Changing the filter for the first time. How do I disconnect the fuel lines? Do I need any special tool?

 

Auto Zone sells a set of the tools. They're on a bubble pack with several different sizes. They're cheap plastic, but they work OK.

 

i never got any special tool. I think someone said use a screwdriver, but i just did it with my hands. its kind of a pain to get the first one b/c as you try to pull it off, you have to push hard against the other side thats still connected since it has connections on opposite sides. but once you get one side off, the other one comes off easy.

 

oh and one more thing. if you dont feel like drinking gas, pull the fuse for the fuel pump and then try to start your car. That will take the pressure out of the fuel line so you wont get sprayed.

 

Thanks a lot guys! I found the section of the repair manual that explains how those quick connect fittings work but its still confusing... I will try to proceed tomorrow. And thanks for the gas advice... LOL

 

Remove the small splash shield underneath, protecting the fuel filter... a few 10mm bolts iirc.

And you'll see the quick connects at either end of the filter. There is a green prong that has two legs extending into the connector. By pushing gently down on top of the prong, you'll ease the pressure on its legs and the connector is basically "open."

Slide the end of the filter out... and you'll have slack to do the same for the other side.

Don't be like me and pry up on the green tab... it breaks.

 

OK the whole thing went very smooth except for removing the shield. I ended up just pushing down the rear of it because the front was seriously stuck between the metal frame parts... I found it mildly annoying that its being held by all kinds of various fasteners: nuts, bolts and plastic parts of two kinds. Why cant things be more elegant and simple? I used motor oil just like the manual said on the filter ends... Anyway, here is the interesting part: I always thought the filter was there just in case, but when I started to drain it, the gas on one side was clean, and on the other was seriously contaminated, dark brown ;-) So DO change your filters guys! ( changed mine after 55k highway driving ).

 

definatley pull the fuel pump fuse, give the motor a crank, then for sure just a dribble instead of a spray in the face

 

https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...with-pics.html

 

55K ?!?!? Should have been done at 30K at the latest.

Please don't wait that long between oil changes.