Fuel Filter Replacement w/pics

[Exp03Limited]

anyone use this tool? it says made in usa not made in china. i think the top tool might work.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/KDT0/61059.oap?pt=N0043&ppt=C0374

gonna attempt to remove the fuel filter soon.

Make sure to examine that tool carefully because I tried that one first and ended up buying a more expensive better crafted one. The one I had was a bit oval instead of round and also didn't line up right so it wouldn't slide into the fitting. The better tool popped the fitting off in seconds.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

anyone use this tool? it says made in usa not made in china. i think the top tool might work.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/KDT0/61059.oap?pt=N0043&ppt=C0374

gonna attempt to remove the fuel filter soon.

You will need the top one...the bottom one is not small enough.

 

[Mathewrex]

hi buddies, i am new in the forum and yesterday I tried to replace the gas filter to my ex (2004) and i cant... i bought a tool in autozone and was not enough... i needed to buy another one ( more expensive) and i cant again... i called to the Ford and they tell me that it costs like 50 dlls to replace it ( of course i am in Mexico) i had my new filter so.. i am going to do that... let the specialist work on it...

 

[fordmanforever]

I just wanted to take the time to thank you for doing such a good write up. Actually, thanks to all those who do the write-ups and reply to posts. It's appreciated and it helped me change mine. Still didn't get rid of my p0302 code with my rough idle but it did smooth it out some. Thanks

 

[muzzymaniac]

I'm really happy this has helped some and at least educated some people. I always found detailed write-ups and pictures the most helpful to me so I wanted to give back.

Fordman - sorry it didn't help your codes but I doubt a dirty fuel filter would cause a misfire code. I believe that's for cyl #2. Did you check the plug wire and the plug itself? Misting water around your wires(while engine is running) in the dark will show any sparking from cracks in the wire.

 

[jimEMT]

Finally did it...

OK, I was able to change the filter out yesterday...and it was a real bear of a job. I used the OEM 3/8in tool and was able to get the output line separated with some work....the clips on the intake and fuel return weren't that bad. A couple of lessons I learned - put some grease inside the bracket as was suggested here - BIG help. When reattaching the fuel lines (input and tank return), attach the lower first then the upper. There isn't enough room to move and attach the clips otherwise. Took me a little more than an hour and some swearing....not to mention a few band-aids. Good luck to all...it's satisfying to get it done.

 

[jlbanderasb]

such a great post, I'm about to do mine!!!

 

[edwx]

For my '03 XLS I bought the 3/8", gold colored, sissor type disconnect tool at NAPA. It was about 10 bucks. It worked like a charm in about 10 seconds. I tried the cheapie plastic ones first and they wouldn't work.

I know this is the Gen. III forum, but for all who are interested, in my '06 XLS, and I'm assuming all Gen.IV's, the fuel filter replacement requires NO SPECIAL TOOL. Yep, that's right, I was amazed. You just squeeze the disconnects on each end with your fingers and pull, and the lines pop off, covering you with gas as usual. The location is still a PITA.

 

[P-R Duce]

For my '03 XLS I bought the 3/8", gold colored, sissor type disconnect tool at NAPA. It was about 10 bucks. It worked like a charm in about 10 seconds. I tried the cheapie plastic ones first and they wouldn't work.

I know this is the Gen. III forum, but for all who are interested, in my '06 XLS, and I'm assuming all Gen.IV's, the fuel filter replacement requires NO SPECIAL TOOL. Yep, that's right, I was amazed. You just squeeze the disconnects on each end with your fingers and pull, and the lines pop off, covering you with gas as usual. The location is still a PITA.

is this the tool you used?

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=BK_7769085_0006398599#

 

[edwx]

Yep!

 

[aguilar45]

Had this done today...WTF?!?! it sure was no joke having to take off fuel line towards the engine side. Plastic tool worked for me rather than the metal one and don't be afraid to yank dem lines off! Thanx OP!

 

[Deputy276]

I need to do this on my newly-purchased '05 Explorer. Thanks a ton for the great information. Quick question..will my fuel filter have just two connections or three? I don't want to get under there and find out I bought the wrong filter.
I am getting pretty crummy mileage around town. Hope this change will improve things. Engine is a 4.0 V6.

