I want to change out the fuel filter in my 1995 F-150 4x4. I noticed that the filter has a clip on each end. Do you remove the filter by removing the clips and pulling the gas line off of each end. I would appreciate any help or advice.
Exactly. If it has two plastic clips, just take them out and the lines will slide off the filter. Usually the new filter includes new clips. If your filter doesn't come with clips, you probably want to get some. I have reused those clips, but I've also had them break when removing them. Nothing more frustrating than having to go back to the parts store for a twenty-five cent part.
Methinks you're mistaken. I've done fuel filters on Ford cars or trucks of just about every year in the 90's. I've never needed the spring release tool. they all have had those plastic clips.
If your connectors have a "U" shaped plastic lock, just cut the ends and pull them out. The lines can then be pulled out of the filter.
If you have the same filter as my '93 F150, it has a metal safety clip on each connection. You will need to pull them off and use a garter spring release tool to remove the lines from the filter. They are available in the size you need individually or in a set. Beware that you will need a tool with a long tube for this connector. The short ones will not release it. Be sure to release the fuel pressure before pulling the fuel line from the filter. Be prepared to spill som fuel. That damn filter must hold about 2 gallons! Also, some of these things came from the factory with no garter springs in the connection as was the case with mine. This was discovered when the recall was done on the switching valve and garter springs installed. If you find that it does not have them, you need to install them. I have seen fuel pressure in these system go over 100 psi which may result in separation of the connector if the fuel pressure regulator fails as mine has a couple of times.
On Sat, 04 Feb 2006 05:00:43 +0000, CJB rearranged some electrons to form:
Wrong again. The filter on the frame rail has garter spring connectors. I guess nothing will convince you. I've changed that filter a dozen times, so I know what my truck has, so that's all that matters.
I Guarantee you that David M. is correct on at least the '99 F-150...I changed mine a month ago and it was the "NASA" designed "in-line" connectors (or garder/garter) ;) couldn't figure out why they had to make things so complicated and reinvent the wheel. The only thing I came up with was that since it was underneath on the rail, maybe they had complaints in the past about brush/debris snagging the fuel line while off-roading and pulling the line off...Seems remote, but it was a thought.
Installing the fuel filter requires no tools, no extra steps like inserting the retaining clips so it speeds up the assembly line. Granted its just a second or two, but add that up over the entire length of the line..... a second here, five or six there, 30 seconds yonder.... If you can increase productivity by three cars a line per shift, your talking 2100 cars a year per assembly line, at a plant running two shifts. Running three shifts that's 3150 more a year..
Regardless of what David M has said. You would be hard pressed to find the garter springs on more than 2% of the trucks ford has made. Just take a quick look at your fuel filter and if it has clips on it, it will be fairly straight into the housing. If it has garter springs, then you will see what looks like a donut on both ends of the filter, inline with the fuel line. Atleast this way you know if you need to buy the spring release tool while you are picking up the fuel filter. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger 3.0L Flex Fuel, and I have the clips, and every other loving car I have seen in the midwest has had them clips as well. If you have clips, the first time or two you are BOUND to break one. SO pick some up at the parts store if they arent in the box. Also, I think they put the garter springs on the vehicles for the colder parts of the world ie: Upper Canada, and Alaska. Where it gets so cold, you can actually break a clip just by hitting a bump, and so the springs would be a lot better to have. Ok my piece is said. Final ruling, just look at your frame rail on drivers side and see if it has the clips there. If it has clips, just use a flat head screwdriver and pull them out GENTLY. Pk
Exactly Dave - And it's not like I had to go back to the auto store with the fuel filter saying "this is the wrong kind, mine looks like this". I told them my truck, and they gave me the one with the garter/quick connects, so THEY know what's right.
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