Did this today, perfect man changed the filter in under 10 minutes and it was the first time ever. Remember folks pull the fuel pump fuse and start the vehicle or attempt to start to depressureize the lines
Simple genius guy! I told my wife, "go ahead and leave, I've got everything I need". Then I got to the freeking fuel line. An old dried up sharpie in my tool box and line off five minutes later! Thanks
after fighting this thing for an hour with the "provided tool" .. after watching this the entire job was finished in 5 minutes. thank you very much. worked like a charm.
I made my sharpie removal tool just as you described and pushing with a pair of needle nose pliers, instead of regular pliers on the make shift sharpie cap itself, the line easily released. Great idea, and great video. I watched numerous videos of guys trying to use the actual tool you would buy to do it and they were fighting their way through it. One guy even ended up tearing the retainer clip up and it fell out, he’s got bigger problems now. The plastic cap is much gentler on those spring clips, than that metal tool.
Dude!!! You are a life saver. Explorer exploded friday on the way home from work. A full weekend of piano recitals, sporting events and then a medical emergency left me at 11PM still needing to replace the filter. One side came off by itself. The other side... not so much. after an hour of pulling, pushing, banging and prying, I decided to see who else had problems. Found your video and withing 3 minutes I had made the tool and... DAMN!!! Thanks again.
Thank you so much. I live out in the boonies and the nearest parts store is 30 minutes. This little trick did the job. I did have to grunt here and there and lift my left leg up about 6 inches but in 10 minutes I was done. Kid wasn't happy about losing a sharpie but hey, I owe him 15 minutes on his bed time.
Thank you! Whether or not you use the disconnect tool or a sharpie cap, it's so great that you showed what the clips look like and how they work. You clearly know what you're doing and it's great you show others!
You didn’t try and wow people with your intellectual prowess, just showed folks how to save some money in a pinch. You not only walked us through it, but also maintained that positive attitude you mentioned in the video! Kudos brother! Thanks again! Lou G. “If you can’t explain something in simple terms, you don’t have a firm grasp of the topic” - Albert Einstein
Had to go on record. I watched your video and then followed your steps and SUCCESSFULLY replaced my fuel filter. It was not easy at first, and the cap gradually started getting roughed up, but after a few more tries it was golden. This is a hell-yeah video. Awesome job ;)
11 years later and this is exactly what I was trying to use to create my own tool when I found your video!, great minds think alike man, sharpie cap was my first thought! 😂
Thanks so much. Video is great. Helped me change fuel filter on 1999 Ford Triton v10!! It has the same connector. Only suggestion is cut the cap a little shorter in length. (For an old or difficult connector). That way I was able to use needle nose pliers between the tube and filter to hold it in place while I wiggled the fuel line clips over it toward the filter. Both lines popped right off after that tweak...OR MAYBE IT WAS MY POSITIVE ATTITUDE....LOL. Thanks again!!!!!!
Thanks for the video! I love seeing someone figure out how to avoid the "go get this special tool" requirement on so many products. Good clear camera work, too!
Amazing! I fought and fought with this thing, looked at other videos online where people said they got stuck, then I found your video, went back and tried again, and was successful the first try! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to make this clear, helpful video!
Thanks for sharing, you help me remember that there are good people like you still out there in this world.God Bless you and your family and keep you safe through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Awesome tutorial, thank you so much!! In spite of all the dried-out Sharpies we have, I used a tool I had purchased a few months back. I had been postponing this maintenance because I didn't understand the mechanics of the connector. Your video did a wonderful job of showing the clips and their function. I also took your advice, even with the cheap plastic tool, a positive attitude came in handy (perhaps especially because of the cheap plastic tool). Great camera work on your part too!!
That was a well done and informative video. Thank you for taking the time. Though I think I'll buy the quick disconnect tool, I really like how you explained and demonstrated precisely how the coupling works and what you are trying to achieve with the tool (store-bought or Sharpie-fabricated). The principle remains unchanged. Well done. Thank you.
Of all the years of Fords/Mercurys/Lincolns I have replaced fuel filters, I met my match today on a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria. Not knowing there was such a special tool, I took the advice of the great guy here and oi'la! I have a Sharpie fuel filter tool! Thank you very much!!
If Ford calls this a "quick disconnect", they're full of baloney. It took me two hours -- and that's using the proper tool. If you have the project wide open in front of you, that's one thing. In my case, the filter was behind the frame and obscured by other things. It was murder trying to get those "quick disconnects" to let go.
Han Skinslo .I've learned 0ver time to disconnect the lines while the filter is still secured in. Bracket..it's tempting to hold filter in your hand but for some reason it doesn't release..I learned the hard way.
You are a genius! Tried using the little plastic clip the new filter came with. Yeah, that was a joke. Then I found your video and found an old sharpie. I cut the cap and took it to my husband who was under the truck struggling with the filter. He popped my makeshift tool on and the filter came right off! Thank you for saving the day!
That was genius! Thank you for sharing. I was trying to remove the transmission quick disconnect line from the radiator and ran into this problem. Stores were closed and came across your video. Grabbed a Sharpie off my desk. Literally took 5 minutes to construct the tool and remove the line. Thanks!
I tried it and couldn't believe it worked! I had to use a small chisel to force the plastic pen thing into it, but came off after 5 minutes of pulling and using the chisel. It worked on both ends of the fluid filter. Saved me money on a tool.
