I love driving this truck but by god, even the simplest task on it fights EVERY step of the way. I just want to change the fuel filter. I have done all the research because I know ahead of time it will have wacky engineering and sure enough. I cannot for the life of me, get the connector undone on the intake side. The one closer to the fuel tank. I see how it works but I'm afraid of breaking it. First, you take one side off (Second pic. OK no problem) but then how do you get the plastic bit that wraps around the steel tube of the filter? I have tried from both sides pushing it from the inside and lever/prying for the outside. Help!.

 

As I recall, the tool you use slips in and widens the red clamp that I see that appears broken? Looks to me that is your issue. Try pushing the filter inward and then pull out the broken red clamp.

 

Nothing is broken yet. That's what I'm trying to avoid. I know the disconnect tool is required for the out side but not the side I'm working on. All the videos I've watched when they get to the point I'm at, they say "You just..." then flip it off like nothing.

 

Im sorry, but as I remember from mine, that red piece slips out as one piece, I think. From what I see, the piece you have folded up, broke off of the piece still in there.

Again, I would push the filter forward then push down on the bottom red piece to try and allow the raised filter part to go by.

 

Nope. I am pretty sure nothing broke. The part that is open, folded back away came out pretty easy. There was a tab I pushed back and it opened no problem. Not only that, it clicked back in place when I gave up.The marred area on the inside part might look like broken/separated plastic but that was me pushing with a little screwdriver to try popping it out from the inside. I found this thread https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...-red-clip.html that looks to be the same type or at least similar. It is the second part that is flush with the outer circumference refusing to budge by either pushing the inside or prying from the outside.

 

OK I see now, I would spray your pic one with WD 40. Push in on filter, then pry on sides of red plug.

 

Some seem to be push, others pull. Here are both.

 

Worst case scenario, get the quick disconnect tool. That will overcome the lock tab, even if it's in the locked position. Ask me how I know lol

 

Mine turned out different from any other I came across in searches. When it is unclipped and open, I had to squeeze from the inside of the open end and push out through the other side. So the tab that opens like a door and the part it clips to. Once I finally figure that out, it was fairly easy. Completly and utterly cryptic. Engineers are so effed in the head.

 

Thanks to those trying to help.