Ruined Fuel Filter Clips....

[tcndeb]

Went to change my fuel filter today and totally ruined the clips getting the filter out. It's not the duck billed clips, it's the kind that are totallly inside the hose fitting. I used the removal tool, but still tore one up. Anybody know if these fittings are replaceable? Or do I have to replace the hose?

 

[X~FACTOR]

I went to the dealer to buy those and the guy said it only comes with the fuel lines...but then again, he might be an idiot.

Anyone knows anything about this piece?

 

[jnsnwt]

Sounds like a good item to get from the salvage yard.

 

[tcndeb]

How about if I cut the end of the hose and just use a couple of hose clamps? Think it would hold? How much pressure is on the fuel lines in one of these systems? If I couldn't get the clips out in one piece in my garage, I doubt I'd be able to do it in a salvage yard. Anyone know how much for a whole new hose?

 

[Bottomlesspit]

Just to make sure...Are you talking about those white, plastic clips that are sorta 'U' shaped that snap through the large plastic fuel line fittings?
If so, those are designed to only be used once. Your new filter should have come with new ones. I have seen those clips for sale at NAPA once...but only when I don't need them!!!
The fuel pressure in the lines is high pressure...around 40psi...you definitely don't want a hose popping off for sure!!!
IF those are the clips...look for a filter that has them included.
Hope this helps...sorry if I've got the wrong clip in mind.
Ken

 

[mrboyle]

The guy at the dealer is full of it. You can purchace replacement clips for the fuel lines (I have done it several times). DO NOT attempt to cut the lines and use hose clamps. The lines are made of nylon, not rubber, and will not seal with hose clamps.

 

[tcndeb]

These are not the hairpin clips. I wish they were. The new filter came with two new hairpin clips. These clips are totally enclosed in the fitting, but they don't look like the duckbill clips on my truck. These clips are spring steel, with small fingers of alternating lengths all the way around. Wish I had a picture of them to show y'all. And your right about the hose clamps. I found out the line pressure is around 60 or 70 psi before the regulator. Don't want to try and corral that much pressure with hose clamps.......

 

[tcndeb]

Thanks for the input mrboyle. After reading your post I contacted a few different dealers this morning and you are correct. They have them in stock. I guess the first two dealers just wanted to make some money selling the whole line. Thanks again........

 

[Robert]

Probably too late, but I always pick up an extra set of the spring clips that go inside the fuel line whenever I pick up a new filter. I always end up destroying the ones on my Explorer while taking the filter off. They run about $2.00 at Checker Auto Parts for a pack of two.