This is a great tip and made it very easy. (1993 Ford F150) If everyone who got negative comments stopped posting videos there wouldn't be any more videos. If you don't like the video just move on. Thank you for posting!
Other people attempting to video their 'How To' video's should take note of this persons multiple camera angles and cuts. You can't properly demonstrate every aspect of your demonstration without re-positioning the camera. Great video. Great production effort! A+
I have the correct tools and I still hate these fittings! Watching this gave me flashbacks to the last time I did a Sport Trac! Very resourceful video but there is no easy way! Always expect the worst because it's probably going to be a struggle.
excellent idea. replaced old filter on a 1999 f150 4.2 v6. had one sharpie that was bad anyway... cut at 3/4" & worked perfectly, took just a few minutes to replace filter. just have the car running and remove the fuel pump fuse so the car dies and there is no pressure left in the system. also use some needle-nose pliers to help push in the piece easier. thanks so much for the great idea.
I did exactly what he said to do,and the frame mounted fuel pump came out in 3 seconds!!!I'm keeping that marker cap in my toolbox.Thanks for your video!
Absolutely helped, thank you for taking the time to show the inside of the fuel line end piece and explaining what your tool was doing!!! 2000 explorer xlt rides Again!!!
I tried his method and it was very difficult using the end cap of a sharpie. Very tight not much room. I drove to Oreilys auto parts and for a few bucks found the the plastic tool to remove it. it was well worth buying the tool, it came right off.
This is excellent! But, I managed to do one better just now. I saw this and started looking around for some plastic thing I could destroy to use like the sharpie cap. Couldn't find anything, but then I realized that the new fuel filter came with plastic caps on both ends, and they were about perfect. I cut the narrow end off, drilled the wide end a bit to take off the lip inside it, cut it lengthwise, and it worked great. Saved a trip to the store and the bucks to buy the part, and used things I *had* to throw away anyway. Thanks!
On this day, May 29th, 2016, Jennie's Garage wins the internet! Some little plastic thing that I couldn't figure out came with the filter, and the Sharpie cap saved the day! For the record, 1993 Bronco 302. Thank you!
Keep up the good work! Even if you purchase the special tool, you often time have to modify it or it simply doesn't work as intended. I almost always create my own tools and improve them over time.
Been a mechanic for almost 20 years I like the idea and the scissor tool is OK and only less than $8 but with some vehicles the tool is too long and have to cut it down to fit good thinking Bones, Parkersburg ,wv
1. This trick works! (Amazon has a tool for $6, but not sure if it works well.) 2. Keep a small bucket handy to catch the gas in the line and filter- it will spill, especially from the filter. 3. I pulled the fuel pump fuse, turned the engine over a few times to relieve the pressure since it's a pressurized system. Not sure if it's necessary, but it took a few seconds just to do it anyway. 4. It will take a bit of effort to pull the fuel lines off: be patient. 5. I used an open-end box wrench to force the cap into the quick connect fitting. 6. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO! SAVED ME SOME BEER MONEY!!
Thanks for the tip. This is good for night owls that work on their vehicles in the middle of the night and can't run out to get a specialty tool when everybody is closed.
Got it. Is the same here in the Caribbean. Temps are scorching high. I plan to work every weekend in my rig but the heat turn me down even if I work in the shadow. I garante each year is hotter here. Must be the I infamous Global warming
Sir I was given some wird plastic clamps to remove mine. And I couldn't use it or it wasn't even for it . but with your help I did it with no issue. And I came back to this video to thank you. This is the firt time I do it and it took 10 min . thank you.
You are the man! Needed to change fuel filter on my Miata and I didn't have the tool (which I THOUGHT I had). Just about to drive to a parts store, I figured I'd watch a video to get the right tool. After watching this vid, I sacrificed a 4 year old Sharpie and changed the filter in minutes! Worked perfectly! Thanks!!
Ok, I am 65 year old lady out 70 miles from town. Was told the codes that I need fuel filter. Purchased the filter before I left town. Did not get a special tool to release fuel lines. I Did what you said and it totally worked. Bless you! That is kind of stuff people need to know.
Because they have to pay the idiot behind the computer screen that doesn't have a clue on how the filter works to begin with anyway 500k/year, so they can justify hiring him.
Great, very informative and well done video; thanks for showing the interior of the fuel line quick disconnect fitting- it really helps to know exactly what one is dealing with up front and not working blind so to speak.
I spent 2 hours today trying to unhook the lines from my fuel pump and spent 30 minutes of that time searching on RUclips for a way to do it without the tool, i ended up using a piece of wire and screw driver to wiggle the line off, then after i got cleaned up and went inside for the night I opened RUclips and on my recommendation was this video
Thanks a bunch. Your clever idea saved me a couple bucks and a lot of time driving into town to get one stupid tool. I appreciate the tip. Oh, yeah... ignore the trolls :)
Second time changing mine on 1995 F150, it’s located in between the frame and tank and it about took me 2 hrs trying to remove the fuel filter. The worst is removing the filter that’s spring caged. Fram came with removal tool it worked. I believe this was causing the vehicle two have start cranking problem. Mine my have clogged, it was black on the tank side of filter. Great video.
