Off Topic..... A little!

Is there a Special Tool required to change out a Fuel Filter on a 2001 Ford Focus?? Just can't tell , By looking at it how it comes apart... Don't want to break it.Info is App. Thanks Larry KF4LKU

Larry,

I have a 1997 Ford Ranger and it definitely requires a special tool to remove the fuel line from the fuel filter.

I actually have a special tool, and I still managed to bend one of the little "fingers" inside the fuel line that hold the line onto the filter.

Be careful, and good luck.

Tom in TN


Ford had a better idea.

When i think back to the late 30's to the 60's, when cars were easy to fix and make run, and how dependable they all were, I cringe at the thought of trying to trouble-shoot a problem in any Ford from the late 60's on! Of course--the factories and designers made the vehicles so we'd usually have to take them to a Ford Dealer, so they can grab at yer wallet! Federal regs helped in that too. All thought up by a bunch of money hungry goons with our wallets in their mind's eye! Hopefully my 97 Ranger, with some TLC, will be my last Ford truck. Its a toss-up which one of us will croak first! Rusty J.

yeah...the correct tool looks like a pair of kids scissors with 1/2 tubes on each end.

At the fittings does it have white tabs? If it does push them in and pull line off filter or line. Should be able to unbolt filter and bracket with a 8or10 mm socket then remove filter from bracket. Remember use a flashlight not a droplight. Fuel and electricity don't mix.

Much Appreciated Guys Thanks!... Thats a real help...Should be an easy fix, Larry

Real dependable? Hope your being sarcastic.

Engine rebuilds at 100k miles. Leaky front and rear main seals. Cannot forget the 10-12 mpg, try that with today's fuel prices(yes i know there are truck that still get it, but compare the old station wagon to mini-van). Transmission wouldn't last nearly as long as today. Pick-up truck don't seem to have the cab mounts rotting like the old trucks. Vacuum operated windshield wipers (brilliant design when going up and down hills). Safety is also better. I like having airbags and a seat belt. It saved my life once.

bob
2009 chevy vs 1959 chevy crash test

It ain't just the Fords, I have a Dodge Intrepid that is a pain in the backside to get the fuel fittings apart also. It's because of the pressure delivered by the in-tank fuel pumps. The old clamp on hoses would not stand the pressure.so they had to develop connections that would stand the pressure.

Went to the Ford dealer to get some of those little finger jobbies that connect the fuel line. Ford parts person sent me to NAPA. Go figure????

Yep now days 2-300K miles is not unusual, I have a F150 that has 240K and the last one had 280K when it was totaled. I know a guy that has a 96 chevy with over 400K and another guy that has a 89 F250 with over 600K on original gas engines. On the other hand my '05 Dodge only has 83K on it and if it lasts half as long as the Fords I'll be lucky.

plus make sure that you relieve pressure by cracking the fuel cap, why, don't need extra pressure on fuel line when breaking apart fittings.....

I have a 96 f150 at 194000 that is a rusted wreck.All spring hangers shot.Just bought new spring shackles yesterday,53 bucks more on the job.Its plain to see the trucks were designed to fail early.No black paint on the front of the box,just primer with a little black paint sprayed across the top and edges edges.The shocks rub holes in the brake cables.If you own an F150 take a flashlite and look at the chassis where the bumper brackets bolt on.Your bumper can fall off.Have not had my boat in the water this year because of this rusty truck.Fellow bought a picnic table from me.While we were loading it into his Dodge truck he said he has had 3 new water pumps in 66000 miles.Engine, transmission and differential have needed repair.My sons 06 GMC has needed a front wheel bearing and new brake lines in 100000 miles.Replacing a wheel bearing on a 4wd can cost 400 bucks if you hire it done.When I complain about my truck my son reminds me that it took him 5 years to pay off his truck and it costs 750 bucka a year for excise tax.When my wife and I go shopping in her car Ive noticed there are mostly new cars and trucks on the road now.People are buying new and trading when the warranty runs out.They have had it with high repair costs.Try buying some parts from a Ford dealer.