Fuel filter removal

[4.0blue98]

First, 98 4L OHV. I've been a bad owner and haven't changed my fuel filter in about 50k. I tried to get the old one off and am having no luck. It has the all metal quick connects. No plastic tabs or clips or anything. Single line in and single line out. Everything in the filter vicinity is really clean and the metal clips are good and easily removed but the quick connect are just stuck. I have the small plastic tool that has worked and usually works but just can't get them off. Does anyone have a recommendation for a real tool to do this?

 

[RobertFord]

Seriously?

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137336

Then, let me google that for you: link

 

[RonD]

Yes, they can be very hard to remove and you do need "the tool" in place to remove the lines, my '94 just had the plastic clips so no tool was needed.

The plastic "tool" clips on to the fuel filter's metal line with flange facing filter, then you slide the tool away from the filter, it slides under the edges of the fuel line where it lifts the tabs holding the lines on.

There is a video of how that works.
Google: 1998 ranger fuel filter removal video

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Even with the tool it can be hard to make it release. I found that using a spray can of penetrant to dislodge dirt helps. You may have to work the tool in and out and twist at the same time. Eventually it will come loose. Also push the line in first before pulling it apart.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[4.0blue98]

Thanks for the replies. It did click in place like RonD said, but I'm thinking there may be some crude under the fitting like alwaysfloored said so I'll give it a good blast of PB and try it again. I think if I get it up in the air I can get a bit more force on it. Just don't want to break it. Weird thing is that when I did it a couple years ago it was a piece of cake!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Spray it out with penetrating spray and give it a shot with a blow nozzel.

 

[4.0blue98]

Just a quick update. The place (out of business of course) that changed my fuel filter many miles back apparently put the wrong one in, hence my difficulty removing it. Appears to have one typical end which I can easily remove with the simple tool and the other is some type of double flare end. The tool engages to the first flare but will not push the clips to free the second. Looks like I'll be cutting and crimping to get around the interfering flair. Don't feel like dropping the tank to change the whole back line!