My '99 AWD EB Fuel Filter is Stuck, help!

[LuMax]

I bought a Motorcraft replacement fuel filter for my truck and attempted to put it in on Saturday.

I removed the two tethered clips on either end of the filter and then popped the filter out of its retaining clip. For the life of me however I could not get the stainless steel hose ends to come off of the filter. I pulled hard enough that I was concerned about pulling the hose apart, but no-go. I could even spin the filter in place so I don't believe it is corroded.

I thought maybe I was just a wuss with girly arms so I had my huge buddy try it and he couldn't get them to budge either.

How exactly do I get the hoses off of the old filter? A special tool required?

Thanks!

 

[Turdle]

Yes, there is a special tool needed. The fitting has a circular spring clip inside-

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227805&highlight=fuel+filter+tool

I actually prefer the cheaper plastic set. I don't think it is pictured in the thread though.

 

[Turdle]

This is the set I use-
you can find it at o'reilly's and autozone also

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...y Tools&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

 

[marragtop]

Here is a post on another forum that explains how to get the filter off. http://www.fordf150.net/howto/fuelfilter.php

 

[2kExploder5.0]

As a former Ford tech, can I also please suggest to anyone doing a filter such as this one; spray something like WD-40 into the internal clip area (release clips) and this will make your job 10 times easier.

Good luck

 

[marragtop]

Yep, WD40 or PB Blaster works great.

 

[LuMax]

Well I picked up a metal filter tool at Autozone and it worked great. It still took a bit to get one side off but the other was a breeze.

The only problem I ran into was that I couln't find any sort of pressure release valve or any other way to release line pressure. When the first line came off the filter I got hosed pretty good. I made certain I had on my huge "birth control" safety goggles before I disconnected it so no harm done, I'm just a bit stinky from the gas.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Premier]

LOL same thing happened with me. took a while to get one end off, and got soaked in fuel. i bought the metal set in the first link

oh and there is a release point up on the fuel rail near the engine i believe (where you would hook a fuel pressure tester).