Trying to change the fuel filter...

[99RangerKrazy]

So I got the filter ($18), the "nice" little metal tool to get the old filter off ($12)...and the stupid thing doesn't fit, it's just a tad too big. It's the Ford Fuel Line Disconnect tool (I think that is what it was called, I got it at Napa) So I try grinding it down to make it fit, which was unsuccessful, it still doesn't fit. So what the crap am I supposed to do? Is there any other way to get the old filter off besides that metal tool? I heard the little plastic rings that Schucks sells sucks as well. Is there any other way? Thanks.

 

[kunar]

the plastic rings *should* work too but ive always used the metal tool. this was also on a 1st gen truck. are you sure it really doesnt fit or are you just not pushing hard enough?

 

[Hardwareman]

I've never used a metal tool to remove my fuel filter. I always use the plastic ring with the edge on one side to insert it into the fuel line. The other end just comes off with a flat screwdriver.

They sell the plastic rings in a kit at your local autoparts store. They're the same things you use to diconnect the A/C lines as well.




Allen

 

[michowski]

mine is just 2 small white clips that hold the filter on. Just use a screw driver to pry em off (without cracking) and swap the lines to the knew filter.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah I am 100% sure it doesn't fit. You aren't going to fit a 1/2 inch circle into a 3/8 inch circle no matter how hard you try (or whatever size the fuel line is, you catch my drift). I tried even doing just half of the metal tool at a time, and it just won't go in. And I tried using the plastic tool that came with the filter and that doesn't do anything, I tried using that for about half hour before trying to find the metal tool. Ugh, I guess I'll just leave it. I don't THINK it needs changed, but I don't know if it ever has been changed (at least while I've owned it). Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[Hardwareman]

It's not a plastic "tool" that comes with the filter. It's a "new" clip to use after you replace the filter instead of the old one. My daughter has my camera right now or I would go take a picture of what you need to get it off.

It's really not that hard to do if you know what it is you're doing. The tool is a fuel line disconnect one and it looks like a donut with an edge on one side. Is that what your tool looks like?



Allen

 

[thegoat4]

The tool is available in different sizes.

 

[Donnie strickland]

mine is just 2 small white clips that hold the filter on. Just use a screw driver to pry em off (without cracking) and swap the lines to the knew filter.

That's what I do with my fuel filter (1994 4.0 Ranger), except that the new filter should come with the white clips (filter & clips, $8 at NAPA).

I've never had to use a tool.

 

[KELLY88]

I know what you mean by getting frustrated trying to disconnect that line, I ran into this a few months ago. The disconnect tool had 2 sides to it, one is a 3/8 and the other is a 1/2, or something like that. If your tool only has 1 side then you need to go try and find the next size down. Then it's actually pretty simple. Just shove the right size disconnect into the cylinder over the fuel line until you hear a click, then just pull the line off the filter, careful of a gas shower. If you have a Haynes manual it explains it really well.

 

[gettle03FX4LevelII]

the clips should just come off i have an 03 and all i use is a needle noise pliers. you may need to push the fuel line in then grab the clip with the pliers and it should come off. are you unbolting it from the frame first? if not do that and it will same you a lot of headache.

 

[krugford]

He's got the metal disconnect tool. Probably looks like this?:

It's not going to fit if you have the wrong size, which is what I assume happened from reading your post. You probably need the next size down.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Thanks for all the help. Here is what the tool I have looks like, except instead of a two way, it's a four way.

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/3321.gif

 

[Donnie strickland]

I bought one of those tools like you have, 99RangerKrazy, but as I say I never had to use it. I just relieved the fuel pressure, removed the two white clips and then I could just pull the lines away from the filter. I'm assuming yours won't come apart this easily?

 

[99RangerKrazy]

I didn't try to do get the side off where the clips are, I was just trying to get the left side off (left if you are laying underneath it, towards the gas tank). That tool is too big to get underneath the fuel line to push the little teeth up so it can come off. Maybe if I tried to remove the right side with the clips first, and then the left side? Or will I have the same result? It's on there pretty dang good.

 

[Donnie strickland]

I didn't try to do get the side off where the clips are, I was just trying to get the left side off (left if you are laying underneath it, towards the gas tank). That tool is too big to get underneath the fuel line to push the little teeth up so it can come off. Maybe if I tried to remove the right side with the clips first, and then the left side? Or will I have the same result? It's on there pretty dang good.

There should be one white plastic clip on each line, on both the inlet and outlet sides of the filter. One of yours might have fallen off. Two new clips should come with the filter.

I don't know about a 99, but on my 94 I unbolt the whole thing from the frame first. There's no room to work if you don't. Try that and see if it helps.