I have a 98 Mazda B4000. I want to change the fuel filter, but can't seem to remove the fuel lines. I relieved the fuel pressure, disconnected the clips holding on the filter. I pulled on the fuel lines, but they just wont budge. It got to the point where I was afraid that if I kept at it, I would bust something else, so I just finally gave up. Any suggestions on how to get the fuel lines off the fuel filter?

Thanks.

Daryl Rose

 

Can you twist the fittings any? Sometimes they can take a good tug to get them loose, the o-rings will stick sometimes making the lines hard to remove. Usually a twisting motion will break the o-rings free.

If the o-rings are stuck, it will be a good idea to replace them. A dental pick or very small screwdriver can be used to replace them.

 

I sprayed mine with penetrant first and had to walk away several times. Keep at it their tough.

 

Thanks for both tips.

Yes, I can twist them. I twisted and pulled, pulled and twisted. Nothing doing. Once I get them off, I'll look at the o-rings, and see about replacing them.

I'll try the penetrant and see how that works out for me.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Daryl

 

I just ran into this problem had to borrow tool from my mechanic. it's got a locking clip where the filter and line meet, gotta pop those three clips inside

 

Yes you need a fuel line release tool to get the filter off, good thing you stopped!

 

So how much one those little tools cost ya.....?

 

On the topic of the fuel line release tool, when i went to pull my injectors i bought a set that had pretty much all the sizes needed for about 20$ CAD at canadian tire. They're plastic though and probly wouldn't last long if I were to use them everyday.
JB

 

Yes jzlvr1, you MUST use a release tool to separate the fuel lines from the filter.

Some have had good luck with the metal split scissor type release tool, but both pair I tried on my 99 filter wouldn't work, because the metal flanges weren't long enough when slipped into the fitting, to release the banjo spring all the way around, from the flared fuel line.

SO, I tried a split plastic release tool, that sorta looks like a tiny split grey top hat. You spread the split, so it slips over the fuel line, then slide the top of the hat into the fitting, with your thumb pushing in on the brim, to spread the spring enough, to pass over the flaired fuel line, while you pull on the line with your fingers.

So you have to push in on the tool with your thumb, while pulling out on the line with your fingers.

If the tool has properly spread the spring enough, it'll spread the spring all the way around it's circumference & the flaired fuel line will pull right out.

If your having release problems, the tool isn't evenly expanding the spring ALL the way around it's circumference, so try spreading the split in the tool slightly, maybe with a wedge, while pushing it in, to completely release the spring.

DON'T force the lines apart. If the tool is working properly, the spring will be expanded enough & the lines will separate easily.

The plastic release tool worked the first time for me, but others here have reported trouble with them.

I don't know which brand plastic tool they had problems with, but the one that worked for me was purchased at Advance Auto & was made by "Dorman", #800-009. It fits !/4, 5/16, & 3/8 fuel lines. I don't remember it's cost, maybe $2, was expensive for what it was, just a molded piece of gray plastic, BUT it worked for me, so I got to save the remainder of my best cuss words for a later project!!!! lol

BTW, for those of you out there readng this thread, be sure to use safety glasses & releave the fuel pressure BEFORE loosning the fuel line.

Also keep smokers away, while your doing this & if your doing this in a heated space, turn off all flame appliances, so they don't ignite the fuel vapor or fumes, or you'll have a BIGGER problem!!!! lol

You can relieve fuel pressure by disabeling the fuel pump.

Pull it's fuse, or disconnect the inertia switch in the cabin, then crank the engine for about 10 seconds, or until the engine stops trying to start.

Just some inputs from my fuel filter changing drama!!!! lol

Let us know how it goes

 

If it does have spring connector,like A/C hoses, Then the Plastic disconnect tools that have a hinge and open to go over line work well! I have used a set for years on A/C systems. The kind without a spring hinge and pivot suck. I saw some at autozone the other day. i got mine long ago from the tool truck. If it has duckbills,look like plastic c clip, make sure the legs are not broken off in the connection.

 

And before i forget, Ford made several variations of this connection. Seems like some did need a special tool that was similar. The newer duckbills -plastic u clip- can be carefully removed with a pick or small flat blade while unlocking the other ends with your fingernail. it is not all that easy as you also usually need to push together gently and hold your mouth right. They break easily,but filter should come with new ones.

 

You can get the plastic set for about $15.

The "clip" you released was a safety so the line didn't blow off if the primary lock failed.

There is an "art" to getting these lines off with the tools... just slide it in.. push the line toward the filter while pushing the tool away from the filter and you'll kind of feel it release, then without releasing pressure on the tool kind of lightly twist then line and pull it off at the same time. The line will slide off the filter, while the tool will stay on the filter.

I've gotten pretty good at it, but you learn the tricks when you do several each day.

Good luck