Am I an idiot for wanting to reuse the plastic clips on the fuel filter connectors?

[barrys]

I have a 94 ranger with fuel connectors that have these clips:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR3/55147.oap?pt=N1651&ppt=C0290

It's recommended to replace them. But, it seems that they might be reusable and mine are fairly new -- about 3 years old living in a comfy climate. I'm just wondering how to take them out of there in tact if that's not a stupid way to save a trip to the parts store.

There's a tab on them called the "shipping tab" that will probably act as a barb to keep them from being pushed back into the coupling. I'm wondering how to push that through without breaking it or if breaking it doesn't compromise the integrity of the clip. I can't see how the clip could just fall out based on pressure acting in multiple directions to keep it in place.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

i reuse these all the time. you just push them right back in.

 

[barrys]

Any cool tips on getting those clips out of there?

As a funny aside...
I just saw a good youtube vid on exactly my truck and the dude didn't run the fuel out of the system before pulling the connector. I was thinking of skipping that just figuring "how much could it be?" Turns out, the guy got completely covered with fuel -- at least a quart at high pressure after relieving with the schraeder valve. So, I guess I should not skip that. I'm also wondering if just letting it sit overnight would be enough.

 

[barrys]

Here's the video I was talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7TgV6ZiDKY
Not perfect, but kinda useful in parts.

 

[schlutzer]

Easiest way to relieve the fuel pressure is to disconnect the interia switch, which is inside the cab on the passenger side firewall, somewhat close tot he trans tunnel. Should have a red button and a clip with tons of wires, just pull the clip out.

Then strat the truck, should run for a sec then die, and there fuel system is relieved. I did NOT do this after my truck sat for a year and I got tons of fuel in the face, safety glasses are a must.

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Easiest way to relieve the fuel pressure is to disconnect the interia switch, which is inside the cab on the passenger side firewall, somewhat close tot he trans tunnel. Should have a red button and a clip with tons of wires, just pull the clip out.

Then strat the truck, should run for a sec then die, and there fuel system is relieved. I did NOT do this after my truck sat for a year and I got tons of fuel in the face, safety glasses are a must.

Easier way is to take your closed fist, or the end of a screwdriver or hammer, and lightly tap it until it pops. It just senses an impact and pops up, killing the fuel pump.

Or pull the fuel pump fuse or relay, all 3 methods work fine. However, when you pull the filter, all the fuel in the lines will drain out so it does make a mess, but at least it doesnt spray everywhere!

 

[trail B2]

I reuse these but keep some around there cheap and sometimes they break.I put a screwdriver under them and pull straight up.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Any cool tips on getting those clips out of there?

As a funny aside...
I just saw a good youtube vid on exactly my truck and the dude didn't run the fuel out of the system before pulling the connector. I was thinking of skipping that just figuring "how much could it be?" Turns out, the guy got completely covered with fuel -- at least a quart at high pressure after relieving with the schraeder valve. So, I guess I should not skip that. I'm also wondering if just letting it sit overnight would be enough.

stick a flat screw driver under the tab and gently twist while you get a finger on the backside to help push/spread the tabs.

if you're replacing the fuel filter most new filters come with new clips anyway

 

[jhammel85]

Whatever you do, put them back in right and make sure they click...One of mine slid off and left me stranded for a little bit while I replaced them on the side of the road in a puddle of fuel.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Not a bad idea to put a zip-tie over the tab on the clip to be sure it isn't going anywhere.

 

[barrys]

> Not a bad idea to put a zip-tie over the tab on the clip to be sure it isn't going anywhere.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Zip ties, the duct tape of the new millenium...

 

[McCormack]

Nah, there's nothing that can replace duct tape.