Removing this damn fuel filter is starting to become a very frustrating process for me. I bought the 8 dollar fuel line release kit at oreilly in an attempt to release the front line from the fuel filter, but it seems when I push the release tool up in to the line, the thing still wont pull off. Dont know what it is im missing here.
I haven't worked on a fuel filter in a long time but I thought both ends had the little white clips. Or is it one white clip and a spring lock on the other side?
Anyway, on spring locks, once you push the tool in to release the spring, pull it back out then try to pull the filter off. Sometimes the tool will hold the filter on.
Fuel filter was super easy for me, take the filter out of the bracket and then pull the black and white clips out, I managed to break one but that doesn't matter since most fuel filters will come with the clips. Use the quick-disconnect tool and push it inside the line to release the spring and pull the filter away from the line. Sometimes the spring won't go in from corrosion or whatever so push the tool in further.
If you are using a metal disconnect tool- I have never had good luck with those. I use a set that is plastic that I think I got from Car Quest. They are all white on a black rack. They are a little thinner then the metal tools and a bit plyable, which help message the spring open.
It helps to have a good fitting tool. IIRC, I got my latest one at Advance, which worked great.
They are all made a little different. A good fitting one will take it right off, but a different brand of the same tool won't touch it. It's a crapshoot. Don't force it, or it will bend the tabs, making all future removals next to impossible, right tool or not.
I just had the same issue with mine. The front braided end won't come free. I am using the plastic removal tool too. Maybe my tool is worn out. I will try a new disconnect tool. Thanks guys!
I think I just yanked too hard and messed up the spring before I realized it required a "tool". I guess I could always cut off the braided section and replace it with rubber high pressure fuel line hose.
Of course add a pair of hose clamp clamps. One to go on the filter and the other where I splice into the line.
I had to make my own tool for my 97 Cougar. I took a Techron fuel additive bottle and used the neck of it, slit it and made it into a wedge with a spot that allowed me to get it in place and slide into the spring lock and release it.
I can't find a picture of it, but I have all manner of spring lock tools and none of them worked. The cage style (not enough room to get it on there), the plastic ones (not strong enough to press in place without deforming), scissor type (not built with close enough tolerances didn't close to a round shape), the aluminum single size each one tool, don't remember why it didn't work.
I did mine a few weeks ago. I used the harbor freight metal set. I had to pull the filter away from the braided hose put the tool onto the filter, and with two flathead screwdrivers between the filter and the tool pry on either side. With a few grunts and curses I got it out. ( to my amazement)
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