Help with Fuel Filter Please

Shop deals on ebay
Advertise with us
shop deals on amazon
Ford SportTrac Forum

Help Support Ford SportTrac Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
T

Ted Best 2

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
CHESTERFIELD, NJ
I can't believe how much trouble i'm having getting my fuel filter off. Am i doing something wrong?? I tried the fuel disconnect tool with no luck. Now I'm trying the disconnect tool set. I tried posting the pics below. Hopefully it'll work as i haven't posted pics on these boards yet. I'm sliding it away from the filter to release the lock. Am i doing that right? I've been at this for hours with no luck. I KNOW this should not be taking me this long. Any help would save me from kicking the dog! lol



<img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w192/murfeezlaw/fuelfilter01a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">



<img src="http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w192/murfeezlaw/fuelfilter02a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
 
I found that if you push slightly on the hose towards the filter while sticking the tool into the fitting, it will come right apart.



I have never had an issue pulling it apart, but there is a little trick to it. once you get the feel, it comes right apart.





Tom
 
Ditto what Tom said. Also spray penetrating oil into the fittings to flush out dirt and debris.



If not, wedge a wide flat blade screwdriver and pry against the filter to compress the tool into the fitting,

while pulling on the fuel line.



WATCH YOUR EYES, FUEL MAY SPRAY OUT EVEN AFTER RELIEVING THE PRESSURE !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I use these tools and they work great. Still takes a little pushing and pulling bu they work...[Broken External Image]:
 
thanks guys for the input, i really appreciate it. i'm going to try again tomorrow.



SFCEd, do i need both the 3/8 and 5/16? the fuel filter is in the garage and i can't remember if the return, inlet and outlet are the same size
 
yeah i looked at that, that's actually what i'm following. it's great, very easy to follow and descriptive. whoever did that did a great job. the only part i'm having a tough time with is getting the fuel line fitting off with the quick disconnect tools/kit. i'm pushing in with all my strength and i don't feel any click and the line won't pull out. i sprayed WD40 in there yesterday and i'm going to try what swshawaii said with the flat blade screwdriver. wish me luck. i really don't want to have to take it to a mechanic. there's no guarantee i'll even make it there. i'm pretty sure i need a new fuel pump but i'd feel like i won the lottery if this solves my problem instead of the pump.
 
There's more then likely rust and dirt up in there judging from the filter bracket so that's what's causing it to be so stubborn.



I had the same problem with mine, I sprayed PB Blaster inside the fitting for about 20 seconds three different times to flush out all the debris and still had to fight alittle but it came off.



Make sure you wear safety glsses tightly to your face because it'll spray with a good bit of pressure even after doing all the steps to prevent it.
 
thank you all so much for your tips. i finally got the lines off the filter...replaced it with the new one. i started it up and it ran for about 20 seconds then stalled. now it won't start up again. i checked and there is no leaking.



any ideas? i've replaced the fuel pump relay, the battery, the fuel filter and the fuse is ok so i'm thinking there is nothing else other than the pump itself. i was so trying to avoid spending $800.
 
Was the filter installed the right direction? there is an arrow pointing to the direction of flow.



Do you have fuel pressure?





Tom
 
is that possible(to be installed in the wrong direction)? when looking at it the return and inlet lines are on the left side and the outlet line is on the right side leading to the engine.
 
yeah but there is a return and inlet on one side and the outlet on the other side so how could it be flipped? if it was backwards i wouldn't be able to install it, right?
 
On the 2002 models, there were two different filters. One with 3 nipples and another with only 2. If you had the 2 nipple one, it can be possible to install it wrong. My 02 Trac has the 3 nipple one, but our 2000 Explorer only has 2, but I don't recall if they are different, or the same, sizes.



Check for fuel pressure at the injection rail. If you are not getting fuel up there, I would pull the fuel line after the filter to see if you get feul there. If not, then pull it before the filter. If you get fuel there, then the issue is the filter itself.





Tom
 
yeah the fuse was ok and i installed it correctly. the fuel pump wasn't running at all with several tries. i installed a new battery, changed oil and filter, replaced the fuel filter and put in a new Fuel Pump relay...still no go so i had it towed to someone a friend recommended. it needs a new fuel pump. it should be installed tomorrow. i'm putting in a Ford Fuel Pump...the whole thing is costing $693. A lot of money but i was thinking it would be over $800 so i didn't feel too bad. she does have over 112,000 miles on her and this is the first major mechanical work she's needed. I love my ST



thank you everyone for all your help and tips...much appreciated!

Ted
 
I too struggled for hours (twice) trying to get filter off. My brother (a GM mechanic) came over one time and climbed under truck and had it off in 15 seconds. One, hes twice as strong as me but he just had some factory disconnect tools with him - good quality Snap On type of stuff. The crap at the local parts stores is so poorly machined it doesn't work. The Key is the tool - simple as that. The first picture with the round blue thing I think works best.
 

Latest posts

Top