The clips that come with the new fuel filter should give you some idea on whats gotta come off the old one. I used needle nose pliers to grab the locking piece that slides into the nylon connector, pull it out and the fuel line slides off. Keep face and body parts away from fuel line when disconnecting as it may still have some pressure inside the line. A small amount of fuel will spray out when disconnecting the lines.

B

 

Liemavick, that's not the type he has. My '90 had those, my '93 has the type that require a fuel line disconnect tool, like what is required where the fuel lines connect to the injection rail system.

Chris, you have to make sure that you get the tool all the way in. The collar of the tool should bottom out on the end of the fuel line. I find that giving the fuel line a bit of a twist helps. A squirt of WD40 can help, too.

Jason

 

Thanks guys. I'm gonna go back outside in a little while here and give her another go. I'm at a buddy's house so I'll see if I can find some WD40 in the garage, and take all your tips into account. I'll report back when I'm done (or not done).

-Chris

 

I bought the fuel filter disconnect tool and the package says to release the pressure on the fuel line. How is this done? Maybe if the pressure is released the tool would work without all this trouble. Is there a pressure release valve that everyone is keeping secret from me?

 

I don't think this is necessary, and it surely isn't making it harder to release the lines. You just REALLY need to get some muscle into it. The trick is to slide the fuel lines on as far as you can, insert the tool as HARD as you can, then PULL on the tool with all your might. Have a container nearby to catch the fuel the dribbles out. If you really want to purge the lines I believe you can just pull the fuel pump relay and crank the engine a few times. Not sure on that.

 

I thought you replaced that filter early this week when you said that new guy who ripped his apart with no tool had inspired you to muscle up on yours. I try different brands of tools and the ends of the tools need to be square not rounded. The reason they are so difficult is because the keepers are bent sideways. Never put the tool in and try to twist just the tool, twist the tool with the fuel line. Man I know from experience those little b-----ds can put up a hell of a fight, then when you hold your mouth just right they practially fall apart.

 

Yeah I did get mine out a few days ago, this thread is a couple months old (I gave up a couple months ago). Meissel brought this thread back up

 

Get a good set of side cutters. Cut the outlet on each side of the filter as close to the filter as possible. Not the fuel line the outlet tube on the filter itself. Cut it as close to the filter housing as you can. Once you have it cut let the fuel drain out, pull the fuel line with the filter outlet tube still in it down towards you use the tool and a pair of pliers to get the piece out of the fuel line. Do the same on both sides. For some reason the tool works much better when you have better access to it. Another little tip, the bracket that holds the filter is strong as hell. I have found it easier to unbolt the bracket from the frame and weasel the bracket and filter out and take the filter out of the bracket, put the new filter in the bracket and then bolt the filter and bracket back in and reattach lines.

 

I'm heading back to the garage after work with newly found confidence and determination. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. Thanks!

 

you must release the bracket first by the two nuts on the frame rail,,the metal tool is better ,,relase and fuel pressure first ,the port is on the fuel rail up on the engine looks like a tire valve and you can use a tire chuck to do this.work on the front fuel hose first and have a rubber cap to put on the filter nipple,keeps the gas off the face, when you get that off.now time to try to stick your oversized american man hands in between the tank and the frame and try to get the tool to release the spring you need to push hard on the tool and tug on the filter.you might want a full face shield if you don't like to drink gas..if and when you get it off..put fingers on the nipples and shake it with the gas in it,,then let it pour out from the inlet nipple ,,you will be shocked at what kind of crap will come out..i have learned to change mine every fall..remember when your under the truck no swearing,,you never know who might be standing there ...hee haw

 

Been there, done that!!!! On my '93 the filter is hidden beside the mid ship fuel tank and the frame rail. Could only touch it with two fingers!!! Took to dealer. Best $75 I ever spent!!!!! 'Mo

 

this is the method i use.

it allows easier access to the line and fittings.