I went to replace my fuel filter at 30,000 miles. Got shield off the filter and figured out red tabs on the connections opened up. But I still could not get hoses off the filter. Do I need a special tool or something to get fitting over the barb on the filter?

 

Look fro a tool for AC and fuel. Press tool and hose in at the same time, then pull out the hose. If you used a lot of force allready, it may be very difficult now. Some people who think force is the only way to do things, just can't get them off.

 

Still need more help with the tool to be used. Thanks

 

It's in the tool aisle at pep boys. I think that the one they carry is Lisle. There is a whole set of different sizes and I think they are about $10. They're plastic and not the best quality, but should work for the very occasional filter change.

 

I second that, I tried changing mine today and we just couldn't get the darn hoses off the original filter, even the cage was difficult to get off the filter (it was tacked on with some glue). Might have to give this job to my mechanic. A shame too cause it was easy enough to get to. I was also told that this can be very messy.

 

It might be easier to leave it on the bracket till hoses are removed. Have found it useful to press the plastic tool in with the side face of a pliars. This is the first time I have ever heard anyone say it was at an easy location to get at! Pretty ackward position to be in especially if the filter isn't solidly mounted. I pulled the transmission on a 92 and decided to remove the filter to give me extra access. Unbolted the bracket but had to pry it past a frame rivet and bend it. A grinder fixed that.

 

Thanks everyone I'll give it a try this week.

 

Found the tool at PepBoys and tried again today. That sucker ain't comin out.

 

Bought the tool myself today at Pepboys. Going to try tonight. Will post results

 

I did it!!! First start by removing the heat sheid that is in the way. The large on that seperates the filter and the calalitic converter. Makes for more working room. Remove shield covering filter then bolt back on. Start on engine side by removing locking clip by just pulling up on it. Then use 3/8 plastic tool to remove the hose. It took me probally 20 min to get it, there are fingers in the fitting that the tool pushes on, keep rotating the tool because the tool may not make contact with all the finger in certain spots. Keep trying and I used a pair of small channel locks to apply pressure to the tool. All a once it just poped off, have a towel ready to soak up the gas. Next on the tank side with your fingernail or small screwdriver release the red tab, then push up on the red tabs, pushing the whole red fitting upward thus releasing the connection from the filter. Then follow suit with the other fitting. Job took me 2 hours, but could do it in less than an hour next time. Be patient and keep trying. Those red tabs can be stubborned but I figured it out on my own. Good luck let me know how things go

 

Is that the same proceedure for the Sportrac?

 

I would think so

 

Napa sold me the wrong fuel filter. It's not right size to fit in bracket.
Will try later this week.

 

I also bought mine at Napa. Good Luck