Fuel Filter

[Billy Griggs]

I bought a new filter and filter tool and I can not get the clips to release. Even sprayed penetrating oil to help. How much force is needed to pull the lines off? Shouldn't be much...right(once the clips release)?Any suggestions?



Billy

 

[Tom Schindler]

I find it easiest to do as follows.



Put the tool up against the fitting. Push the tol into the fitting. Then push the like towards the filter, push the tool into the fitting a little more. Pull the line off.



Once you get the hang of it, it is very easy.





Tom

 

[Kevin Palmer]

It will take a small amount of force once all the fingers have released from the filter ring. More than likely, if you have been working on it for a while one of the fingers may be bent.



Somehow you need to get a look into the connection and see if any of the fingers are bent. When the fitting works as designed they are great. However, these can be a hassle when they do not work as designed.



Somehow, you need to get the tool to be slightly larger in diameter. Try wrapping something on the line you can put the tool on and then slip it into the fitting..



The advice Caymen has given above my post is very good info.

 

[CHRIS KOPEC]

I was playing with mine for two hours before mine was done...

I think its a pain!!!

 

[Gavin Allan]

Mine pops right off. I have changed my filter twice, and each time it took me less than 30 seconds. I have the little plastic tool "collar" that I got from AutoZone.



I don't see what the big deal is-- these fittings are GREAT.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Gavin,



The fittings are like riding a bike. Once you figure it out, it is easy.





Tom

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Gavin, it is a combination of experience and the fitting itself. I have literally installed more than a 1000 over the 21 years we owned our shop. However, every now and then you get a Ford set-up that simply will not come apart with out very serious work.



It got to the pint where I bought a tool from Snap-On that made the lines. I'd simply cut the fitting out. Put the tool on the line I cut. It would force a ridge in the line as well as press the fitting onto the line. Then install the new filter.



Most are pretty easy. Some are a real *&*&^$^%$(*$#@^.

 

[TomT]

I definitely agree that every filter connection is different. That's why it's so easy for some and so hard for others. I'm still contemplating doing my own or sending it to a shop. Still remember the hassle I had with changing the one on my wife's Expedition. Still say Ford could come up with a better system.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

If you think your going to do the job I would suggest to spray some lubricant into the fittings for a few days before your ready to actually to the job.



Also, if you move the lines in and out of the fitting a little bit it normally seems to help aid in the removal. Some will not move at all as far as in and out movement. All will at least twist though. So if nothing else, give them a twist back and forth, lube them, then go for it.