red connector in by hand and slip it up releasing it from the line. This is after removing the heat shield. So much for simple maintenance every 30K miles.
yeah... ijust did this in the street in 15 minutes... and 14 minutes of that was figuring it out, and if i was doing it right. i just popped the fuel cap off... i figured a little bit of fuel was going to hurt. couldnt start it to run it out anyway(isnt it bad for the injectors to run out of gas?) i used a wrench with some leverage to push the plastic clips in then finally... "pop" it pulled out and i got gas all over my hand. tipped the line up and ..... no more gas spillage. but it ended up not being the reason my truck wouldnt start (didnt think it was, but didnt hurt to change it anyway.
Help!
