Trying to replace fuel filter...need help

[Blackout51]

I have a 1998 explorer sport 4wd 4.0 sohc and i'm trying to replace the fuel filter which I have done before on other cars pretty easily but for some reason I cant get this one off, I get the tool underneath of the fuel line attachment spot but it wont release, anyone have any suggestions?

 

[J_C]

While pushing the tool under/into the connector, twist it a little back and forth while pushing the fuel line towards the filter. You'll sort of feel it when it makes its way under the clips inside then you can pull the line away from the filter.

Here's a video on how to do it without the tool but it's the same essentially.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkZRSMGqQ0E

 

[swshawaii]

Very good method above. Flushing the fittings with penetrant also seems to help. Many of the filter disconnect tool sleeves seem too short to compress the internal fuel line "finger' clips. To compress, find a lever to pry against the filter while twisting the filter.

 

[imp]

Removal tools made of plastic are the worst. The soft material deflects too much, and has a tough time expanding the spring "fingers" inside the "quick" (!) disconnect. Metal tools work much better, cost much more, too.

I finally cut a short length of cartridge brass and slit it, used it surrounding the plastic "pilot" on the tool, and the added solid material made easy opening up of the disconnect. imp

 

[J_C]

It seems to me that you could also DIY similar to the cut pen cap method with a thin walled piece of copper pipe, or even braze two halves of a little thicker pipe, cut and bent to size, onto a pair of pliers.

 

[koda2000]

i bought a set of multi-colored, anodized aluminum disconnect tools at Autozone. OEM brand, around $20. they work great. 5/16's size for the filter, 3/8's for the fuel tank connection. follow JC's advice and i also wedge a pair of pliers behind the tool to push it in easier. it's a job that kinda requires you to have 3 hands. with 5 Explorer's/Mountaineer's and a Mustang, i've become an expert at changing these stupid filters.

 

[Blackout51]

i bought a set of anodized aluminum disconnect tools at Autozone. OEM brand, around $20. they work great. 5/16's size for the filter, 3/8's for the fuel tank connection. follow JC's advice and i also wedge a pair of pliers behind the tool to push it in easier. it's a job that kinda requires you to have 3 hands. with 5 Explorer's/Mountaineer's and a Mustang, i've become an expert at changing these stupid filters.

yeah my 2006 mustang had the same kind of filter but it took me about 15 minutes to do, it was really easy but this one is ridiculous, I spent about an hour trying on it today and nothing, I think the fact that looks like it has been on there for much longer than it should have been

 

[drdoom]

What you have I'm afraid is rust on the straight part of the existing filter outlet. The smooth part before the bulge. The clips are stainless steel, but the filter itself can rust a bit there, and the tolerance is close anyway, so even with the tool engaged, releasing the clips, that little bit of rust can get hung up.

 

[imp]

What you have I'm afraid is rust on the straight part of the existing filter outlet. The smooth part before the bulge. The clips are stainless steel, but the filter itself can rust a bit there, and the tolerance is close anyway, so even with the tool engaged, releasing the clips, that little bit of rust can get hung up.

This is quite right! I've seen some so rusted on, I had to cut them out! imp

 

[Blackout51]

This is quite right! I've seen some so rusted on, I had to cut them out! imp

honestly I got so frustrated that was a thought was to use a hack saw and cut the filter part out and then try and get the tool in easier along the attachment points

 

[imp]

honestly I got so frustrated that was a thought was to use a hack saw and cut the filter part out and then try and get the tool in easier along the attachment points

Yeppur! Been there and did it, too! imp

 

[lobo411]

There's no trick and there's no shortcut. You just have to work it till you hit whatever sweet spot is required to make the disconnect release. I wouldn't even think of cutting the filter off--don't want metal shavings anywhere in that line, and frankly I think the filter inlet/outlet would be infinitely harder to manipulate if it was cut.

 

[koda2000]

the best advice i can give you is to spray a penetrant into the fitting. be sure the filter will spin on the lines. exercise the lines by pushing the filter into them. you must be able to get the filter to push into the line slightly or it WILL NOT come off. push the filter into the line while pushing the tool into the fitting (that's where 3 hands would be helpful). a good disconnect tool, patience and fineness is what works. the first filter i changed took be over an hour over 2 days. now i can change them in about 15-20 seconds. BTW those plastic disconnect tools suck.

 

[bill06447]

Penetrating oil first is a must. Make sure you have the metal disconnect tool (save the plastic ones for the AC lines). Once you get the tool all the way in you need to rotate it back and forth while pulling on the tube ends. Also, make sure the fuel pressure has been released by pulling the pump relay while the vehicle is running and letting it stall. I have a special pliers you use with the disconnect tool which makes this job so much quicker and easier http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-6...cBxOk1sgQzANpYC_uWvauKbyFfGLePQ3okaAlBY8P8HAQ

Bill

 

[Bobmbx]

the best advice i can give you is to spray a penetrant into the fitting. be sure the filter will spin on the lines. exercise the lines by pushing the filter into them. you must be able to get the filter to push into the line slightly or it WILL NOT come off. push the filter into the line while pushing the tool into the fitting (that's where 3 hands would be helpful). a good disconnect tool, patience and fineness is what works. the first filter i changed took be over an hour over 2 days. now i can change them in about 15-20 seconds. BTW those plastic disconnect tools suck.

This.

Once you get it off, you'll discover that magic technique. And you'll be mad. Until the next time you change the filter. In seconds.

 

[2lungking]

I just did my fuel filter yesterday and it was pain took me 15 minutes just to get the filter off I wish I had used some penetrant I believe it would have mad things go easier.

 

[J_C]

Keep in mind that the filter isn't keyed so you don't have to get the clips off to spray some penetrant in, gently grasp the fuel line with pliers (being careful not to bend it), and rotate the filter back and forth.

 

[imp]

....... BTW those plastic disconnect tools suck.

Well said! imp