I have seen a few topics on this but none answereed what I was looking for.

Am trying to change fuel filter on 1997 F150, I had a few fuel line decoupler tools but none fit easily.

Does anyone know the exact size I need and if they have any tips.

Thanks,
mr_m

 

Might not be the answer you're looking for, but I had a hard time getting mine off and I just went to jiffy lube and got it done for a couple of bucks. Just make sure you check under there to make sure they did it after they're done.

 

What color is the tool you were using? If I remember right it should be a 9/16. The ones we have at work (which happens to be Jiffy Lube) are red and yellow, I use the red on. Put the tool in and push the line towards the filter at the same time. It should then slide right out. It took me a few of them to get the hang of it.

 

You need to take the pressure off the fuel line - unplug the cutoff valve (right-hand side inside the cab) and start engine - it will run just a few seconds. When you disconnect the fuel lines, there will be some drip - you can take some 5/16" dowel scraps and "sharpen" them a bit in a pencil sharpener - use these to plug the lines.

 

I used the metal ones you get at NAPA and didn't have any trouble.

 

I found that getting a bit of spray lube on the line where you insert the tool works well too. Mine had a lot of dirt in there that I was able to spray out.

 

Thanks for the replies fellas. Looked around at work closer and found the red decoupler tool, 3/8. I was close with the yellow 9/16 but this red one is what I needed.

Thanks again,

MM