Thank you so much for posting this. It worked like a champ. I had bought the scissor-type tool made FOR fords, but it didn't work (wouldn't insert far enough into the fitting to release the clip). Your method was fast and easy, and worked like a champ. Pretty good "McGyvering" my friend.
Now I know why I have owned Toyota trucks for the last 30 years. Easy to work on. The Ford Engineer's need to be strung up by their balls and then made to try to unhook one of these in zero degree whether in their underwear. I tried the sharpie trick and it worked for the end of the filter towards the front but after I unhook the end with the arrow facing the front I have went thru 3 sharpie caps and finally gave up after an hour of cussing.
GREAT! Someone always comes up with a better mousetrap. Positive attitude is always a plus. Fuel release pressure is a must ruined a pair of $300.00 lenses
After removing the fuel filter, I put an empty bottle at the end of the hose that comes from the fuel pump/tank and turn the key to cycle the pump for just a second. You wont believe the dirty fuel that comes out. I've tried it on many cars and its always a bit of dirty fuel that comes out of the tank. Its sort of like flushing your tank I guess.
I bought the tool for my ford rangers fuel filter when I was 15 or 16. I got a f150 with a bad pump. Need to use that same tool. 9 years later. Twice in one lifetime baby.
Thanks for the "sharp top tip". Whoever said the Pen was mightier then the sword was right. Quick Q. Where did you get your Bench top Vise? It looks massive!
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure they say, if you change your fuel filter every 15k you will help prevent any future filter issues. Many well respected aftermarket oem suppliers recommend 15k as well. www.airtexproducts.com/news-blog-the-importance-of-a-fuel-filter-and-how-it-can-influence-your-fuel-pump.aspx
Damn wasted my last good Sharpie when I went to put it over the line it shattered causing me to start cussing. Busted my knuckle and sprayed blood all over. Cussed some more and kicked the neighbors cat for shitting in my driveway. Then cussed the neighbor out. Today was not a good day
Thank You!!! 2000 4.2 v6 E-150 econoline which uses the 5/16 fuel line. I had watched this video and borrowed the tools for the fuel line release from the local hardware store. The removal tools were to big for the clearance on my fuel filter by a 1/4 inch. Sawed down a sharpie and with a "positive mental attitude" got the filter replaced!
Such a terrible waste!!! I had the same problem. I knew that there was some sort of gripping device in the fuel line fitting. I tried several methods to get it to release. Completely stonkered. Very frustrated. Lots of imprecations and curses. Used your Sharpie Pen Cap Method. ... Worked like a charm. Here's the waste: Plenty of cap left over to moosh down on the Sharpie pen. Hey.... Have to honor the sacrifice of a brave marker. THANK YOU (both)!!!!!
Funny these folks commenting to just buy the part it's cheap and less time consuming. I think they are jealous of this trick, parts salesmen or just one of those people who assume you live close to a parts store. Even if the parts store is 2 blocks over its quicker to make this tool than to go there and cheaper! Anyhow i'm off to the parts store for a Ford Taurus. Have a good'nnn
actually harbor freight sells a set of multiple sized plastic quick disconnects for $5 -25% their bimonthly coupons so less than $4 . the sharpie isn't worth destroying to save $2 and waste all that time.
Thanks I only have one car & I was stuck not knowing how to remove the Lines from my 1998 mountaineer and no ride to by the tool & you Sir saved my tail end and I was able to get the wife off to work on time. I will buy the tool but that sharpie idea was awesome! I used to be a A/C tech I had all the A/C line release tools for every size but that one because they don't make A/C lines that small with quick release. I wanted to say thank you so much for the idea that saved my BUTT! lol
I upped you. I used a old condom, filled it with gas and wrapped it around clamp, lit it on fire, and ran like hell. When fire dept. left fuel filter was removed but downside is truck needs a little more work now... and currently walking to work. Maybe should have sacrificed a sharpie looking back...
Pretty slick. I have lots of Sharpies and two Ford trucks with attitudes requiring fuel filters so I'll have to try this in the morning. Thanks for the tip!
Two words to remember for those once every ten years(life time is way to long to wait to change a filter lol) tools. Harbor Freight. They are so poorly constructed and cheap; I'd only trust them as infrequently. Great vid. I love Yankee ingenuity.
I bought the quick disconnect pliers and it may have been the right size when originally cast in a backstreet Chinese home foundry, but after it was cast it looks like they zinc plated it and it wouldnt fit in the clamp opening. so I tried filing it down...TOO MUCH OF COURSE and it became too much of a CF to deal with. So I'm gonna make up a couple of these after losing the only right size mushroom in the pkg. Thanks maaaan... a good idea for sure!
While I value thriftiness and clever thinking, I wouldn't do this to my truck. A sharpie cap is a bit thicker than a scissor-type disconnect tool, you don't know if repeated use will bend the retaining clips back too far due to the thicker sharpie cap. If that happens, you're out a fuel line. Seriously, the cheapo 4.99 harbor freight tool is fine for someone doing their own maintenance and much easier than the wrestling you did with that thing. And you will be using it far more than "once in your life", I see estimates of fuel filter changes ranging from 30k to 70k miles on the ford ranger. Being thrifty means saving money doing this yourself, but also investing in the proper equipment to keep your car running as long as possible. Get the right tool and do the job right. Don't spread potentially harmful information.
