Searched, but most the info out there is for the 04-08 guys.
Anyways, I went out and got the plastic fuel filter tool (after buying the scissors looking one and finding out it doesn't work) and I got the inlet side of the fuel filter off easily using the 3/8 piece. But when i tried the outlet (one closest to the front of the truck), I couldn't get the damn thing to pop in there or budge at all. I tried both the 3/8 and 5/16 since it looked a little smaller. I did everything just the way I did the first, and after about an hour of trying I gave up when it got dark.

Are there any tricks to this? It seems so simple, and I'm about 99.9% sure I'm doing everything correct.

 

There's no real trick to them, I have replaced 2 on my 03 and both were a PITA. The last time, I disconnected the end closest to the fuel tank, then popped the fuel filter out of it's holding bracket so I could get a better grip on it and while the other end was still connected to the hose closest to the front of the truck, I pulled down a few good yanks while applying preassure in the opposite direction with the "scissors tool." Just make sure most of the gas is out of the filter, because it wil tip and cause some spillage.

That tool should do the trick, but they aren't easy by any means, just try to pop it out of the holding bracket to get a better grip on it. Good luck. Sounds like you are doing it right.

 

The one on the engine side will rust and freeze up sometimes. I had no problems the first 2 times I changed the filter, but the third time, would not turn loose. I finally went to a lube joint. They ended up pulling it out and replaceing the clip.

 

The trick is supposed to be that you put the tool in place, then pull the line toward the filter as you push the filter toward the line, but it does not always work.

 

I miss the old way - fuel filters with fittings and flare nuts............

 

Thanks for replies guys. I took the other scissors tool back, got a smaller one and the smallest 5/16 end on that one didn't even fit into the fitting closest to the engine . Back to the plastic ones I guess, hope i don't break 'em.

jk007, I actually tried something like that. But when I pulled the filter out, there was another hardline in the way (not sure for what) keeping me from getting any better grip on it than what I had when it was in the bracket. I'm gonna guess there might be some corrosion like bluejay said, do you guys think spraying some silicone lube, WD40 or even PB blast will help/hurt it?

 

I just went out to the garage and grabbed my scissor tool. The one I have was purchased from Autozone and is a 5/16ths / 3/8ths size tool. This is the one I used to change my filter twice.

As far as WD40 or PB blast, I don't think it would hurt, but I would use it very sparingly as not to gum up the fuel line. Good luck man, I hope you can get it.

 

Stay calm, don't loose your temper. Or -








Yea, that's no good

 

what are you doing using a FRAM filter! you know better!

 

Not mine, -well sortuh,-it came from an 01 I purchased. I didn't put it on there, but I sure as hell got it out of there. -Then I kicked it's ***

 

Anyway, I've heard this one works. I bought one a few years ago,-still in the wrapper, hanging on the peg board, (I keep forgetting I have it), so I don't know for sure if it really works yet.




I use this on the Motorcraft Filters -




Works for me, yea , like Blue said - jerk her forward, then back.

 

Brew, several of us have not had much luck with that metal sissors type. The metal is too thick. It seems that the plastic is thinner and will go in the line farther to release th clip. You do need two sizes. 3/8 on the inlet and 5/16 on the outlet.

 

i have the one pictured and used it for my last filter change without any problems.

 

Yea, there's two types of scissors. Like Skybound85 posted, I've heard that particular Scissor type works best. It looks to be the thinner walled, like my Blue oil line tool. I know my oil line tool works so I bet that one works to. Btw, the Blue one works on both sides believe it or not,- not kidding.

I also have thick walled ones as well, that don't work. So I know which pair your referring to, yea those suck. I don't use those for much of anything.


- Can you believe I have a pick of that too ? lol -

 

jbrew, both scrissor tools you have listed are the ones I tried with no luck. The first one, which is the 3/8 and 5/16 one is still too big for the outlet line fitting. The bigger tool in your last pic I got first, it even said "Ford AC line and Fuel line tool".. but it was only worth as much as the plastic it came in.

I'll try some PB blast out or something similar tomorrow and let you guys know.