Is there a trick to removing the fuel filter from the 02 Explorer(4.0 V6). I realize there is probably a special tool for this job, but was wondering if there was another way to get them off.

Wes

 

You need the tool. Do a search on fuel filter, as there are many posts on this forum about replacing the fuel filter.

 

Got the tool, actually a local shop loaned me a set. After spending about 2 hours putting a sway bar on my X i went after the filter. Bad idea...

I would like to meet stupid sadistic sack of SHAT that designed that clamp system and stomp a mudhole in their A$$. Ok, I am done ranting... and done with the filter. By done I mean I am going to return the shops tools and see if they will cut me some slack on replacing the filter. I just couldn't get it, it was getting dark and the mosquitoes were starting to get bad, blah,blah, blah.

Maybe next time.

Wes

 

I changed the fuel filter in my '98 yesterday. I had to buy the $10 tool from Napa (5/16" fuel line removal tool) Didn't take more than ten minutes, slide the tool up into the coupler until it clicks then pull the fuel line off. The only bad part was all the gas that ran down my arm. Getting the new one to click into place took some doing since I was at an akward angle. Overall was really easy once I had the right tool to do it.

 

Nice I'll have to get one my self.

 

Brian, is that the tool that looks like scissors (you open it up and then clamp it on the coupler)?

 

More like a half a pair of scissors, but yes it is the kind that clamps onto the line so you can slide it up into the connector to release it. The one I got was a Napa Evercraft "5/16" fuel line disconnect tool" part number 775-9084. I was going to post a link to the Napa tool, but couldn't find it on their web site so here's someone else's that looks identical to the one I used.

http://www.thepartsbin.com/cartools/...ct_tool-d.html

Again, it worked like a champ.

 

The tool I have is from NAPA part#SER61059 which looks like a pair of scissors. I haven't tried it yet, but as soon as I have some free time I am going to try and change that filter. This tool is supposed to be flexible to allow you to get into tight places, but if it doesn't work I will try the tool you used. I hope mine comes off as easy as yours. Mine is a 2000 model with 103k miles on it, so I may be in for a struggle!

 

If yours is set up like mine, there won't be any problem for you. There was a good amount of room underneath so a longer tool should fit fine.

 

if you pull the fuel pump fuse and run the engine till it dies you will get less of that gas down your arm......

I pulled the filter of my sons 92, over 250k on OEM, took 5 min from up the ramp to down again...

 

I unplugged the inertia shutoff switch under the passenger side of the dash and started it but it didn't run but for a moment before it died and wouldn't start again,that accomplishes the same thing. Still had a good deal of gas come out.

 

Well, I finally got some time to try that filter. It was a piece of cake. I pulled the relay to the fuel pump, cranked it over a couple of times. Then I started with the line closer to the engine and it came out with no effort using the tool. The rear line required a little more effort, but I kept applying pressure to the fitting and rotating the filter and it just popped off. When I reinstalled, the lines just clicked on there without using the tool. I cranked the engine and checked for leaks and everything is fine.