Tryin to replace my fuel filter, and I’m having a hell of time with the plastic connector on the short piece of fuel line. Everything I’ve read says push the orange clip in and remove the line, and I push the clip in but the thing won’t budge. The fitting spins freely though so I doubt it’s siezed.

Any tips on removing it, or does anyone know the part number for the fuel line so I can replace just that section...

 

Here’s a better angle

 

This video says after you push in the tab you push the connection toward the filter first to 'unlock' it then pull it off.

 

Damn... that filter is rusty. Try following the directions in the video. Maybe it rusted where the clip sits making the metal puff up.

 

The one shown in the video doesn’t have the fuel line extension like mine so the connector is different. Never the less I tried it, but it won’t move either in or out.

I gave up and took it to the parts counter at the local ford dealer, and after a while he found the part number. They wanted $186 for the just that short 8 inch line
I think I’m going to try my luck at the Junkyard Instead

Here’s the part numbers for anyone that’s interested
Fuel line: 5L3Z-9J280-EA
Replacement orange clips: 7L3Z-9S317-A

 

I have the blue clip but I've read multiple times that the orange clip has been successfully removed by inserting the 5/16" fuel line tool.

Inexpensive purchase and relatively easy to use.

 

i liked the metal fuel line tool a lot better than the plastic ones.

 

I tried the fuel line tool as well but no luck, I think there’s too much rust built up

 

Yea, mine is like the one in the vid, you pull it out and then push line towards the filter. Either way a dumb design for a crucial part, super flimsy set up. Your second pic looks mangled.

 

I like the old filters that you put on with a wrench. Some much simpler.