I watched this video a few weeks ago and cut my sharpy up and used it on my fuel lines on my ford ranger and it was a pain in the ass plus it bent all my tabs but I took my pick hook and got them back the way they was, after that I bought a 27 piece set made of aluminum in a case for 22.95 and works much better.
Phillip Hoefler oem motor craft fuel filter I bought today from advance didn't come with no tool so you're mistakenly wrong . Every filter is different newbie
My 1995 Ranger only had rubber hoses about 6 inches on either side of the fuel filter and two hose clamps you could loosen with a 1/4 inch hex bit or a phillips head screw driver, easy peasy. But l just bought a 1995 F-150 which has these quick disconnect clamps, l will try this marker cap trick today. Thanks for the DIY tip...
After buying one of those damn 5/16 tools and having to sand it to no success, I’m. Glad I came across this vid. Positive attitude in my mind next attempt 😎
I tried this at the fuel pump and it worked for the small grey line but was too fragile for the large blue line. Getting the tool. Thanks for the video telling us how this works!
Remember to release fuel pressure before removing filter! Will have to watch a video on relieving pressure, was waiting on you to elaborate on that. Thanks for the video
I used this method on my 2001 Mazda Miata "NB." Worked great! Couldn't get it with a 4-way metal tool from the parts shop, but a Sharpie cap did the job.
Hello J.G. I really appreciate your video tip on this. I was replacing mine on my police interceptor this morning and realized I needed the disconnect tool. Due to your video, I tried it and it was successful, thanks again.
Man you are a lifesaver I actually had some tools and they were not working but after doing that trick they pop her right off. hour and a half vs literally 5 minutes
I was scared after I took off the line going to engine and there was hardly any room to remove line going to fuel tank. I was expecting to hold my finger over the line while fuel was squirting out. Amazing it did not do that. I was so Thankfull. Thank you again for your video.
11 years later, and this video still helps! I'm a 30 minute one way drive to town...saved me a trip. Thanks!
Did this today, perfect man changed the filter in under 10 minutes and it was the first time ever.
Remember folks pull the fuel pump fuse and start the vehicle or attempt to start to depressureize the lines
Simple genius guy! I told my wife, "go ahead and leave, I've got everything I need". Then I got to the freeking fuel line. An old dried up sharpie in my tool box and line off five minutes later!
Thanks
after fighting this thing for an hour with the "provided tool" .. after watching this the entire job was finished in 5 minutes. thank you very much. worked like a charm.
+Eric Dean Great to hear, thanks!
+Jennies Garage I gave a thumb up
Tried for 30min with "their" quick disconnect tool no luck. Found this video and literally 2 mins later done. Thank you!
I made my sharpie removal tool just as you described and pushing with a pair of needle nose pliers, instead of regular pliers on the make shift sharpie cap itself, the line easily released. Great idea, and great video. I watched numerous videos of guys trying to use the actual tool you would buy to do it and they were fighting their way through it. One guy even ended up tearing the retainer clip up and it fell out, he’s got bigger problems now. The plastic cap is much gentler on those spring clips, than that metal tool.
Dude!!! You are a life saver. Explorer exploded friday on the way home from work. A full weekend of piano recitals, sporting events and then a medical emergency left me at 11PM still needing to replace the filter. One side came off by itself. The other side... not so much. after an hour of pulling, pushing, banging and prying, I decided to see who else had problems. Found your video and withing 3 minutes I had made the tool and... DAMN!!! Thanks again.
Thank you so much. I live out in the boonies and the nearest parts store is 30 minutes. This little trick did the job. I did have to grunt here and there and lift my left leg up about 6 inches but in 10 minutes I was done. Kid wasn't happy about losing a sharpie but hey, I owe him 15 minutes on his bed time.
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Thank you! Whether or not you use the disconnect tool or a sharpie cap, it's so great that you showed what the clips look like and how they work. You clearly know what you're doing and it's great you show others!
You didn’t try and wow people with your intellectual prowess, just showed folks how to save some money in a pinch. You not only walked us through it, but also maintained that positive attitude you mentioned in the video! Kudos brother! Thanks again!
Lou G. “If you can’t explain something in simple terms, you don’t have a firm grasp of the topic” - Albert Einstein
Had to go on record. I watched your video and then followed your steps and SUCCESSFULLY replaced my fuel filter. It was not easy at first, and the cap gradually started getting roughed up, but after a few more tries it was golden. This is a hell-yeah video. Awesome job ;)
11 years later and this is exactly what I was trying to use to create my own tool when I found your video!, great minds think alike man, sharpie cap was my first thought! 😂
Helped a guy that was broke down on the side of the road.Came across this video and it Worked like a charm . ACES
Thanks so much. Video is great. Helped me change fuel filter on 1999 Ford Triton v10!! It has the same connector. Only suggestion is cut the cap a little shorter in length. (For an old or difficult connector). That way I was able to use needle nose pliers between the tube and filter to hold it in place while I wiggled the fuel line clips over it toward the filter. Both lines popped right off after that tweak...OR MAYBE IT WAS MY POSITIVE ATTITUDE....LOL. Thanks again!!!!!!
Thanks for the video! I love seeing someone figure out how to avoid the "go get this special tool" requirement on so many products. Good clear camera work, too!
