I'm trying to replace the fuel filter on my 96 Bronco and things aren't going well. As you can see in the pic below I have the scissors disconnect tool and can get it inserted into the line.

http://images.snapfish.com/34665%3C%...B4375544nu0mrj

I've tried everything in the world to seperate the line from the old filter but it's not working. I thought i'd ask for help here before I go back out there and break something. Is there a secret to this process or am I just not using the tool right??

 

It can be tricky. Relax, put the clips back on and buy another tool. I recommend one that you can get from snap on,

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/17700/17656.JPG

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....&group_ID=1439

BluePoint YA9457-1
BluePoint YA9457-2

I have yet to run into a quick disconnect fuel line that this set of pliers does not disengage. Forget the junk you can buy at the parts store.

Good Luck,

George

 

Thanks for the reply and advice. I can't justify spending that kind of money on a tool that will only be used once every couple of years. I will however look into different options as these scissors don't seem to be cutting the mustard.

I have finally tucked my head in shame and given up for the day. I can't believe I was beaten by a freaking fuel filter. Luckily I was able to put everything back together and fire the truck back up with no leaks so I didn't damage anything in my futile attempt.

Any other suggestions from the gallery? I may have been beaten today but I shall return to conquer this job soon!!!

 

try pushing the line towards the filter, while at the same time, inserting the release tool...sometimes the line may be backed out to the fitting stop, making it hard for the tool to do it's job...try to rotate the tool at the same time to make sure you've released all of the retainer...take a deep breath, and give it a shot...

 

I was just going to say the same as yamaweezle .... pushing the line back towards the filter and onto the tool works well. The locking piece inside the line then isn't jammed onto the line and making it hard to move because of friction. Also, trying pushing each into the other -> line onto insert tool, then insert tool into line. Back and forth. Good luck.

 

dont let the gas run down onto your armpits

 

All modern EFI vehicles require a fuel line disconnect tool. These tools work on many makes and are also good for a/c lines. If I bring the truck to the shop and have them change the fuel filter, it only takes a couple visits to pay for the snap on tool. I am also popular with my buddies that borrow the tool from me. I have received beer in return as well!

Just my two cents. If you are local to the bay area, you are welcome to come borrow my tools for a sixpack. You'll be done so quick that you'll have time to help me drink the brews as well!

Best, George

 

I did this with the plastic tools. My main problem was dirt in the quick disconnect couplings. I just used the needle and some air to clean them out. One coupling (over the fuel tank - had to change pump) took me about 2 days, and only after dragging the fuel tank out with the hose attached, so I know, it can be a *REAL* PITA. But it can be done. You just need some patience and lots of (compressed) air.

 

You are sure you are using the right size tool right....I know there are usually two sizes on that tool.


Just take your time.....and listen to what is said here. You will do much better if you try to move the lines around a bit on the filter nipple just to free them up a little. Then wrap the tool around the filter nipple and while pulling back away from the filter with the line try inserting the tool into the lock fitting, and then push the line onto the tool....then try pull the line away.
You will get it....just have a rag (or three) ready, and try not to let the fuel get in your eyes....ears,....nose....and like the other reply said your arm pits.....daMMMMMM

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it another try tommorrow after reading all this. I actually came inside and did a search on this before I posted anything and saw a hint of trying to push the line onto the tool instead of the tool into the line. I've tried that and about 100 other things I could think of. The line isn't gunked up at all and I can spin it easily over the tube of the filter altough I can't move it back and forth much.

The tool I'm using has 2 sizes; 5/16 & 3/8, I've been using the smaller of the two as it fits over the filter tubing perfectly. I'm keeping a full size towel over everything when I try to pull the lines apart, I read too many stories of gas in the face when searching.

 

Okay. Spend another $6.99 and get the plastic tools, the little cylindrical jobs with a gap in there that you slip over the line. Those come in more sizes in one package and may do the job. I think you may just not get in there deep enough with what you have.

You notice, you'll soon have $60 spent in cheap tools?

George

 

I'm getting ready to go outside and try to tackle this monster in a few minutes. Can anyone tell me what's inside the connector that I'm pushing on? Is it a metal spring or some type of tab sysytem? It might help me if I knew exactly what I was trying to do with this tool.

I hear ya George, so far I'm only into it for $3.99. If others can make this tool work then so can I...... I hope.

 

There is a spring in there that has the shape of an O ring. Not sure what you'd call such a spring? In any case, your tool needs to slide inside this spring ring and displace it entirely.

George

 

I would go to the parts store and get the plastic one as suggested. Oh and have you removed the plastic clips that keep it on?

 

It's a done deal!!! I never thought i'd be so happy about finishing a job as simple as a fuel filter replacement. I went back at it with the scissors tool and finally decided it wasn't going to work. I went back to the auto parts store to see what other tools they had and if they went deeper into the fitting. Sure enough I picked up this set for $10 (after they refunded me my money for the scissors tool) that I could tell went in alot further than the scissors tool.

http://images.snapfish.com/346674242...3B49%3B5nu0mrj

The first time I put the new tool on the line and pushed in I heard a definate click and the lines seperated easily. I couldn't believe how easily this job went with the right tool.

If you look at my original pic of the scissors tool you'll see why they don't work. Both sides don't go into the fitting evenly. One side goes in further than the other and the short side doesn't release the clips on that side of the fitting.

For those that have never done this before here's a good pic of what's inside the fitting and what your trying to accomplish with the tool. This is the fitting going from the filter to the engine.

http://images.snapfish.com/346674242...3%3A4366nu0mrj

Basically the tool flattens out the little black clips so they can slide over the ridge on the filter stem. The fitting going from the filter to the tank was slightly different but the pic I took of it didn't come out right. That fitting had more of the black clips but they were longer and not as thick.

Thanks for all the help you guys gave me on this job, I surely would've screwed something up without your help.