fuel filter removal ignorance...need help

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Aug 26, 2005 | 04:10 PM

Paddy Whacker

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fuel filter removal ignorance...need help

'02 SD w/5.4. I climbed under equipped with a new filter and a weird x looking tool that Autozone says was the right one. I saw the clip on the engine side and pulled it back, and then tried to squeeze the lines with the tool, but both sides didn't even come close to fitting around the ends. I assume I need to squeeze the line, and wiggle it off, right? This looks like the original filter, and I have 41K on the truck, so I would like to change it. What am I missing here? I don't have the plastic clips, just a metal looking end on the engine side, and a plastic line on the tank side. Do I keep it in the retainer while I am getting the lines off, or pull it out of the retainer and then mess with the lines?

I let the pressure out at the fuel rail, on the passenger side of the engine. I think the tool is wrong, but what do I need, and how do I use them. Do I need those plastic clap looking tools?

Aug 26, 2005 | 04:31 PM

Jay Bundick

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The tool I've used in the past had different size plastic inserts which you could place in the ends of the tool to fit differnet fuel filters. Use the wrong insert and the fuel filter can't be removed. I wonder if they forgot to give you the inserts?

Aug 26, 2005 | 04:35 PM

Paddy Whacker

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I think they gave me the tool for the older models, an X shaped tool with 5/16 and 3/8 ends. I need the plastic shaped tools used for fuel lines and A/C lines. Do I have to buy a set, or can someone tell me what size I need?

Aug 26, 2005 | 04:43 PM

Jay Bundick

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The tool I used was a kit with interchangable plastic inserts (color coded) for different sizes. I borrowed it from a mechanic friend. Can't remember sizes needed.

Aug 26, 2005 | 04:47 PM

NoMo

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From: OK

I think the tool you have should work.

You slide the tool onto the fuel filter nipple then push it INTO the connector on the fuel line. This opens up the round spring that holds the line onto the filter. Once the tool is in, you pull the fuel line (and tool) off the filter nipple. Nothing really gets "squeezed".

From my experiences, getting the fuel line off can be a real bugger sometimes. Especially if it's the first time on a vehicle with several thousand miles like yours. Just keep after it.

Aug 26, 2005 | 04:52 PM

Paddy Whacker

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OH....I got it NOMO. I clamp it around the line, then slide it up, which should release it. I thought I needed to squeeze the very end of each line, and the tool wouldn't come close to fitting around it. I will try it again, and bring some WD-40 with me.

Thanks

Aug 26, 2005 | 07:32 PM

Rongold

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From: Putnam Valley, New York

Fuel Filter Replacement

Insert your "X" tool into the front fitting as far as it will go. The tool will expand the locking clips and allow you to pull the line off of the old filter. Once you get the front line off, pull the filter out of the mounting clip. Squeeze the release on the rear plastic line and pull the filter forward. You usually cannot pull the rear line off of the filter if the filter is in the clip--the plastic line is too stiff to bend. To install the new one, coat both nipples of the new filter with motor oil. Push the new filter into the rear line, snap the filter into the clip, and push the front line on. You must hear a "click" when installing both lines. Give them a pull to be sure.

RON