Two different shops have told me that they can't remove the fuel line from the filter. They both said I needed to go to the dealer and have the line between the tank and filter replaced (they don't do that type of work). Anyone have an idea as to what this is going to set me back? I'll call on monday but was wondering if you guys might have an idea.

Dutch

 

Go to Auto Zone or something and price the fuel lines. That might give you a better idea. I doubt Ford carries the lines anymore, and would probley order them from there anyways.

 

You were right, Ford didn't have them. My buddy who's a service writer at a big Ford dealer on the west coast said they'd even send me to another shop. They don't do repairs with "outside" parts. Seems silly but OK.

Dutch

 

You DO know that the fuel filter needs a special tool to remove, and if the shop can't even tell how to get it off, then they need to shut down, and stop working on cars. Best way to describe it is that it clips over the end of the filter, and slides into the line's end releasing the metal tabs that lock it into place. Once you do that, it might take a little bit of work, but it's generally easy,a nd the tool costs under $5. Even if the line's messed up, you should be able to get the filter off to inspect it for yourself.

 

Exactly....run away from those shops.

 

i had a similar problem with my '95 and all I did was spend some time with a small pick and a blow gun from my air compressor, and the fuel line removal tool , oh and lots of swearing and it finally came off. But when i reinstalled the filter I wrapped the input and out put lines with electrical tape to keep crap from getting inside the fittings , ever since i did that i haven't had any problems changing the filter. The first time i did it took an hour and a half now it takes 5 minutes.

 

Hey I somehow posted my relpy 2x not sure what happened probably my browser up.

 

Yeah, I know about the tool. One of the places even had me go back and look at the filter with a mechanic...he had the tool still in his hand. I took it in cause I didn't want to deal with the hassle of doing it myself, I changed it at 50,000 and could barely fit my hands up between the rail and the gas tank. The second place that looked at it today put the blame for the damage on the shop that changed it at 100k. Who knows. I'm new to the Memphis area and got the name of another independent shop from a neighbor and will swing by there next week.

 

I'd do it yourself man, it's going to cost so much less than at a shop.
Mine were on so damn tight I broke the tool, and then had to pry the filter out of it's bracket because it was rusted on.

Still, with a ton of cussing and the right tools (buy two - if they both survive, return them) you'll get it done for $20 instead of $400 for new fuel lines.

 

I had the same issue with the inline filter on my 96, the inlet side of the filter was full of dirt, rust, etc. I soaked it with penetrating oil several time before trying to remove it and it still wouldnt come out, I found at autozone a repair kit where you cut the end of the fuel line off with the connector, and the kit supplies you with a new one that goes on the remainder of the existing line, I think most major parts stores carry these and ive had no issues with it ever since installing.