Question About Fuel Filter Replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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Question About Fuel Filter Replacement
I went to change out the fuel filter on my 1996 F250 4x4 351 this weekend. I have an '87 Mustang GT that I have replaced the fuel filter on several times. All you need to do is pop the two clips and pull the lines off. Simple.
This one appears to be a tad more difficult. There is a blue rubber line with a metal clip on each side. The clip slips over the metal connector on the fuel line and then snaps over the spout on the filter, presumably to hold the line in place (much like the Mustang's plastic clips). The problem is when I pop these clips, the lines do not come off.
I have pried, twisted, pushed and turned, the whole nine. How the heck do you get these lines off? Do I just need to man-up and yank them off? I do not want to destroy the lines or connectors in doing so as I'me sure those are not cheap... I figured I'd ask you guys first.
This one appears to be a tad more difficult. There is a blue rubber line with a metal clip on each side. The clip slips over the metal connector on the fuel line and then snaps over the spout on the filter, presumably to hold the line in place (much like the Mustang's plastic clips). The problem is when I pop these clips, the lines do not come off.
I have pried, twisted, pushed and turned, the whole nine. How the heck do you get these lines off? Do I just need to man-up and yank them off? I do not want to destroy the lines or connectors in doing so as I'me sure those are not cheap... I figured I'd ask you guys first.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Those external clips that you speak of are a kind of just in case type thing, and should always be re-installed.
On your truck the lines have a kind of spring loaded "finger" type deal INSIDE the line....you need to get the special tool from just about any good parts store to slip in there and dis0enguage the clips.
I'd spray the heck out of each one first with wd-40 or something like that, then put the tool over the fuel line and slide it until its flush with the filter-and hold it there while you gently but firmly wiggle the filter from side to side to aid in the tool compressing the fingers out of the way so the filter will slide off.
You don't need the tool for re-installation-just be sure you hear a slight "click" and then give the new filter a tug to make darn sure its latched to the line.
On your truck the lines have a kind of spring loaded "finger" type deal INSIDE the line....you need to get the special tool from just about any good parts store to slip in there and dis0enguage the clips.
I'd spray the heck out of each one first with wd-40 or something like that, then put the tool over the fuel line and slide it until its flush with the filter-and hold it there while you gently but firmly wiggle the filter from side to side to aid in the tool compressing the fingers out of the way so the filter will slide off.
You don't need the tool for re-installation-just be sure you hear a slight "click" and then give the new filter a tug to make darn sure its latched to the line.
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Yes, thanks for the follow-up inquiry. Monday I only went under and dooshed the connectors with WD40. I figured I'd let it soak in for a day then take another crack at it. Then the temperature dropped twenty degrees yesterday and I found the Xbox to be a better option than rolling around on the ground freezing cold. I haven't quite got my winter blood going yet. I'll try again tomorrow (going to a stupid haunted house tonight...grr).
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Thats ok, no rush...bet you are taking the kids to the haunted house?? enjoy them while they are young!
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If it's anything like mine is, which is still on the truck, you might consider a shotgun to blow it off, or up, which ever comes first. 95 F150 4x4, 247,000mi, I'm sure it's the original filter.
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Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Iowa
Just recently changed the one on my 95 F150 (and I think it was probably the first time ever that it had been changed). It fought the battle well, but I won the war. Just be patient and persistent. I sure wish it was like the one in my 87 GT...really see no reason they couldn't have just used the same style. But at least it is done now. Good luck.
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Senior User
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Yes, I also found that patience and persistence is the key. I got that bad boy off after about 1/2 hour of working it over. I actually had a harder time getting it out of the bracket that holds it to the frame than I did pulling the lines off...
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Joined: Jun 2002
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LOL You're not alone. The studs are just long enough that you can't pull it straight out, because the tank is in the way.