fuel filter issue
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New User
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fuel filter issue
ok so i have been racking my brain for a few days now trying to figure out how to get the darn fuel filter off. i had a fuel line removal tool already but it wont fit between the hose and filter. any suggestions to getting it off and why my new filter is a good 2 inches larger than the old one?
oh and im new here too im allen and i have a 99 F150 with the 4.2
oh and im new here too im allen and i have a 99 F150 with the 4.2
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
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From: SE Wyoming
There are at least 4 sizes of tube tools, can't remember which the fuel line is but the steel "X" tools with two ends work. If you have the right size try spray WD40 in the fitting and do a lot of twisting to try and get it to release. Sometimes you'll fight and fight and all the sudden they will just pop off. I really miss the old plastic or steel clip style.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 567
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The fact that your filters don't match makes me think something is wrong - either there is an improper filter already on your truck or you have the wrong replacement, or maybe both.
IIRC there is a metal bracket around the filter that is bolted to the body. Unbolt this and you will be able to move the filter a little, this helps get the tool properly positioned to release the fuel line connection.
I found this website handy for details of replacing the filter on my 2001 F150 4.2, for what it's worth.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
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From: Winnipeg
Sometimes the line connected to the filter gets dirt built up in the spring clip release area. Make sure it's clean before using the release tool or the springs can't compress. When using the release tool push the line toward the filter and then push tool toward the line. While holding the tool into the line try pulling the line and tool away from filter. Fuel pressure should be released before removing the filter. Just remove the fuel pump fuse and try starting the engine for a few seconds.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Minnesota
It has to clean as mentioned, so keep spraying WD 40 into it and keep working it. It's a little cage of metal tangs that hold the line in place. The line has a little ring on it that fits under those tangs. The tool opens those tangs so the ring can pass by those little tangs. All it does is keep the line from coming off. Behind that little cage on each line is an O-ring that is what actually seals the line. If you mangle up the metal cage in the end of the line, that can be pulled out with a pick and NAPA sells little bags of those cages in various sizes..like $4.00 bucks. I had one so rusted in place that the cage and O ring pulled out the line. That's not real common, but then you have to replace the end of the line. There are ends you can buy and splice in to the original line so you don't need an entire line set.....good luck.
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New User
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I know how to work the tool what I'm saying is there OS no room in between filter and connector for me to even get the tool around and inside the connector
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Laughing Gas
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From: Minnesota
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Minnesota
What I have done in that situation is take a 24 or 32 tooth hacksaw blade, wrap half the blade with electrical tape, put motor oil on the teeth and cut the filter off as close to the body as I can. Then I have a stub out of each connector. I then put the tool into the connector and a small vice grip on the stub and remove it that way. This is up to you if you want to chance it doing it this way. You will create filings that can get into your fuel system and there is always a chance of an irate spark to ignite the fuel that will be dripping as you cut. Someone had to have put the wrong filter on this thing. Or....take it someplace and get a price for someone else to get it off.....just be careful if you go the route I suggested and be aware of possible implications....good luck.
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That's what I was thinking. I was even thinging about just removince the connectors altogether and just replacing with standard fuel line but thank you though for the tip
Last edited by scrappy2686; Jan 24, 2013 at 05:04 PM. Reason: spelling errors and respinse was wrong
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,574
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We had one at work like that, an oil change store put the wrong filter on it. We slowly ground down the back part of an X removal tool till it fit. The boss, after the fact, said we could have used an AC Line removal tool as they are not tapered.
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