Over 11 years since this video was published and I just used it to disconnect my fuel lines. You are a goddamn legend.
Amazing! I fought and fought with this thing, looked at other videos online where people said they got stuck, then I found your video, went back and tried again, and was successful the first try! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to make this clear, helpful video!
Thanks for sharing, you help me remember that there are good people like you still out there in this world.God Bless you and your family and keep you safe through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Ian in the UK. I saw your sharpie cap trick to get the fuel connector off. Worked well and saved me a few quid. Thank you.
Awesome tutorial, thank you so much!! In spite of all the dried-out Sharpies we have, I used a tool I had purchased a few months back. I had been postponing this maintenance because I didn't understand the mechanics of the connector. Your video did a wonderful job of showing the clips and their function. I also took your advice, even with the cheap plastic tool, a positive attitude came in handy (perhaps especially because of the cheap plastic tool). Great camera work on your part too!!
That was a well done and informative video. Thank you for taking the time. Though I think I'll buy the quick disconnect tool, I really like how you explained and demonstrated precisely how the coupling works and what you are trying to achieve with the tool (store-bought or Sharpie-fabricated). The principle remains unchanged. Well done. Thank you.
Ryan
This video is ageless. Extremely helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
Of all the years of Fords/Mercurys/Lincolns I have replaced fuel filters, I met my match today on a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria. Not knowing there was such a special tool, I took the advice of the great guy here and oi'la! I have a Sharpie fuel filter tool! Thank you very much!!
If Ford calls this a "quick disconnect", they're full of baloney. It took me two hours -- and that's using the proper tool. If you have the project wide open in front of you, that's one thing. In my case, the filter was behind the frame and obscured by other things. It was murder trying to get those "quick disconnects" to let go.
+Gus Wah I'd hate to see what their "standard disconnect" looks like!
+Gus Wah You are correct. Ford's logic is not always what they say it is.
Really a "quick CONNECT" not "quick DISCONNECT!" I couldn't get mine off at all!
Han Skinslo .I've learned 0ver time to disconnect the lines while the filter is still secured in. Bracket..it's tempting to hold filter in your hand but for some reason it doesn't release..I learned the hard way.
henry ford - yeah, I have learned that as well!
You are a genius! Tried using the little plastic clip the new filter came with. Yeah, that was a joke. Then I found your video and found an old sharpie. I cut the cap and took it to my husband who was under the truck struggling with the filter. He popped my makeshift tool on and the filter came right off! Thank you for saving the day!
That was genius! Thank you for sharing. I was trying to remove the transmission quick disconnect line from the radiator and ran into this problem. Stores were closed and came across your video. Grabbed a Sharpie off my desk. Literally took 5 minutes to construct the tool and remove the line. Thanks!
I tried it and couldn't believe it worked! I had to use a small chisel to force the plastic pen thing into it, but came off after 5 minutes of pulling and using the chisel. It worked on both ends of the fluid filter. Saved me money on a tool.
This is a great tip and made it very easy. (1993 Ford F150) If everyone who got negative comments stopped posting videos there wouldn't be any more videos. If you don't like the video just move on. Thank you for posting!
Other people attempting to video their 'How To' video's should take note of this persons multiple camera angles and cuts. You can't properly demonstrate every aspect of your demonstration without re-positioning the camera.
Great video. Great production effort! A+
+Kenny Nipp Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
You crafty mo'fo. Thank you. Also, a positive attitude is often misplaced in the garage - good lookin' out!
cRod Ster no, it's not misplaced. I just leave my positive attitude on a hook outside the door before I step into my garage.
Hell yes I liked it
I have the correct tools and I still hate these fittings! Watching this gave me flashbacks to the last time I did a Sport Trac! Very resourceful video but there is no easy way! Always expect the worst because it's probably going to be a struggle.
excellent idea. replaced old filter on a 1999 f150 4.2 v6. had one sharpie that was bad anyway... cut at 3/4" & worked perfectly, took just a few minutes to replace filter. just have the car running and remove the fuel pump fuse so the car dies and there is no pressure left in the system. also use some needle-nose pliers to help push in the piece easier. thanks so much for the great idea.
I'm glad it worked for you, thanks for the comment!
I did exactly what he said to do,and the frame mounted fuel pump came out in 3 seconds!!!I'm keeping that marker cap in my toolbox.Thanks for your video!
Absolutely helped, thank you for taking the time to show the inside of the fuel line end piece and explaining what your tool was doing!!! 2000 explorer xlt rides Again!!!
Thanks so much!!! I used your technique tonight. It saved me a trip to the auto parts store plus the cost of the tool.
I always forget to bring my positive attitude..
Don't skimp on that, it's the most important part!!
I do too
I tried his method and it was very difficult using the end cap of a sharpie. Very tight not much room. I drove to Oreilys auto parts and for a few bucks found the the plastic tool to remove it. it was well worth buying the tool, it came right off.
This is excellent! But, I managed to do one better just now. I saw this and started looking around for some plastic thing I could destroy to use like the sharpie cap. Couldn't find anything, but then I realized that the new fuel filter came with plastic caps on both ends, and they were about perfect. I cut the narrow end off, drilled the wide end a bit to take off the lip inside it, cut it lengthwise, and it worked great. Saved a trip to the store and the bucks to buy the part, and used things I *had* to throw away anyway. Thanks!
