Where does one get the needed disconnect tool for the fuel filter?

Thank you!

 

These are what I use, there's several different types of disconnect tools though.

 

YOURE LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE SHOULD HAVE THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR THE JOB

HASTA LA VISTA BABY

 

That looks like it’s probably the 5/16” tool needed on the forward end.

 

Looks good. However..... To the unsuspecting do-it-yourselfer, what else is needed on these trucks? Do you have to pull a fuse and let the fuel pressure drop down? Or are these 0 pressure with the ignition off? Just asking because the older models will give you a shower of gasoline!

 

That’s a good question. I couldn’t find a Schrader valve on the fuel rail so I don’t know how you release the pressure. By now someone with an 04 must have changed their own fuel filter, has the low down on it, and will chime in with the info. I don’t have a Motorcraft filter yet because I’m waiting on a mail order delivery. I found the FG-986B for $8.66 and free ground shipping from Tabbysparts.com. I hope that by the time I get it, all the info will be out there, if not I am going to give it a try anyway. I read that if you do it after the truck has been sitting for 10 to 12 hours the pressure is off the fuel line or at least minimized.

Tabbysparts.com - Motorcraft fuel filter FG-986B $8.66

 

For what it's worth...

I got a notice in the mail (twice), from the dealer, that it was time for my 12,000 mile service.

The manual says 15,000 miles.

So, I took the truck in yesterday with 13,980 miles for the service. I told the service rep that I was there for the 12,000 mile service. He said "ok". Then I told him the manual says 15,000 miles and asked him if the service was supposed to be at 12,000 or if it was supposed to be at 15,000 miles. His reply "Depends on how you drive the truck."

Seems like to me the dealer is scamming.

So then I ask him what's included in the service and he goes through the usual litany about the multipoint inspection, change the oil, rotate the tires, etc. I told him I usually go to Jiffy lube for that and I asked him what else they would do and he said "that's it. You'd be just as well off going to Jiffy Lube."

Anyway, since I was already at the dealer, I told the rep to go ahead and do the service. The bill was $70 even, which included the oil change and tire rotation and balance. I doubt seriously if they actually did the multipoint inspection like they claimed. At Jiffy Lube they do the inspection (you can even watch). The price at Jiffy Lube is the same.

If you're being charged for an "inspection", then you're being screwed IMHO. Find another dealer or go to Jiffy Lube.

As for the fuel filter needing to be changed at 10k or so, I'd say you need to start buying gas somewhere else. I don't know why there would be any more crap in a plastic tank than a metal tank.

 

I've never released the fuel pressure from the Schrader valve on any fuel filters I've done before. (Disclaimer applies: You might risk a shot of fuel in the face doing that). I just get the line worked loose, turn my face away and pull.

 

do you still have to flip a switch in the passenger kick panel and run the truck dry like my 99'?

 

thats cheap money, What's you're hourly wage? Plus parts? Just do it

 

Its posted in your little black book I saw it in there some where , I do remember -Its under your glove box- I think If I read it wright

 

I replaced my fuel filter this morning and it was very easy to do. There was no pressure on the lines; it only leaked a few drops of gas from each end. The line disconnect tool was needed on both ends of the filter. On the back line there is a blue plastic clip that you pry up the center of before using the disconnect tool. The front line has the standard metal clip you have to pop off before using the tool. I bought my filter from www.tabbysparts.com for $8.66 and fed-x shipping was free. I used the “Lisle AC/Fuel Line Disconnect Tool Set” I bought from Sears for $9.99.



the used filter

 

I have read the posts above and noticed the pictures with the blue clip against the filter. My 04 new body has another length of hose against the filter with an orange clip that does not look to have any way of pulling off. The quick disconnect tool does not work. Any one else seen this?

 

My 05 looks just like the pic.

 

Having actually worked as a fuel system design engineer on the '04 F-150 redesign, I can tell you the inside of the fuel tanks leave the factory clean enough to eat out of. There's certainly no "garbage" inside as they're sealed with dust caps as soon as they come off the thermoformer at the Visteon plants. Any sludge you're seeing in your filters downstream from the tank is coming from your local gas station's tanks.

Second, as for filter life, I agree with those who think 15,000 miles is a bit early to be changing it--unless you buy gas from dirty underground tanks. Filters, whether they be air filters or fuel filters, actually filter BETTER as they get a little bit "clogged" with debris, but you must balance the better filter performance with decreased flow rates. In the end, I'd say 30,000 miles is soon enough for the first change, and most drivers could probably go 50-60,000 before flow rates drop to the point you'd actually notice a problem.