Thanks in advance,
Dep

 

[Deputy276]

Just curious, but has anyone thought about changing the way this fuel filter is attached to make it easier to replace? I mean just because Uncle Sammy dictates that they have to be attached this way from the factory, doesn't mean you have to KEEP it that way. Back in my old hot rod days, it was pretty common for GM owners who had the fuel filter mounted inside the carburetor to remove it completely and install an in-line Mopar filter in the gas line. Much easier to change and it filters much more efficiently than the tiny GM filters.
All these Rube Goldberg clips and tools are great for keeping the aftermarket tool makers in business, but they are nothing but a PITA for us to mess with. Why not just remove the original filter, cut the fuel lines at each end with tubing cutters to remove these bogus mounts (if necessary), flare the tubing at each end, and put on reinforced fuel line (NOT vacuum line!!!) on each end. Then reinstall the filter with good old fashioned (and effective and easy to use) hose clamps? The electric fuel pumps don't put out so much pressure that standard hose clamps can't handle things. Heck, race cars use standard hose clamps and the fuel pump pressure is MUCH higher than what an Explorer uses. Just a thought. I am open to comments

Dep

 

[06xlt]

Just a quick note, everyone who is having trouble with the 3/8 tool try going up to the 1/2 size.

I was having a horrible time trying the 3/8 size until it finally broke after 30 minutes of trying. I was frustrated and tried the 1/2 and the filter popped off right away. It literally took me longer to walk to my work bench than it did to get the filter off.

Use the 1/2 size!

 

[kars85]

First off, f*** everything about this job! You'd better have a hoist, because doing this alone with a floor jack is a pipe dream.

I struggled with the red clips for the longest time, always keeping in mind not to go to far or they'll break and an entire new line would need to be installed. Sure, you could wing it and not replace them if you do bust them, but my idea of a good time is not to be stranded on I-35 with my car in flames waving as cars go by.

If you can remove the heat and rock guards, buy the part, then have your local mechanic do it, it's probably the best $20-40 you'll ever spend. Even if you do get the clips to release and have your line pressure relieved, it still is no easy task to get the line off. It took 3 guys to manipulate the filter and get enough torque to pull it off.

To me, this job and changing the transmission fluid is/was the embodiment of Ford engineering on this truck...if I didn't have a close mechanic friend at the right place and the right time, a DIY'er like myself would be sans car a handful of times...

 

[1AJeremyD]

First off, f*** everything about this job! You'd better have a hoist, because doing this alone with a floor jack is a pipe dream.

I struggled with the red clips for the longest time, always keeping in mind not to go to far or they'll break and an entire new line would need to be installed. Sure, you could wing it and not replace them if you do bust them, but my idea of a good time is not to be stranded on I-35 with my car in flames waving as cars go by.

If you can remove the heat and rock guards, buy the part, then have your local mechanic do it, it's probably the best $20-40 you'll ever spend. Even if you do get the clips to release and have your line pressure relieved, it still is no easy task to get the line off. It took 3 guys to manipulate the filter and get enough torque to pull it off.

To me, this job and changing the transmission fluid is/was the embodiment of Ford engineering on this truck...if I didn't have a close mechanic friend at the right place and the right time, a DIY'er like myself would be sans car a handful of times...

I can fully understand your frustration with something like this. Ford decied to go to a returnless fuel system on this year and changed the styling and location of the fuel filter. Somehow the engineers through it would be a smart idea to stick it next to some of the EVAP system and make the lines nearly impossible to remove.

I have done hundreds of this filter and even to this day it does not get any easier with any tool. Many times I ended up with a bit here or two from doing the filter but I never once lost. luckily for me it was never on the ground and was always in a shop.

 

[fedyfedz]

Ok the part just came today and i had a feeling it was the wrong one. For my 2002 explorer v8 does the fuel filter look like this?

 

[kars85]

Ok the part just came today and i had a feeling it was the wrong one. For my 2002 explorer v8 does the fuel filter look like this?

That's what mine is - the three line. Of course, mines an '03 V8, but I don't think that matters for this application. HAVE FUN

 

[turblown]

Ok the part just came today and i had a feeling it was the wrong one. For my 2002 explorer v8 does the fuel filter look like this?

2003 V6, Flex Fuel (Vin=K). Mine has three connections as well.

 

[fedyfedz]

great thanks going to attempt to tackle this on saturday