As most of you know on our 01' and up's (i'm guessing) . . . the clips that snap onto our fuel filters are inside the fuel line and don't come off. Well, some jack *** tried to replace mine for me and cracked one of the clips and now no one wants to replace my fuel filter because they're all afraid they won't get it back together... (Ford say's you must replace the fuel line and that requires dropping the gas tank) I know you're supposed to use a special tool... Anyway, I need this to be done. I have heard they have repair kits? I'm not sure really... I just want my damn fuel filter replaced, it's been a long drawn out thing that I've been neglecting. input?? lol

 

You'll need to get a new hose from the junkyard, TrucksGotDirty had the same thing happen to hers, PM her and see how she fixed it.

 

If you want to fix it the "shade tree" way.. keep this in mind. There is very little force pushing the two apart. (fuel pressure)

I for one would not drop the tank and such. I'd either get creative with zip ties or clamp the hose to the frame so that it can't seperate.

btw, this is the problem with using unskilled labor. The minimum wage type of employee is trying... but without knowledge. So when they don't understand they just use more force.

 

many ways to fix this

Junkyard
Dealer new line
or napa and buy high pressure fuel line and clamps.

 

Ahhhh, the great fuel filter question of all time "to tool, or not to tool."

I have an 01 Edge and the fuel line removal tool didn't work for me at all. I purchased the very colourful kit of various sizes for fuel and A/C line removal.....only a few bucks. I found my thumb was the best tool for the orange and green tab. As for the front line up to the engine....it was just a slight tug that got it off.

Guess it's different not only from one year to another, but as to where the truck was built.

 

Was browsing and came across your post.

Don't know about your '01, but on the '03s teflon fuel lines run to the connectors that attach to the gas filter.

On the '03, there are two going into the filter and one going forward to the engine.

I found that using the tool to disconnect the gas filter proved to be a PITA, so I cut off all the original connectors, and replaced them with aftermarket fuel system repair lines and the attaching hardware, which consists of quick disconnect fittings attached to a length of teflon fuel line. You can just squeeze with your fingertips and slide the connectors off the gas filter - no fiddling around with any tools. And the connectors "click" into place, tight onto the filter.

On the other end of the disconnect fitting is a length of teflon fuel line, which ends in a union piece made of brass that slides in and is clamped into the existing line if it's teflon or rubber - the repair kit is also adaptable to "regular" steel fuel line by using an intermediate piece of fuel injection hose and clamps.

If I recall correctly (on the '03, anyway), the fuel lines are 5/16s, two going in, and one coming out; but, of the two lines going into the gas filter, one connector is 3/8, and the other is 5/16; the connector on the engine side is 5/16.

In any event, I don't think that you have to drop the tank to repair your problem. The repair kit is available for pretty near all makes of vehicles as far as I know. Most mechanics should know about it.

In the meantime, I'll see if I can find some old pieces of this type of repair line and connectors that I had from about a year ago, and maybe take some pics.

Another real bonus is that it takes literally seconds to disconnect the fuel lines with this system

If you're still keeping up with this thread, post and let us know how it's going.

 

This is a pic of the disconnect fitting - it just slides onto the fuel filter; press in on the black part and pull, and it disconnects.



This is a pic of the other end of the repair kit - the length of teflon fuel line is about a foot if I remember correctly. I've shown one clamp, but the kit came with 2.

 

Is everyone talking about those clips it each end of the filter, do i need that removal tool you write about? I lose power at 60-70 mph, No Ck engine light, No vacuum leaks, new plugs and wires. I think my filter is dirty I have 77k on the odo. any suggestions? Thanks