fuel filter wont come off

91stranger · May 29, 2018

So me and a friend fought like help trying to get the fuel filter off my 99 with not luck. We both ha the cheap plastic quick connect tools with would fit in place but not release it. Anyone ran into this issue and found a tool that works? I bought a better tool from harbor freight that is metal and "should" do the job. Just wanted to know if there was anything that could be done to help this other than spraying it with PB Blast.

Dirtman · May 29, 2018

Give it a double check that it actually requires the disconnect tool. There are 2 styles and they look similar but one just requires pushing down on a little button while pushing in and it will pop off. They both fit the same filter style and just snap in place but if you try using a disconnect tool on the push button style you wont get anywhere.

If it is the type that needs the tool Ive always had better luck with the aluminum "scissor" style tools. They go in deeper and give you more leverage over the little circle ones.

adsm08 · May 29, 2018

Also try rotating the filter in the line. If crap builds up in there the tool won't go in far enough to do anything. Getting the filter moving can help break that dirt pack up.

Shran · May 29, 2018

The harbor freight aluminum tools are what I have used many times... some filters are just hard to remove. I remember fighting one on an Explorer for over an hour with the right tools. Sometimes a 90* pick can help, or a small flat screwdriver bent at an angle.

FWIW if you damage the cage clip thing, you can get a new one from the parts store.

91stranger · May 29, 2018

Yeah I just bought the scissor type yesterday and didn't get a chance to mess with it (busy with kids) and I tried using the 90 degree picks and rotating the filter. It looked like the plastic tool just wasn't catching where I needed it to. I saw the metal scissor type and figured I could open it to make it bigger while trying to pull on it. Seems like a job for a three handed sum bitch to get it off easy. Guess my two hands will have to get creative lol. Here is a pic of what is not coming off. This is at the rear end of the filter. The front end came right off without tools.

Will · May 29, 2018

It just means the filter doesn't need changed. If it needed changed, it would let you take it off.

91stranger · May 29, 2018

Will said:
It just means the filter doesn't need changed. If it needed changed, it would let you take it off.

I hope that's sarcasm. lol. Should say that more often when people want an oil change. "Did you car tell you it was ready for one?"

Craig0320 · May 29, 2018

Grab the line and the filter itself and push them together at the same time Insert the tool while everything is compressed move it up a down a few times and spin the filter. Next grab the tool and line with the fingers on your left hand and pull back while spinning the filter with your right hand. Pushing the line and the filter together on the first step takes any excess tension off of the tabs of the clip inside the the round housing. I have been able to take every one off I have come across doing it this way. Wow this sounds complicated when I type it out.

modelageek · May 29, 2018

91stranger said:
So me and a friend fought like help trying to get the fuel filter off my 99 with not luck. We both ha the cheap plastic quick connect tools with would fit in place but not release it. Anyone ran into this issue and found a tool that works? I bought a better tool from harbor freight that is metal and "should" do the job. Just wanted to know if there was anything that could be done to help this other than spraying it with PB Blast.

5/16" performance is the one i have. its the red one. it works good.

http://www.partstrain.com/store/details/Performance_Tool/Fuel_Line_Disconnect_Tool/PFTW83130.html?source=gglpla&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9LPYBRDSARIsAHL7J5manBdY111hIitpF1mCw_vKXgXhqrQbc4WYZWygRTSCTwq8532Q_wwaAg-jEALw_wcB

97RangerXLT · May 29, 2018

also blast the area where the tool goes in with pb blaster or wd 40 to flush out the crud that has built up around the spring. this will let the tool go in deeper and easier, plus make the line slide better when disconnecting it.

AJ

91stranger · May 30, 2018

Yeah I got the scissor type tool and I hope this works. I don't want to have to buy another set of fuel line tools. this filter should come off fairly easy. I believe its the original from 99 so its had time to get stubborn.

delaware74b · May 30, 2018

Also, the clips will not release with pressure in the fuel lines. I pull the fuel pump relay with engine idling and let it run out of fuel then pull the filter.

Andy D · May 30, 2018

also blast the area where the tool goes in with pb blaster or wd 40 to flush out the crud that has built up around the spring. this will let the tool go in deeper and easier, plus make the line slide better when disconnecting it. X2

When I replaced the filter on the Rat, it was my first go-round with the push on connectors. I sprayed 'em good and wiggled and generally messed around with them . And Lo, they released like they were new! They won't move enough if they are full of road grime, Clean out the dirt and you're stylin'

91stranger · Jun 16, 2018

Got that filter off finally. used the metal scissor type tool from harbor freight. Should have just got that from the get go. Once I got the filter off a bunch of black fuel started pouring out of it. So that definitely needed replaced.

Denisefwd93 · Jun 16, 2018

91stranger said:
Got that filter off finally. used the metal scissor type tool from harbor freight. Should have just got that from the get go. Once I got the filter off a bunch of black fuel started pouring out of it. So that definitely needed replaced.

Congratulations!! I picked up that same tool in anticipation of other things it will not work on the air conditioning quick connects it is too thick

fuel filter wont come off

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