Help! I am trying to change the fuel filter on my 2002 4 liter. I bought the scissor type disconnect tool from advanced auto the other day, but I am having a terrible time trying to get the couplings off. Maybe I am not doing it the right way? Any suggestions guys?

-Justin

 

Just keep pulling/tugging/cussing for about 30-45 minutes. Works for me every time
Seriously, I don't know what the trick really is, I just know it takes me forever and when it finally comes off it seems like it should have been really simple.

 

If it's the same setup as on my '98, this might help:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=204571

 

Thanks fellas, but the setup is a bit different I think. I have a 3 line filter, instead of the usual 1 in and 1 out. 2 Lines coming from the tank and 1 leaving the filter headed to the engine. I have successfully removed the 2 incoming lines. The problem I'm having is with the outgoing line. The "duck bill" part of the tool is too long to fit between the filter and the connector. Therefore I can't push the tool into the line to release the filter. There is also an orange band that sticks out of the connector a tad. When you push on this, it releases some of the pressure from the connector. I have used pliers/vice grips/screwdrivers/WD-40 for the past hour and a half trying to get this stupid connector off. I think I am going to have to get a dremel and cut the "bill" of the tool enough to squeeze it between the filter and line.

 

I read so many posts about the problems that people have with changing the filter that I just took my truck into a shop that I trust. I personally think the $30 in labor (I brought the filter) was very worth it.

 

I think they changed in 2000, mine has these two kinds of clips....

Fittings — Push Connect


Disconnect

WARNING:
Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

WARNING:
Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure even when the engine is not running. Before repairing or disconnecting any of the fuel lines or fuel system components, the fuel system pressure must be relieved to prevent accidental spraying of fuel, causing personal injury or a fire hazard.

1. Relieve the fuel pressure. For additional information, refer to «Pressure Relief—Fuel» in this section.

µ 2. Separate the fitting.

1 Depress the tabs.

2 Separate the fitting.


Connect

µ 1. Align the tube to the fitting and push until you hear a click.

µ 2. Pull on the fitting to make sure it is fully engaged.

Fittings — R-Clip


Disconnect

WARNING:
Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

WARNING:
Fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure even when the engine is not running. Before repairing or disconnecting any of the fuel lines or fuel system components, the fuel system pressure must be relieved to prevent accidental spraying of fuel, causing personal injury or a fire hazard.

CAUTION:
Do not use any tools. The use of tools may cause a deformity in the clip components which may cause fuel leaks.

1. Relieve the fuel pressure. For additional information, refer to «Pressure Relief—Fuel» in this section.

µ 2. Remove the shipping tab by bending downward.

µ 3. Spread the R-clip legs and push the clip into the fitting.

µ 4. Separate the fitting from the tube.


Connect

1. Inspect the fitting and the tube for damage. Remove any dirt or obstructions.

µ 2. Insert the R-clip into the fitting.

µ 3. Align the tube and the fitting.

µ 4. Insert the tube in the fitting and push together until a click is heard.

µ 5. Pull on the connection to make sure it is fully engaged.

 

Well, I finally changed the dang filter. I had to grind the half moon things down so that it would fit. After that, I didn't have much trouble. I just had to muscle it a little bit. I also used the WD-40 (don't know how much it actually helped, but it made me feel better . I can already tell a difference in the way she drives, but I do still have a little bucking/hesitation. Still not sure what is causing it though. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

When I changed the first filter on my 97 Ranger, I couldn't get the little 'tool' they sell to work, either. A friend of mine let me fight with it for about 20 minutes, the piped up and said "Why don't you cut the end off, then try to get it apart." Guess what! Worked like a charm! Had the new filter on in about 3 minutes flat. Sometimes the weirdest solutions are pretty good.

 

I too had problems trying to use the Advance Auto scissor type tool, it just wouldn't work for me. The snout on mine was too short to effect a release.

I even constructed a tool from a "Caplug" I had lying around & managed to get one side loose without a problem, but that engine side wouldn't budge.

So I opted for the plastic Dorman 800-009 quick disconnect, worked like a champ the first time.

Seems some of these cheep aftermarket tools leave something to be desired. IMHO