guys, i did a search on here and found a thread in the lightning forum about changing the fuel filter. i read all the way through, and it sounds simple enough, but i can't get the stinkin' fuel lines to release. i have the scissors type tool, and i am clamping it over the fuel line and pressing it backwards into the fitting. i am using the smallest "cup", (3/8") but it still seems too big to get into the fitting. i am doing my best not to damage the fitting, but it still isn't coming loose.

what i am doing wrong? are there any home grown how-to's on getting the lines to release? why couldn't ford just put standard threaded gas fittings on these things?

-matt

 

I had the same problem when I tried mine. IIRC, you need a 5/16" tool. The scissors tool didn't work; I bought one of the cheap plastic fuel/AC line tool sets and it had one that fit. Once you get one that fits the line, it's simple.

 

Yep 5/16 for me too. I still had a problem with 1 having gunk in it, untill I sprayed it with PB blaster.

 

Get the plastsic ones!
The metal scissor ones suck for our trucks.
I jacked around with it for like 45 minutes with the metal one, went and bought the plastic ones and had the lines off in 5 minutes.

 

yes the plastic ones are the only way to go!

get a good set at napa

 

You don't clamp the tool around the fuel line. You clamp the tool around the nipple on the fuel filter and slide it up inside the end of the fuel line.
I dug up an old thread started by Clonetek in the lightning forum and it had some nice pictures. Took me 5 minutes after reading the first page of the thread and getting the scissors tool. The engine side of the filter seems tougher to release than the tank side.

 

This is the same problem I have. Any reason for this? I have to use a pair of pliers to grab the line and channel locks to brace the filter in order to pry that thing off. Any way of loosening it up without compromising the seal?

 

You gotta get the tool inside the line in order to release the locking ring BEFORE you start pulling on the line. As long as you are pulling, it won't release.

 

And to think that this design was to make it fast and simple to change the fuel filter?!

 

I imagine it works easy enough when its not UNDER the truck/bolted to the frame rail

 

Getting splashed with salt dust and sand. Maybe that's why the engine side is tougher to release.

 

I bought the plastic ones too...Once it's around the filter nipple push the line towards teh filter then slip the tool into the fitting slowley turn it and you will here a click then the line will just pop off. I struggled for 30 mins before I found this site and then found out I needed the tool. went and bouth the plastic fuel/ac kits and had it changed in 5 mins. Now they can't get me to leave here...LOL

 

bought the plastic ones last night and had it changed out it about 10 minutes. just goes to show that the jack legs at advance don't know what they are talking about. thanks for the help.

-matt

 

That's what I'm doing. I still have to use pliers and channel locks to separate the line from the filter with the tool properly placed.

Jeff

 

Johngs,

Thats why he needs the Johngs 2000 fuel filter removal tool ...



The "Johngs 2000" replaces all these tools with its "Weld on, Weld off" technology. Frozen bolt, no problem! Stuck fuel filters? Its outta there!