BTW - anyone know what the second line is, just under the fuel filter??? Is it a fuel return line so the pump can prime the lines?

After changing my filter, I turned the key to the run position for about 30 secs. Then I started it and it fired right up and ran without any hiccups... so somehow the fuel system removed the air. This makes me think the second line must be a return line, no?

 

How the F' does this work! "Push the tool away" im bending my tool trying to get the line off. can somebody explain to me what im doing wrong ASAP? I have the same tool and doing exactly whats in the pic. the damn thing doesnt make sense to me...

 

Have you removed the metal retainer clip first???
If yes, slide the tool in as far as it will go and then try pulling on the line while you push on the tool... maybe that will work?

 

I had the same problem. I removed the metal retainer clip and pushed on the fuel line with the tool until I thought the tool was gonna bend or I was gonna damage the fuel line. I then removed the fuel line from the plastic retainer clip thats located to the right of the bend, it gave the line more slack and I was able to remove it from the filter.

 

Great post... copying this to the HOW-TO section....

 

The maintenance schedule calls for a new fuel filter every 15,000 miles. For a lot of us, that is about once a year.

 

Which disconnect tool size?


OEM 25043 Fuel Line Disconnect Tool
The scissor-like design on this Fuel Line Disconnect Tool allows for easy, damage-free fuel line quick disconnect coupler release. Simply place the tool around the fuel line and push into the female connector to release the male connector. Fits any 5/16-inch or 3/8-inch fuel line found on GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles.


OEM 25042 Air Conditioner/Fuel Line Disconnect Tool
The scissor-like design on this Air Conditioner/Fuel Line Disconnect Tool allows for easy, damage-free fuel line quick disconnect coupler release. Simply place the tool around the fuel line and push into the female connector to release the male connector. Sizes: 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch.

 

I have the little plastic selection of AC/fuel line disconnect tools, work the same way. I had a pic of them on the filter in my old gallery here (which are temporarily disabled) so I had to upload into PB.

 

I did this change this morning, and my experience was a little confusing at first, but once I seen the end of the fuel line that runs to the engine from the filter, it all makes sense.

The line after the filter (goes to the engine) has a flared metal end on it, with 3 metal prongs inside it that hold the line on to the fuel filter. What that fuel line tool does is lift those prongs away from the raised edge of the fuel filter outlet line, that's it. (see picture above, see that little raised ring around the outlet?)

Just push the tool into the flared end of the fuel line and stop. Leave in place, then by hand, push the line off at the bent metal elbow, it comes off real easy this way, at least for me.

DO NOT TRY TO PUSH THE FUEL LINE OFF WITH THE TOOL. It won't work because of the raised edge on the fuel filter outlet will stop the tool in its tracks

If anyone has an orange clip on their fuel line leading into the filter from the gas tank, like mine, all you have to do is push on it with your finger, and it releases the fuel line from the filter.
(My truck was assembled in Virginia, don't know if these different type of clips are specific to each assembly plant or not)

Also, I would like to add, this is probably the first time this filter was ever changed on my truck (67,000 miles) and the gas that came out the tank end of the filter was almost black, with a lot of grit. Thank god for this site, and all the people out there who remind people like me that these things need to be done more often than most people realize. Truck purrs now with no hick-ups, even while idling.

 

What is the best way to get blue clip off?

 

Guys I got the blue clip off no problem with a fuel filter tool but I cant get the other side off, I already have the safety clip off just cant get the fuel line out of the filter, help!

 

Great DIY!

Just did this on my truck. DO NOT attempt without that little tool. You will need it, $10 well spent!

With the tool in hand it took me all of 5 minutes!

 

Heres a tip for you guys when changing your fuel filter. I dont have pics right now, but i could go snap a few if you guys need it. On the outside of the fuel rail in the same spot, you will find a little plastic case covering some wires. If you pull off the plastic thing, it will reveal 2 connectors. Start the truck up, and unplug the bottom one while its running, thats the fuel pump power. The truck should start to sputter and eventually stop from lack of fuel. Hit the starter a couple more times to be sure you got as much out of the lines as possible. There will always be some in the line, but this should help you all save a couple pennys

Edit:

Oh, and after you install your new fuel filter, be sure to plug that plug back in Your truck should start right up. I leave it in the ON position to let the pump prime up a little bit for hitting it to start.

 

The only place I see a plastic protector for some wires is farther toward the front around the bend. It looks gray in color and about the diameter of a large cigar. Is that it?

 

oh no no no, its a big ish plastic cover right where the fuel filter is, just on the outside of the frame, drivers side, where the fuel filter is on the inside of the frame. sorry i forgot to take pictures. il try to remember for tomorrow this time