How in the world do you get the hoses off of a fuel filter? Does it require a special tool? The rear line looks simple enough pull the clip and pull it back off the nipple. But the front one has a stainless fitting that looks something like a compression fitting....how does that booger come off?

 

Sounds like a spring lock connector which requires a tool, what year is your truck?

 

1996, like i said the back connector i have seen before on my aerostar, but the front fitting is completely different.

 

ya you can go to an auto store and buy the quick disconnect tool. i got like 5 of them in a kit for like 7 bucks or smething like that. theyre little cheap plastic things

 

Is it pretty simple to get off once you have the tool?

 

My manual indicates that both should be the same, does it look like an AC line connector?

Spring Lock Couplings

Special Tool(s) Fuel Pipe Remover 3/8 inch (yellow)
310-D004 (D87L-9280-A) or equivalent
Fuel Pipe Remover 1/2 inch (green)
310-D005 (D87L-9280-B) or equivalent

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.

Relieve the fuel pressure. For additional information, refer to Pressure Relief—Fuel in this section.
Remove the fuel tube clip.

Install the Disconnect Tool.

Close and push the Disconnect Tool into the open side of the cage.

Separate the fitting.

Remove the Disconnect Tool.

Connect

Inspect and clean both the coupling ends.

Connect the fitting by inserting the male end into the female end of the fitting. Push the fitting together until the garter spring is engaged.

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

Install the safety clip.

 

Interesting....they aren't the same fitting. The rear or tank side fitting is the older style I am accustom to. The forward side it the stainless fitting that resembles an AC fitting. How do you relieve the fuel pressure?

 

I just did this a couple weeks ago on my '97 Ranger 2.3L. It's pretty simple. To relieve the fuel pressure, follow the directions below (from the Haynes manual):

1. The fuel pump switch (sometimes called the "inertia switch") shuts off fuel to the engine in the event of a collision. This switch provides an easy way to relieve fuel pressure before servicing any fuel injection component. The switch is located in the passenger compartment. On B-series models, the switch is on the passenger's side of the transmission hump, under the carpet. On Ranger models 1995 and later, the switch is located behind the passenger's side kick panel.
2. Unplug the inertia switch electrical connector.
3. Crank the engine with the starter for 15 to 20 seconds.
4. The fuel system pressure is now relieved. When you're finished working on the fuel system, reconnect the electrical connector back onto the switch and push the reset button on the top of the switch.

Basically, just take the electrical connecting harness off of the switch (if I remember correctly the inertia switch is just about the only electrical-looking thing down there). If the engine doesn't start, then you got the right one

But, just because the fuel pressure is relieved, don't think that there isn't still fuel in the line! I would put a bucket under the fuel filter before disconnecting it because a lot of fuel will come out. I got one of those 5-piece plastic sets at Sears, cost my 10 bucks. But you'll have to pull pretty hard even with the tool to disconnect the spring lock coupling.

Best of luck!

 

good description nick thanks