You saved the life of a sharpie!
you are a clever dude, i went out to the shop, found the fuel filter box, and there were the plastic ends
I have a dilemma now, re-use the plastic ends or the old worn out sharpie I need to re-use. Politi-enviro-mechanically correct. lol
On this day, May 29th, 2016, Jennie's Garage wins the internet!
Some little plastic thing that I couldn't figure out came with the filter, and the Sharpie cap saved the day! For the record, 1993 Bronco 302. Thank you!
Evidently my daughter was logged in, no she didn't change the filter in that dress LOL!
Thanks again, Tim White
haha I'm glad you/your daughter got the filter changed!
Keep up the good work! Even if you purchase the special tool, you often time have to modify it or it simply doesn't work as intended. I almost always create my own tools and improve them over time.
Been a mechanic for almost 20 years I like the idea and the scissor tool is OK and only less than $8 but with some vehicles the tool is too long and have to cut it down to fit good thinking
Bones,
Parkersburg ,wv
1. This trick works! (Amazon has a tool for $6, but not sure if it works well.)
2. Keep a small bucket handy to catch the gas in the line and filter- it will spill, especially from the filter.
3. I pulled the fuel pump fuse, turned the engine over a few times to relieve the pressure since it's a pressurized system. Not sure if it's necessary, but it took a few seconds just to do it anyway.
4. It will take a bit of effort to pull the fuel lines off: be patient.
5. I used an open-end box wrench to force the cap into the quick connect fitting.
6. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO! SAVED ME SOME BEER MONEY!!
Thanks for the tip. This is good for night owls that work on their vehicles in the middle of the night and can't run out to get a specialty tool when everybody is closed.
Lol!!! I love your description of gearhead worrking late at night in theirs rigs...''night owls''.....
Yes!!! My husband works at night during these Summer months because it's TOO HOT to work during the day!
Got it. Is the same here in the Caribbean. Temps are scorching high. I plan to work every weekend in my rig but the heat turn me down even if I work in the shadow. I garante each year is hotter here. Must be the I infamous Global warming
Sir I was given some wird plastic clamps to remove mine. And I couldn't use it or it wasn't even for it . but with your help I did it with no issue. And I came back to this video to thank you. This is the firt time I do it and it took 10 min . thank you.
saved me driving an hour each way for a stupid tool. Thank you
You are the man! Needed to change fuel filter on my Miata and I didn't have the tool (which I THOUGHT I had). Just about to drive to a parts store, I figured I'd watch a video to get the right tool. After watching this vid, I sacrificed a 4 year old Sharpie and changed the filter in minutes! Worked perfectly! Thanks!!
I used the tool. $5 for a whole set lol. had the job done and watched half a hockey game before you even measured lmao.
Exactly 😆
Ok, I am 65 year old lady out 70 miles from town. Was told the codes that I need fuel filter. Purchased the filter before I left town. Did not get a special tool to release fuel lines. I Did what you said and it totally worked. Bless you!
That is kind of stuff people need to know.
🤣
the great thing about this video is you can see clearly every move to make to get it disconnected. great job
"quick connect" but takes much longer than undoing a hose clamp.
Exactly, why can't they make stuff simple?
Ren K with the $3 tool they actually are faster than a hose clamp
Because they have to pay the idiot behind the computer screen that doesn't have a clue on how the filter works to begin with anyway 500k/year, so they can justify hiring him.
Joe Nault Bahahahaha
Bullshit.
quick connect not quick disconnect! Faster when the car's on an assembly line. They werent worried about the guy working on it!
Finally, a good video that doesn't take forever to get there and is thorough. Thank you.
Thanks for the great video.
It worked...thanks for the insight!! RUclips forever!!!
Great, very informative and well done video; thanks for showing the interior of the fuel line quick disconnect fitting- it really helps to know exactly what one is dealing with up front and not working blind so to speak.
left video playing while I went to store got the tool. came back home and changed filter before ended.
😅😅😅
I spent 2 hours today trying to unhook the lines from my fuel pump and spent 30 minutes of that time searching on RUclips for a way to do it without the tool, i ended up using a piece of wire and screw driver to wiggle the line off, then after i got cleaned up and went inside for the night I opened RUclips and on my recommendation was this video
Glad you got it done, hopefully you won't have to do it again for a long time
Thanks a bunch. Your clever idea saved me a couple bucks and a lot of time driving into town to get one stupid tool. I appreciate the tip. Oh, yeah... ignore the trolls :)
gotrocksinhead ii
Second time changing mine on 1995 F150, it’s located in between the frame and tank and it about took me 2 hrs trying to remove the fuel filter. The worst is removing the filter that’s spring caged. Fram came with removal tool it worked. I believe this was causing the vehicle two have start cranking problem. Mine my have clogged, it was black on the tank side of filter. Great video.
Quick connect. Not quick disconnect. Also that's a darn good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Michael Block Yeah you're right on that one. Slow, confusing, tedious disconnect.
Thank you so much for posting this. It worked like a champ. I had bought the scissor-type tool made FOR fords, but it didn't work (wouldn't insert far enough into the fitting to release the clip). Your method was fast and easy, and worked like a champ. Pretty good "McGyvering" my friend.
