This seems like a dumb question, but I don't want to break anything.

I bought a new fuel filter for my 2000 Excursion, and went to go change it last night. I was expecting to see the standard setup I am used to seeing on cars with this type of filter with the little plastic clips that hold the hoses onto the filter. No, all I can see is that the hose ends appear to just slide on the filter and lock in place or something.

How do I get these off without breaking anything? I tried prying at them a little bit, but not too hard since I didn't want to risk breaking anything.

 

This article will give the details... the main thing is you need the "release tool".

Replacing The Fuel Filter 2004 And Newer F150 Pickups .: Articles

BTW... to release the fuel pressure, start your X and then pull the fuel pump fuse. (A trick from Monsta).

 

Here is the link to the tool at JC Whitney......

ALL-IN-ONE TOOL - JCWhitney Auto Parts

I purchased one like in the article posted above at the local auto parts store for about $9 for the set.


First time I changed mine, I almost ripped the line off. I thought it was stuck and kept pulling!!!

I'm not the most patient guy in the world!!!

 

I don't feel so stupid for asking now, I'm glad I asked and didn't break anything!

Now for the real question: Why on earth did they design it this way?!

 

same sort of question here, i have the tool to remove the filter but it ask's me to de-pressurize the system first.

how do i do this ? or is it ok with just the ignition turned off ?
or is it like Monsta says , start it then pull the fuse, simple as that?

thanks in advance

 

Yep... it's that simple. I also take the fuel filler cap off.

 

Ted,

This is the same type of interlocking spring retention design used on A/C systems too...

I've driven Fords for so long...I have been used to this type of internal spring locking fuel filter...

The part that I found a little tricky on this particular version...There is a BIG spring clip that holds the WHOLE filter...and the lip on the front side of the gas filter prevents sliding as it is captured in the BIG spring clip on the rail...well...the FRONT hose comes off very easily since the hose is flexible...HOWEVER the REAR hose is more rigid, AND the filter is captured in the BIG spring and doesn't slide...so when you are pushing the release tool into the spring to release the filter...you have to do that WHILE trying to move the filter at the same time...and NOT spill fuel on yourself!

It isn't really hard...once you know you need a tool...and you figure out (I'm slow) that the filter being captured and the rear hose being more rigid...simply would not release the hose!

Good luck,
joe.

 

<TABLE class=tborder style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 6148922" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>ukmat71</TD><TD class=alt2>same sort of question here, i have the tool to remove the filter but it ask's me to de-pressurize the system first.

how do i do this ? or is it ok with just the ignition turned off ?
or is it like Monsta says , start it then pull the fuse, simple as that?</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
You don't really have to release the pressure to do this, it just saves a few ounces of fuel from being sprayed all over you and the ground. I learned the hard way as usual!!!

 

When I replaced my fuel filter, found that a regular pencil fits about right into the line that you pull off, so that as little as possible of fuel is lost out the line. Darn thing is you find out fast that the filter still has fuel in it, (so do not tip) especially when still under the filter.

 

just been looking and someone has fitted a 'prozone fuel saver' after the filter.
does this actually do anything ? it looks like a large magnetic tube cant say i have heard of this before
or does it just restrict the flow of fuel more ?

just found this How The Prozone Fuelsaver Magnetic Fuel Saver Works , and it looks like another of those cons.
anyone had any benefit from using one or shall i just remove it.

thanks again in advance

 

Thanks to everyone! Yesterday I got myself the little set of remover tools, and changed out the fuel filter in a few minutes. Now I'm good for another however many miles (until I decide to change it again). Thanks for your help! I would not have known about this kind of connection, or the tool required, otherwise.

Joe, I suppose I have not spent enough time around Fords, at least newer ones. I haven't dealt with this type of fitting before. Now seeing it in use, it makes a bit more sense than it did just staring at it from the outside, but as a rule, I am not in favor of fittings (or much of anything) that require special tools in order to use. It is more acceptable for non-maintenance items (i.e. a timing belt/chain tensioner tool, cam alignment tool, etc.), but for standard maintenance items like a fuel filter, to me the older fuel filter designs that required either wrenches or a screwdriver were the way to go. As a mechanic turned engineer, I know that when I'm involved on projects I try to beat people over the head when they suggest some off-the-wall design that makes maintenance a chore.

Marcus, you don't have to de-pressurize the system first, provided you don't mind some extra fuel spraying around. I didn't, and I never do on any fuel filter change. Simply once you get the line loose, you just leave it in a position where the few ounces of fuel will dribble out until the pressure is released from the system. That's how most mechanics will do it, certainly how we always did on any car at the shop we changed the fuel filters on. Just wash yourself up well afterwards (you'd want to anyway) to get any gasoline off your skin!

As an engineer (although a mechanical and not chemical engineer), I do not see how a magnet will ever "align" the fuel to improve fuel economy. I do see it separating you from your money, though, and wouldn't allow promises like that to separate me from mine.

 

ok , Cheers for that everyone, i think i will remove the magnet thingy , the weight saving when its off might up my mpg more than it saved anyway