Help the Fuel filter retard please

[powerlifter405]

Been lurking awhile and I have found some useful stuff for the wifes explorer.

Heres my problem. It's got 42,000 on the stock plugs, wires and fuel filter.
I picked up a filter and I got the clips off but I can't get the hoses off the filter. I have a baaddd habit of forcing things to work so I figured before I broke anything I would ask for help.

Already searched to forums (49 pages worth) and no dice.
Any help.

Oh, heard mixed reviews about the bosch platnium plugs on f150online.com. Your experience, before I tear up my knuckels putting these things in..

Thanks!!!

 

[X~FACTOR]

There's a special tool that you have to use to get those suckers off. Check the auto parts store first, I think their $10. If not, go to the dealer, for sure they will have it for like $500.

When I changed mine for the first time I didn't know about this tool and like a typical shade tree mechanic- I forced it. I got it off alright but the metal clips got all bent out of shape. Nothing that a pair of long nose plier couldn't fix.... Ummm, I wouldn't recommend that method though.

 

[rydinhigh]

Also make sure you have a catch can under the filter. Don't need gas all over the place.

I have the bosch platinum's and haven't had any problems with them.

 

[BradE.]

Ford engines don't seem to like Bosch Platinums. More people have trouble with them than not. I'd get a set of Motorcraft Double Platinums. You can get them at Autozone for $4/plug.

 

[powerlifter405]

Well I went to autozone and got two "tools". Both slip over the filter necks but they still won't budge.

Quite frankly I'm getting tired of this.
I ordered a K&N air filter. Wrong one.
Ordered Plug wires. Wrong one.
No one seems to have off the shelf items for this vehicle.
From what i'm gathering it was fords middle of the road motor, so to speak.

The dealer wants $100 bucks for the wires and no else carries them. Summit, jegs, no one.
It's so dusty out here that filter changes are a must. I still have the factor fuel at 42,000.

What to do?!

 

[rydinhigh]

If parts are that hard for you to find check out (dead link) ask for torrie and you will get whatever you want.

As for your tool problems, if you are having that much trouble take it to ford and let them do it. Its literally a 15 min job at most do it yourself time

 

[powerlifter405]

Ahhh, finally,
Oh, guess what?
that new filter,
no el fito. :frustrate :frustrate :frustrate :frustrate

BTW, thanks for the input.
I'll have to give torrie a call and see what she can find for me. I'm getting fed up w/ the local stuff.

update,
the Fram G8018 is the cross reference.
The old on is a motorcraft FG991.
I tried cross referencing that, again no dice. wtf

 

[BradE.]

My Dealer wanted close to $100 for plug wires also, major friggin rip off. You can get Motorcraft wires from Ford parts network for about $40 if you have the OHV, or about $30 if you have the SOHC.

 

[biggs85]

I remember MRBOYLE saying that the way to do the fuel filters is the insert the little tool into the coupling, and then (this is the most important part), push the fuel line in towards the fuel filter, then push the little tool in even farther, then pull the fuel line away from the filter. This way it moves the little metal clips cleary out of the way. Sorry if this doesn't make any sense; once you get it out you will completey understand .

 

[powerlifter405]

I was able to get the filter off but the filter appears to be a special order or Ford only.
I don't want to put it on but if there is a big price difference I'll just order it w/ the wires from that ford parts place.

Thanks for the input.

 

[lonestar]

yep, the fuel lines have internal springs that snap over the little bump on the fuel filter stems. You have to push the lines toward the filter so the "special" tool can expand the spring over the bump. but it sounds like you already got it off.

I don't see why you are having so much trouble finding the right parts. I was able to get all my filters right off the shelf at Wal-mart. Plug wires may be a litle harder, but should be able to pick up a set from Autozone or Pep Boys with not to much trouble.

 

[ipozestu]

If you have an OHV and are having trouble locating wires. I would go here (dead link) They carry 9mm JBA's. for wicked cheap. The motorcraft OEM wire just have way to much resistance. The JBA's come in at .5 OHMS which is outstanding. The price can't be beat for such a high quality wire.[/URL]

 

[ipozestu]

The link wouldn't input right try this (dead link)

 

[powerlifter405]

SOHC,
but thanks for taking the time to get me a link.

 

[ipozestu]

I'm pretty sure these will still work for you. on this end the OHV and SOHC are the same.