Way cool, thanks a lot! You’re a genius! Take the rest of the day off.
did the plastic cap thing and it worked like a champ...thanks
Thanks for the comment, I'm glad it worked for you!
also worked for me thanks!!
I just fuckin did this! THE CAP TRICK WORKS FLAWLESSLY! Thank you for this trick! Pure genius!
Now I know why I have owned Toyota trucks for the last 30 years. Easy to work on. The Ford Engineer's need to be strung up by their balls and then made to try to unhook one of these in zero degree whether in their underwear. I tried the sharpie trick and it worked for the end of the filter towards the front but after I unhook the end with the arrow facing the front I have went thru 3 sharpie caps and finally gave up after an hour of cussing.
GREAT!
Someone always comes up with a better mousetrap.
Positive attitude is always a plus.
Fuel release pressure is a must ruined a pair of $300.00 lenses
After removing the fuel filter, I put an empty bottle at the end of the hose that comes from the fuel pump/tank and turn the key to cycle the pump for just a second. You wont believe the dirty fuel that comes out. I've tried it on many cars and its always a bit of dirty fuel that comes out of the tank. Its sort of like flushing your tank I guess.
***** good idea, thanks!
You flushed out the tank by blowing some gas out the fuel line that was connected to the filter? Amazing. I would think it would be crazy but a deal?
Nice
@NZT TZN yes
I wish I'd read this before I changed filter otherwise I'd have tried this. Next time I guess
I bought the tool for my ford rangers fuel filter when I was 15 or 16. I got a f150 with a bad pump. Need to use that same tool. 9 years later. Twice in one lifetime baby.
Thanks for the "sharp top tip". Whoever said the Pen was mightier then the sword was right.
Quick Q.
Where did you get your Bench top Vise? It looks massive!
this is the only video that explain every detail, that it made the job lot easier!
Actually you will use that tool every 15k miles when you replace that filter.
Who changes their fuel filter every 15k??
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure they say, if you change your fuel filter every 15k you will help prevent any future filter issues. Many well respected aftermarket oem suppliers recommend 15k as well.
www.airtexproducts.com/news-blog-the-importance-of-a-fuel-filter-and-how-it-can-influence-your-fuel-pump.aspx
Everyone who actually gives a damn about their engine
Liam Burke k
John Kean ford says every 75k in my book. you're wrong
My hats off to you very, resourceful. From a retired Ford mechanic!
Damn wasted my last good Sharpie when I went to put it over the line it shattered causing me to start cussing. Busted my knuckle and sprayed blood all over. Cussed some more and kicked the neighbors cat for shitting in my driveway. Then cussed the neighbor out. Today was not a good day
Thank You!!! 2000 4.2 v6 E-150 econoline which uses the 5/16 fuel line. I had watched this video and borrowed the tools for the fuel line release from the local hardware store. The removal tools were to big for the clearance on my fuel filter by a 1/4 inch. Sawed down a sharpie and with a "positive mental attitude" got the filter replaced!
Sharpies are just as expensive as the specialty tool where i live!
Yeah no shit
Maybe his Sharpe was all dried out.
Sharpies are free from the office. Nyah ha haaa!
Such a terrible waste!!! I had the same problem. I knew that there was some sort of gripping device in the fuel line fitting. I tried several methods to get it to release. Completely stonkered. Very frustrated. Lots of imprecations and curses. Used your Sharpie Pen Cap Method. ... Worked like a charm. Here's the waste: Plenty of cap left over to moosh down on the Sharpie pen. Hey.... Have to honor the sacrifice of a brave marker. THANK YOU (both)!!!!!
Funny these folks commenting to just buy the part it's cheap and less time consuming. I think they are jealous of this trick, parts salesmen or just one of those people who assume you live close to a parts store. Even if the parts store is 2 blocks over its quicker to make this tool than to go there and cheaper! Anyhow i'm off to the parts store for a Ford Taurus. Have a good'nnn
thanks! hope you get your taurus fixed up
Decided to take it to the shop this upcoming week and let them figure it out, then go from there on fixing it. Have a good'nnn
Crikey mate. Where's all the anger coming from? I hope you don't have children.
This disconnect tool is 6 dollars, that Sharpie was about 1.50
And he can't usr the sharpie anymore.
actually harbor freight sells a set of multiple sized plastic quick disconnects for $5 -25% their bimonthly coupons so less than $4 . the sharpie isn't worth destroying to save $2 and waste all that time.
Thanks I only have one car & I was stuck not knowing how to remove the Lines from my 1998 mountaineer and no ride to by the tool & you Sir saved my tail end and I was able to get the wife off to work on time. I will buy the tool but that sharpie idea was awesome! I used to be a A/C tech I had all the A/C line release tools for every size but that one because they don't make A/C lines that small with quick release. I wanted to say thank you so much for the idea that saved my BUTT! lol
I upped you. I used a old condom, filled it with gas and wrapped it around clamp, lit it on fire, and ran like hell. When fire dept. left fuel filter was removed but downside is truck needs a little more work now... and currently walking to work. Maybe should have sacrificed a sharpie looking back...
Pretty slick. I have lots of Sharpies and two Ford trucks with attitudes requiring fuel filters so I'll have to try this in the morning. Thanks for the tip!
