Does the wing snaps on either side of the fuel filter just open up or is there a trick to loosening the fasteners on the fuel line? Has anyone changed the fuel filter on a 2000 f150 4.2?
Thanks.

 

There is a special tool that you use to remove the fuel filter lines from the filter. You can get it at any parts store like Autozone, Pepboy's, etc. It's made of plastic and is cylindrical in shape. You just slip it over the fuel line, then press the removal tool in towards the filter and pull the line from the filter. I think the removal tools come in a 4-pack, and they're different colors and sizes. I forgot which color you'll need because it's been a long time since I've changed my filter. But I'm sure someone will come along to help you out. Hope I helped.

 

Oh, and don't make the mistake I did when I went out to buy this tool. I got the air-conditioning line removal tool by mistake. Lol! Be sure it says "FUEL FILTER REMOVAL TOOL" on the package. Or just ask a sales clerk and they'll help you find it.

 

So, once the safety clip is out, is it a simple matter of pulling the line and the filter in opposite directions? And is the "special tool" just to grab the fuel filter tubing so that I can push the fuel filter away from the line? I thought the special tool does some unclicking thing somehow. Thanks in advance for explanation.

 

The special tool does 'unclick' the line from the filter. After you remove the saftey retainer clips, you slide the speical tool over the line toward the filter and it relases some little prongs that hold the end of the fuel line onto some ridges attached to the filter.

No great force or other tools required, you just need the little plastic tool to slide under the end of the fuel line. It looks like a plastic ring with a slice cut out of it to allow you to slide it over the line. One side of the ring has a little raised up area that slides under the end of the fuel line to relase it.

From what I've heard, you will not be able to pull the line off the filter without the tool. The little gizmo that hold it onto the filter is very tough to overpower, but easy to release with the right tool.

You want to use the gray colored one from the pack. The full set of tools is about $10 at Auto Zone.

If you search the site, someone once posted a thread with pics of the tools in the package. With the tool, the job will take you a few minutes, tops.

 

Here is the link with pics.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...rake+line+tool

 

91-92 was the switch from the simple "undo clips to change filter" to the pain in the azz "requires a special tool to change the filter"

Adrianspeeder

 

Thank you for the explanation.
I have a second question. The new filter came with 2 plastic tabs. I just don't know how they are used. I would like to post pictures but don't know how to. Will someone explain how to do it?

 

I would open a free account at www.supermotors.org and store you pics there. Then just copy the link to your page here.

Adrianspeeder

 

I just changed my fuel filter and pcv valve today. I saw the little plastics clips in the box with the filter, but I don't remember ever having to put those on the last time I replaced my filter. So I just threw them away with the box. I just put the new filter on like the old one. I don't see how it would be any different.

 

<-----wish Ford would have just used compression fittings instead....oh well

 

Those plastic clips are just to replace the metal clips that come on the factory fuel filter. The factory ones are actually better because they're metal and stronger. I threw the plastic ones out and kept the metal ones.

 

I changed my fuel filter today, pretty easy, relieve the fuel psi at either the fuel rail or inertia swith, then get the special fuel filter tool, make sure you have rags cause residual fuel will leak out from the filter and lines. Install the filter and start your truck. Easy