Fuel Filter help

[Maverick265]

I need a little help with the fuel filter. I all the clips off I think and I have released the pressure by remove the fuel pump relay and let it run until it stops.
I have the quick disconnect tool to remove the filter but for the life of me I can't get it off. any tips?

 

[bigmiketino]

I just did my 2002 fuel filter its a real PITA I bought the metal removal tool I believe the size is 3/8. Got it around the fitting then took a short pry bar you can also use a big screw driver and pry against the filter. Thats how I did it i just could not get enough pressure pushing with my hand good luck hope this helps you.

 

[Maverick265]

I have the metal removal tool. Does it click in place or something or just go underneath line?

 

[bobflood]

+1 on the PITA. Spray some carb cleaner or other cleaner in both ends; let it sit awhile; then do the pry bar thing. It gets easier with experience - the first time I tried I pushed and pulled and swore for 45 minutes. Then a guy who is a real mechanic came by, took the same tool I swore wasn't working, and went "Pop,Pop!" And it was done. Experience is a wonderful thing!!

 

[RomeovilleIL]

The metal tool seems to work better than the plastic one most of the time. Usually the best advice is the push the joint together first to relieve some of the tension on the spring and give the removal tool a little space to slide in, then rotate the tool maybe 1/4 to 1/2 around and hold it tight in the joint. The line should then slide off with a steady pull.

If you look at the new filter you will see the tool is pressed up against the filter line, not the fuel line. You can gauge if the tool has fully inserted by comparing to the new filter. Often as not when it is stuck you can see a good 1/8" shy of fully seating.

 

[mbruffey]

Insert the tool. Push the line fitting toward the filter as far as possible; hold. Push the tool away from the filter and into the line fitting as far as possible. Now slide the line off the filter. Because the lines are quite stiff, you may not realize when you have actually achieved the disconnect. Be judicious, but try pulling harder on the line fitting.

Seafoam penetrant is the best, if needed. I'm careful with PB Blaster any more, because it does NOT protect against rust for future removals; in fact, I think that it may aggravate it.

 

[Maverick265]

Finnaly got that puppy off. Thanks guys.

 

[rmcknight]

Just did mine, 1998 explorer fuel filter, what a PITA, another reason to shoot someone at ford.

There are 3 metal flaps in the line, and even the rubber seals seem to be tight, so it takes a lot of fiddling, then pop – its free. At lease I didn’t skin my knuckles.

Anyway, I think the trick is to use a full circle tool, not the wedge style one (that came with the filter...) As others have said, push the line into the tool, then the tool into the line, then rotate it about 180 deg, then wiggle the line from side to side whilst still pushing on the tool.

Some added tips:
Relieve the fuel pressure at the shrider valve ( about 1/4 of a pen of fuel will shoot out). No need to try and figure out where the relay is or run the car.

Take the fuel cap off – just in case – while your pulling and pulling you want to be sure you’ve done EVERYTHING – trust me.
Rotate the fuel line around on the pipe for a while to free up the seals. And push it in and out 1/16 inch a few dozen times.
In order to do this, you MUST use both your hands, one on the line wiggling and pushing a little towards the tool, and the other on the tool pushing down inside the line end.

Some have said to use a screwdriver and lever it in, I tried that with no luck. I think you just have to pray.

-Ralph

 

[koda2000]

i bought the plastic tool set. there were 2 colors that seemed to fit. the blue and the grey. i think i tried the blue first with no luck. struggled with it for 45 mins. had a beer then i tried the grey one and had it off in under 5 mins. push, push, push.