Ok what does the fuel filter tool look like and do i really need one, or is it just a "nice to have"

Also is there a real difference in the filter (brands i mean).

 

If your talking about the fuel line tool, Yes you need it. Theres different sets, The set I bought is a round piece with a cut down one side.

Use this link for better directions.

https://www.f150online.com/tech/fuelfilter.html

 

Yes, i saw those instructions and i printed them out. I guess i just wanted some idea of what the tool looks like .

So when i go to buy it , they do not look at me like i am from France.

 

What you need is a "Line Disconnect Tool." You can pick one up at your local auto parts store. I got mine at AutoZone. It was $6.99 (to the best of my recollection) for a package of 5 or 6 of them. For your fuel filter you specifically need the 5/16" one, but I've never seen one sold separately.

When I get home I'll take a picture of my set and post it here.

 

I just usually make my own tool to use. I take a plastic cap from a can of starting fluid and cut the end out. Then I cut it down until it just fits around the fuel line and push it into the fitting until it opens the spring enough to pull the filter out. I'll probably buy some soon, but when I was ready to do the job and hadn't remembered to buy them, I just figured something out to make it work.

 

 

on my truck, '97 f150 4.6, it seems like i need two different sizes to get the job done...

i've changed the fuel filter twice and both times i got one end off but the same size disconnect tool wouldn't work on the other... i'd get one side off no problem and then end up fighting and cursing the other side for 15 mins before trying another size, then it came of really easily once i used a diff size

just my experiences..

-sal

 

the trick is to push it in first then push the filter into the connector then pull back wwaaallllaaa

 

As you can see, the light blue (5/16") one is well-used. BTW, I usually have to use a couple pairs of pliers to actually pull the lines off once the disconnect tool is in there. You just wrap it around the filter projection, then slide it up under the hose. Then pull apart.

-Jeff

 

I've used several types, but when I had a stubborn return line this was the tool that popped it right off...





The tool MikeF150 posted looks like it would work just as well. Also note as Mike pointed out in his post that the proper size is 5/16. In the case of the Performance Tool piece it would be anodized red rather than gold, but I didn't scan the other one.

Almost anything will work on an easy fitting, but if you get a stubborn one the extra couple bucks is money well spent.

 

Well , first a big thank you to everyone for all the responses. I tried it over the weekend.

The in-let side came off very nicely, but I was not able to get the out-let side off.

I tried the plastic tool and I also tried the metal tool (X Shape). I am going to try and find the performance tool ( that signmaster talked about).

One question though, how physical can I get with this fitting, does it break easy.

 

Don't get too physical with it! If you break those internal barbs, you'll really have problems. Heres' my technique:

Push the connector as far onto the filter as you can. Now slip the tool up into the connector housing. You should now be able to pull the tool and the connector off of the filter.

I just bought one of those "el-cheapo" tools from Advance, but found I had to use the technique I described to get it to work.

The worst part of the job is all of the undercoating that gets smeared on your arms--but that washes off.

Hope this helps,

Sidewinder

 

Don't forget to be in a well-ventilated area and have plenty of shop towels (or paper towels) to mop up the spilled fuel. That would be my least favorite part of this procedure.

Oh, yeah, and don't smoke.

-Jeff

 

I have had the same experience, right down to the cursing of the fuel filter. It seems you need a different size of each side of the filter.
Jes

 

But, maybe drink heavly