Fule Filter Replacement

nqc2k · #1 08-19-2006, 01:00 AM

I tried to replace my fuel filter today (99 3.4). I read in the manual, to squeeze these 2 tabs together and pull. So I looked at mine, and it had 4 tabs (1 broken off so 3 left) and i tried and coudn't get it off. So now, i have 1 tab left, (3 broken off now) and i can't get the fuel filter off. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

xeroinfinity · #2 08-19-2006, 12:22 PM

Yes, carfully rip/pull the filter out! Kinda wiggling it helps.
Another wonderful design

:

If yyou are patient, try a small screw driver and work the plastic out/loose.
Though being carful NOT to damage the fitting the filter slides into.
They sell, maybe rent, a Tool for this, but since the tabs are broken, it probly wouldnt work.

Good Luck

bryan4822 · #3 08-19-2006, 08:06 PM

I had the same problem the first time I replace my fuel filter to. After breaking the tabs I used a small screwdriver and got the rest of the plastic part out. The filter still wouldn't come out. I had to use a tool from autozone to release the filter from the line.

alero99 · #4 08-20-2006, 01:13 PM

haha...when i replaced my filter, even my local mechanic wasnt sure how to do it so i called the dealership and they didnt know what to do with em either....i ended up having to use 2 pairs of vice grips to squeeze the tabs together and a small screwdrier to pry it out...i tryed using one the tools bryan just mentioned but it didnt work for me...maybe his was different tho

xeroinfinity · #5 08-20-2006, 05:00 PM

YA it is a strange design.

One thing you might want to be carfull not to jamb it around in that fitting.
Deep inside is an "O" ring, big PITA to replace if it gets ripped/torn.
It will also create a leak, and at around $3 gal I dont think anyone has $$ to waste.

nqc2k · #6 08-21-2006, 06:43 PM

OK, i got it off, and put the new one on. It has a small leak at the plastic connector part. Im not sure if i have it in all the way though. I do not have my digital camera with me, or i'd snap a pic of it. How far does the plastic part go in the hose? My plastic part is in about 1/4 inch, just far enough so it snaps in, but there is about 3/4 of an ich or so that is not inside it. I tried to push it in hard, but it doesn't appear to want to go in any deeper. There is a small leak. I dont want to jam it in deeper if it is not designed to go deeper.

*edit*
OK, i think it is all the way in....but..it leaks a little bit. What if i used electrical tape, would that work, or would the gas eat it. Do i have to suck it up and bend over for my dealer?,

xeroinfinity · #7 08-21-2006, 08:22 PM

the nipple is just the right length, it only needs that little bit to hold it in. And it wont go to deep, if you remember the nipple has that flare on it so it stops.

If its leaking chances are you fockered up that "O" ring down in where the nipple goes :eek3:

This can be very difficult, but you need to look inside that line and see if you can see an orangish colored "o" ring in there. It could hav poped out of its seat.

If its not in thier, or torn you'll need to pull it out and goto a parts store and buy some gas proff "o" rings, thier orange colored.
It'll be an asortment, only one in the package will probly fit.
The trick is the new "o" ring has to seat in a grove thats inside that line, a real PITA !!!!!!

Or you can buy a new line for an ungodly amount and replace it all, or take it to a stealership and let them worry about it.

I hav had this before, I just put the "o" ring on the nipples tip and slid it in slowly. then pulled the filter out slow and once I get the "o" ring in toward the bottom, I used a small screw drivr to push it up into that bead.

Hope that helps, and No tape will hold that.

Good Luck!

vamc · #8 08-21-2006, 09:16 PM

Plyers help alot as well. All of mine are broken off.

xeroinfinity · #9 08-22-2006, 12:10 AM

i think we are beyond that vamc !

vamc · #10 08-22-2006, 02:59 PM

Sorry about that.

xeroinfinity · #11 08-22-2006, 07:30 PM

thats ok vamc I was just funnin.

He has it off and out but it leaks

nqc2k · #12 08-22-2006, 09:18 PM

OK, its fixed now.

Long story short (not gonna mention drivin down road with gas everywhere) I brought it to a local mechanic. He pulled the plastic snap off the filter, and it snapped right in. Turns out the way mine is set up, I do not need that extra plastic 2 tab thing on it. Thanks guys! (oh, mechanic didn't charge a cent, but i'll be returning, so he'll earn it back soon enough)

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