Just so everone knows, the world is safe and I can sleep easy, My fuel filter will never ever fall off. . . . . .

A few days ago I posted a question trying to figure out the a problem I am having(transmission or engine which is it).

After reading everything here, Before I went any further I thought I'd go ahead and change my fuel filter to see if it was the problem. I think there's a good chance it is the problem. (150,000 miles on it). . . don't ask.

Anyways, at lunch today stopped by my local Napa dealer picked up a filter and that special tool mentioned in the archives. Didn't really look at the tool. Asked the napa guy, hey where is the fuel filter located on this truck. His answer "right in front of the rear right wheel on the frame. . . Should've realized something was wrong at that point.

Got home climbed under the right rear side of the truck. . Nothing, of course the fuel tank is on the left, looked and looked and didn't find it. heck with this, came back in on the computer looked through the archives. Discovered the article by Racerguy on how to change the filter. (he notes how bad he hates to do fuel filters, I should've stopped right there.)

Finally got the fuel disconnect done and the fuel pressure let off. That was half an adventure in itself. Found the filter. Wow, how the heck does this tool work. Re-read the article again. Now I understand.

Wait a second, tool isn't even close to fitting. two sizes too large. Put everything back together, drive 20 minutes to the parts store (Not NAPA). Bought one tool, before leaving the parking lot decided it wasn't the proper tool (too small). Went back and bought two more. I wasn't about to go home without the right tool.

Back at home, let pressure off, climb under, remove clip, try tool number 1. Heck even though it says it is specifically for Ford fuel lines, it won't fit inbetween the filter and the fitting it is too long. Okay fall back to tool number two (I thought I planned ahead). to shorten a long story, the other tool would NOT release the dang connector either (these were the plastic ones). They fit fine but would not release it. Tried two different sized, both 5/16ths and 3/8s and neither would. cursed a couple of times and Gave up.

What should've been a 20 minute job took all evening and the old filter is still on the dang truck and I can guarantee its not going to fall off. I am going to find the right tool to release this filter because I am going to change it more often than 150000 miles the next time

I'll let you know if the fuel filter fixes my transmission problem Some folks should just not work on vehicles and I'm beginning to think I am one of them. To set the record straight, I'm not mechanically inept, I've successfully rebuilt a 390, 289 351 and a C6 different points in my life. Problem is, I've been spoiled by this truck. I've not had to do anything but change the fluids for 7 years now and I guess I've forgotten how a hose clamp works.

kw

 

I feel your pain, kenwhelan. I had a hassle changing my fuel filter a few months ago. I found some advice here and elsewhere that proved really helpful, though.

First, the tool you are looking for looks like this.



The above image came from a post on another site.

If I remember correctly, you will use the smaller diameter end to release the clips in the couplings.

Even with the right tool, I had problems getting the clips on one side to release. Racerguy suggested blasting it with WD40. I did that and let it soak for just a minute. The fingers released with no problem. Once again, WD40 saves the day!

Hope some of this helps. BTW, even after you get those lines released, I had a huge pain in the neck actually removing the filter from that bomb-proof bracket that is holding it. Mine was right up against the rail so I could not slide it forward very well. I had to pry the bracket apart some. Not fun. Good luck.

 

I bought that very tool at lunch. I'll soak with WD-40 before I try anything as well. Its now become a matter of pride. I will change this fuel filter if it kills me

Thanks for the info.

 

The tool in Chris's post above is the best kind to use as far as I'm concerned.
It usually works much better than the plastic kind.

 

Well its done. It helped power immensely but I still have my "Transmission" problem. I'll post more info on it later on the other thread.

Ford could've done us all a favor by moving the filter back 4" so you can actually reach both ends of the filter. The first connection came off and dumped fuel all over everything withing seconds. The second one took an hour to get off. I ended up using all of the tools I had before I finally got it.

The trick is, after you get your tool started into the line, push the line itself towards the filter, push the tool as far in as you can and then pull the line off.

I could get the tool to go in, hear it click but it would not release no matter what I did. The problem with trying to get the line to move in towards the filter was due to the lack of light, lack of space and my inability to get my arm around where I could get a good grip on it.

Anyways, thanks for the help I now have to go apologize to my wife for yelling at her because she hid my flashlight from me. . . Dang her how dare she clean the house

 

Good to hear that you got it done
Fun eh? lol
You should try replacing the fuel filter in a 92-94 truck. It uses the same types of clips but the filter is buried up in behind the gas tank. Man I'd like to have words with the guy that designed that!