Two words to remember for those once every ten years(life time is way to long to wait to change a filter lol) tools. Harbor Freight. They are so poorly constructed and cheap; I'd only trust them as infrequently. Great vid. I love Yankee ingenuity.
I bought the quick disconnect pliers and it may have been the right size when originally cast in a backstreet Chinese home foundry, but after it was cast it looks like they zinc plated it and it wouldnt fit in the clamp opening. so I tried filing it down...TOO MUCH OF COURSE and it became too much of a CF to deal with. So I'm gonna make up a couple of these after losing the only right size mushroom in the pkg. Thanks maaaan... a good idea for sure!
While I value thriftiness and clever thinking, I wouldn't do this to my truck. A sharpie cap is a bit thicker than a scissor-type disconnect tool, you don't know if repeated use will bend the retaining clips back too far due to the thicker sharpie cap. If that happens, you're out a fuel line. Seriously, the cheapo 4.99 harbor freight tool is fine for someone doing their own maintenance and much easier than the wrestling you did with that thing. And you will be using it far more than "once in your life", I see estimates of fuel filter changes ranging from 30k to 70k miles on the ford ranger. Being thrifty means saving money doing this yourself, but also investing in the proper equipment to keep your car running as long as possible. Get the right tool and do the job right. Don't spread potentially harmful information.
I watched this video a few weeks ago and cut my sharpy up and used it on my fuel lines on my ford ranger and it was a pain in the ass plus it bent all my tabs but I took my pick hook and got them back the way they was, after that I bought a 27 piece set made of aluminum in a case for 22.95 and works much better.
You do it your way and he can do it his way. Good video.
Thankyou sooo much, just used your method on a Mustang GT I just bought on Oregon coast! Worked like a dream, filter was nearly plugged!
Glad it helped!
tool is like 6bucks in harbor Freight
haha yeah harbor freight just be careful to double-bag and bubble wrap it so it doesn't break on the way home :P
***** Not to mention the gas you burn goin there and back. My local store isn't just around the corner. Saved me a trip for sure ha. Thanks!
***** 8 usd for a feul filter is NOT expensive ok i am mostly paying 20 usd
roberto ortiz
roberto ortiz I guess everyone don't have a harbor freight in their backyard like you do idiot!!!
For anyone who wasn’t able to find one, I was able to bypass using the “positive attitude” and it still worked!
you are a fucking genius
haha no, I just didn't want to drive to town and spend $5
Jerry Pratt codep1395
My filter came with the cheap little plastic tools. your video is obsolete.
Phillip Hoefler oem motor craft fuel filter I bought today from advance didn't come with no tool so you're mistakenly wrong . Every filter is different newbie
My 1995 Ranger only had rubber hoses about 6 inches on either side of the fuel filter and two hose clamps you could loosen with a 1/4 inch hex bit or a phillips head screw driver, easy peasy.
But l just bought a 1995 F-150 which has these quick disconnect clamps, l will try this marker cap trick today. Thanks for the DIY tip...
I also dont believe in special tools for jobs like this. Just changed the fuel filter on my 03 f150 with a sharpie lid!! THANKS BRO!
the cost of a sharpie is more than a plastic disconnect tool. These tools are cheap as dirt
Not as cheap as this guy.
$38 dollars for the tool where i live then tax. That's one expensive sharpy!
After buying one of those damn 5/16 tools and having to sand it to no success, I’m. Glad I came across this vid. Positive attitude in my mind next attempt 😎
For $5 you can buy a 3/8" disconnect plastic tool. It took me 1 minute to disconnect it while you struggled.
Patrick Hurley took me 10 seconds while you struggled for a minute. Arggg Hulk Smash!
HA AH you were DUMB enough to spend $5 and now have $5 less than everyone else who was smart enough to do this! BUHAHAHA
saved a trip back to the auto shop. made me a hero for my husband to do this job.
Nails are so long
I tried this at the fuel pump and it worked for the small grey line but was too fragile for the large blue line. Getting the tool. Thanks for the video telling us how this works!
Remember to release fuel pressure before removing filter! Will have to watch a video on relieving pressure, was waiting on you to elaborate on that. Thanks for the video
I know this is an 11yr old video but it was a great help, thanks bro.
Didn't have a sharpy, so I used a cheap plastic pen casing. Worked awesome!!! Thanks for showing this!
Thank you for showing how to make & use special tool for fuel filter removal.
Life saver. Live 20 minutes from town. Worked like a charm!
Thanks, that's my situation too. Not just the money for the part but the long drive to the store.
I used this method on my 2001 Mazda Miata "NB." Worked great! Couldn't get it with a 4-way metal tool from the parts shop, but a Sharpie cap did the job.
Hello J.G. I really appreciate your video tip on this. I was replacing mine on my police interceptor this morning and realized I needed the disconnect tool. Due to your video, I tried it and it was successful, thanks again.
Man you are a lifesaver I actually had some tools and they were not working but after doing that trick they pop her right off. hour and a half vs literally 5 minutes
Awesome idea! Thanks also for showing us the inside of the quick connect connection. It helps to see what the inner clips actually looks like.
I was scared after I took off the line going to engine and there was hardly any room to remove line going to fuel tank. I was expecting to hold my finger over the line while fuel was squirting out. Amazing it did not do that. I was so Thankfull.
Thank you again for your video.