I know there are a zillion threads on here about changing the fuel filter and I've read through a lot of them. I'm still a little confused though concerning the clips holding the filter to the lines. Some posts have said that they need pushed to release the filter. Others I've read say you need to use a pair of pliers to pry them out. I've also read about a special tool that you're supposed to use and some say you don't need it, just a screw driver. Well, my particular filter has 2 lines coming in from the gas tank and 1 line going away from the filter to the engine. The side with 2 lines has a green clip on 1 line and a white clip on the other. The side with 1 line going to the engine has a white clip that is kind of shaped like an arrow. How exactly do I get these clips off? I just want to make sure I don't break any of them since it seems that many have broken the clips on theres. I guess that's a pretty easy thing to do. Anyway, any advice on this is appreciated. My particular truck is in my signature as always. Thanks.

 

I picked up the two different sizes of the tool at NAPA and it made the job real easy. Cost wasn’t bad and it made the job go good. Wear your safety glasses and I used a rag to cover the line in case of pressure.

 

So you have a 2000 or later Ranger and the tools worked? I ask that because I read some posts on here that said the 2000 or later Rangers don't even need the tool and it was hard to use the tool anyway since there's very little clearance under there. Just want to make sure before I go out and get them. Thanks.

 

OK, I just managed to change my fuel filter and I have a question. I didn't break any clips or anything and I put them back on as they were on the old filter. They all snapped back in. My question is, is there supposed to be a little play between the fuel line and the filter? I can move the lines slightly back and forth with this filter right at the fittings. I actually didn't think to check and see if they did that with the old filter. They can't come off or anything. I made sure to check that they couldn't come off and they didn't. And, I ran the engine for about 20 minutes and I didn't see any leaks at all. But, should the lines be tight and not move at all where connected to the filter? I just want to make sure I did it right. This filter is definitely different than the one that was on there. The one what was on there was a plain black filter. Or, maybe the filter was encased inside that. Not sure. Jiffy Lube supposedly changed my filter 35,000 miles ago but now I wonder after looking at what I took off. Looks like something Ford would put on there at the factory. Maybe I'm wrong about that, I don't know. Anyway, thanks for any advice concerning the fittings.

 

There is supposed to be some play. If the fittings were so tight they wouldn't move, then you would never be able to get them off after thousands of miles of driving.

 

OK, good. I feel better now. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't on there too loose or something. This was my first time changing a fuel filter so I had to make sure. Thanks. BTW, I didn't need the tool at all to get the old one off. The two white clips just pulled right out. I just pushed in on the green clip and the old filter came right off of that line. Not real hard actually. Glad I didn't pay a quick change place 50 or 60 bucks to do it!