ok so i am far from a DIYer but i have been trying of late, beginning with changing my own oil and filter, replacing spark plugs, fixing my steering column, replacing my starter, and my serpentine belt. so far, no problems. i go to change the fuel filter and it took me like 3 hours to get the damn lines off. i did the recommended prep (disconnect negative battery terminal, fuel pump relay, let truck sit, gas cap, all of it) but i didnt buy the damn 9 dollar tool to get the lines off. after hours of twisting and probing i got em both off, replaced filter, and put everything back together. my problem is the metal end to the lines that attach to the filter are both now disfigured and a few of the metal notches inside are warped. the clips went back on no problem, the lines are tight (cant pull em off with a decent tug) just probably arent as tight as they once were. there are no gas leaks as of now. do i need to be concerned?? please let me know as i wont sleep a decent nights sleep until i know i either didnt do harm, or i need to replace some fuel lines or whatever you call the ends of them..... any help is appreciated
BTW its a 99 f250 super duty 5.4, and this site RULES

 

If it didn't leak after re-installing i wouldn't worry about it, just keep an eye on it for a couple days. Was it really harder than your plug change?

 

Well if it's not leaking you got off lucky. Time will be the test. I would always do a look under the rig for a fuel puddle at least for the next week or so. Best get the fuel line tool. If you shop around you can usually find an assortment kit pretty cheap. Just about every vehicle has these pain in the rears now, but the tools make it pretty easy..
If it starts to leak you will most likely have to replace the lines..If so check at a salvage yard for a good deal.

 

My uncle did a similar thing on another ford model years ago. Worked great for about 3 weeks than one day it blew off when he turned the car off. $9 is how much 3 hours of your time is worth?

 

Yeah i hope it doesn't leak on you. When i bought my new fuel filter it came with some little plastic clips to release the fuel lines from the filter. Def go the salvage route i'm sure the dealer thinks the lines are gold plated LOL!

 

Are you talking about the fingers inside the the line where it flares and locks onto the filter. If that is the problem those finger inserts I'm pretty sure are replaceable. I had to replace them on my Explorer when I connected my lines together. If I'm wrong someone correct me. By the way where are you located.

 

Got news for you. You are a DIYer!

Oh, and you're right, this site rocks!!!

 

yeah bigpug you might be right.... though my wife seems to think otherwise, she doesnt think i know what i am doing. i want to do the brakes and rotors on her acura tl but she told me our baby rides in that car and im not f**** with the brakes!

and THATS what those damn plastic things were for????? i thought they were crappy cheaper clips to replace the stock ones i had...... i am really kicking myself now... yes it is the little notches inside the lines that are at the end of the springs. to get the lines off, they had to bend a little, but when i put em back in they still snap past the o ring, it just takes a little less elbow grease to get them off..... i guess only time will tell, thanks for all the help..... my lower ball joints are next i dont even think i have the tools for that but my mechanic works out of his house so maybe i can hang around and help him...

oh, live down in bonita springs, FL.. i know theres a U Pull it around here i want to check out.. i need the tool that drops the spare and a jack, and ford tried to charge me 180 bucks, they must be smoking crack! does anyone have instructions on replacing the fuel lines by the filter if i do come across problems? can i just replace the ends of the lines they look just like the metal pieces that jam onto cable wires but i dont see how they come off, nor do i want to be trying that unless i know it will work... im def. checking with this site before attempting my next task, thats for sure!

 

oh yeah i should mention the plugs were on a 2000 acura TL, not my 250.... i am dreading that only because i need a step ladder just to get on top of the thing!

and yes, the 9 dollars i am regretting not spending, though it appears i already purchased the tool with the filter, they just dont tell you on the damn box...

 

 

Sounds to me like you will be buying new parts in the future, especially if your truck has the stainless front filter fitting. You need the tool to properly change the fuel filter. The O-rings may be sealing now but see how it does after prolonged exposure to pressure and vibration. The filter does NOT come with a tool. The same filter the 99'-04' SD gassers use also fits several other models and those plastic clips that come with the filter are replacement retention clips for the earlier vehicles, not removal tools. It takes me 5 minutes to change the fuel filter on my truck because I have the proper tool and know how to use it.

 

wait one minute!! you need fuel line disconnect tools to get the filters of any truck. you buy them anywhere for like ten bucks. dont yank on them

 

so it seems to be a hard lesson learned, bone head move on my part...
guess i just have to wait and see how it holds, but in the event of a line disconnect, any idea what part i will be needing? it looks like the hoses run directly to metal lines on both sides, could i just replace those, or can i just replace the fittings that attach to the filter?

 

It depends on what type of fittings are on your truck which may vary depending on year. On my 04' the front fitting is stainless with spring stainless prongs and the rear fitting is black plastic with blue retention clips. The blue clip can be replaced but the entire front fitting needs to be replaced if its fubared.

I've done experimenting with removing the fuel pump fuse and starting the truck until it dies to remove excess pressure and fuel. I've come to the conclusion doing that is a waste of time as the fuel filter itself is what holds most of the fuel. I just let my truck sit a couple hours and use the tool to replace the filter. Removing the gas cap does nothing to release pressure because the tank is vented. Unplugging the battery doesn't do anything in my book either because there is nothing to short near the fuel filter. If you cannot let the truck sit and need to change the filter right away bleed the ecess pressure off with the valve on the fuel rail.(Using a rag to catch excess fuel of course)

 

its a 99 SD, and i believe both fittings are stainless steel, as they are both identical. i would take a picture but im actually stressing about this at work, as im sure many of us on this site do.... do the fittings come off the line or are they purchased as a package? if so, how can i go about replacing the fittings and redeeming myself for 'fubaring' my fuel lines and being a DB?? thanks again....