I am trying to replace the fuel filter and can't remove the inlet end. do i need a spec tool

this one isn't too hard. the first thing you need to do is find the fuel pump relay, the next thing you need to find is the fuel rail inlet. i like to use the fuel filter inlet line.

here is what you need.
1. a relay jumper.*
2. an approved fuel storage container
3. a fuel filter line tool


How its done.
1. remove the fuel filter inlet line.
2. place the length of fuel line into the container. **ALWAYS USE AN APPROVED FUEL CONTAINER***
3. next remove the fuel pump relay and place the jumper on the relay circuit in slot number
30, and 87
4.now the tricky part.... have some one hold the fuel line in the container and turn the ignition switch to the "on" position. the fuel pump should run continuously till you are on empty. if not then just keep turning the switch till it is out of full.


the best way to make a relay jumper is to take a small length of 18Ga. wire and 2 blue tang style connectors. stripe the ends on the wire and crimp on the tang style connecters.

ou need a special tool to remove the fuel lines on your vehicle. Fortunately Ford had the wisdom to provide it to you. Here's how to do it.

Removal:
Warning: because of the combustion characteristics of gasoline, always use extreme care when removing and installing any fuel system component or personal injury or damage to the vehicle may occur.

1. Perform the fuel pressure release procedure.
2. Raise vehicle on hoist.
3. Remove push connect fittings at both ends of the fuel filter. NOTE: To remove 5/16" push-connect fittings, use Fuel Line Removal Tool T90T-9550-B or tool supplied on vehicle. Tool is located 254 mm (10 in.) behind fuel filter. Place in glove compartment after use.
4. Install new retainer clips in each connect fitting.
5. Remove fuel filter by pulling fuel filter toward center line of vehicle and free from fuel filter bracket. NOTE: The flow arrow direction should be positioned forward and downward to make sure of proper fuel flow through replacement fuel filter.

Installation:

1. Install fuel filter in fuel filter bracket, ensuring proper direction of flow.
2. Install push connect fittings at both ends of fuel filter.
3. Lower vehicle.
4. Start engine and inspect for leaks.

The fuel filter is mounted on the frame rail. There are two types of fittings used. You only need to look at the fittings to tell the difference.

There is the plastic "hair pin" type of connector. It has a plastic connector with a plastic "hairpin" clip that pushes through the connector. Just pry the clip out with a screwdriver don't worry about breaking the clip, the new filter should come with new clips. Be careful not to break the fitting though. If you break the connector, you must replace the fuel line...not fun.

The other type is what Ford calls the "Duckbill" type of connector. I don't know wht it is called that...it doesn't look like a duck bill to me. Anyway., you can identify this one as a stainless steel connector. there is usually also a stainless steel lock clip that goes over the outside of this type of connector. The lock clip can be pried up and removed with a screwdriver. Once the lock clip is removed, a special fuel line disconnect tool must be used to releasethe spring clips inside the connector. the tool canbe purchased for a couple dollars at any parts store where you would buy your fuel filter.

You need to look at the car to determine if you need the tool or not. Both types of connectors are used for the same fuel filter. Plastic connectors - no special tool needed. Stainless steel connectors - special tool required.

1. Relieve fuel system pressure

2. Raise and support vehicle

3. Place drain pan under fuel filter area to catch fuel.

4. Remove quick-connect fitting at inlet end of filter

5. Remove threaded nut at outlet of fuel filter

6. remove the fuel filter mounting bracket bolt

7. remove the fuel filter and drain any remaining fuel from filter. Place fuel from drain pan into an approved gasoline container.

Tools Required:

1. 16mm wrench

2. 20mm wrench

3. 13mm socket with extension and ratchet

4. Vehicle lifting equipment
vehicle support equipment (such as jack-stands) if lifting equipment used is not designed for vehicle support while working under the vehicle.

Fuel Filter The filter should be inspected for external damage and/or leakage at least once a year. The fuel filter should be changed only as necessary. Toyota Motor Corporation recommends replacing the carbureted fuel filters at 15,000 miles and 30,000 miles on fuel injected models. NOTE: Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank vapor vent system hoses and fuel tank bands should be inspected every 60,000 miles or every 36 months. The fuel tank cap gasket should be replaced 60,000 miles or every 72 months.
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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Carbureted Engines The fuel filter on carbureted engines is a plastic cylinder with two ports for the fuel. It is usually located in the engine compartment near the charcoal canister.

1. Using a pair of pliers, expand the hose clamp on one side of the filter, and slide the clamp further down the hose, past the point to which the filter pipe extends. Remove the other clamp in the same manner. Grasp the clamps and slide them up the hose slightly above the filter ends
   
   
2. Grasp the hoses near the ends and twist them gently to pull them free from the filter pipe. Slide the hose off the end of the fuel filter end
   
   
3. Pull the filter from the clip and discard. Be carefull when removing the filter, some fuel may spill out if not held upright
   To install:
   
4. Install the new filter into the clip. The arrow must point towards the hose that runs to the carburetor.
5. Push the hoses onto the filter pipes, then slide the clamps back into position.
6. Start the engine and check for leaks.

Fuel Injected Engines 1993-97 MODELS

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 90 seconds before proceeding with working on the fuel system. This will depressureize the fuel system. The fuel filter can be hard to locate on these engines
   Fig. 4: Exploded view of the fuel filter mounting - 1993-97 models
   Fig. 5: Disconnect the negative battery cable prior to all fuel system repairs
   CAUTION
   Failure to depressurise the fuel system could cause personal injury.
   
2. Disconnect the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor wiring.
3. Loosen the air cleaner hose clamp bolt, the disconnect the four air cleaner cap clips. Fig. 6: Loosen the air cleaner hose clamp bolt
   
   
4. Spearate the air cleaner hose from the throttle body, and remove the air cleaner cap together with the air cleaner hose.
5. Disconnect the EVAP canister hose from the charcoal canister. Fig. 7: Remove both EVAP hoses from the charcoal canister
   
   
6. Remove the charcoal canister from the bracket.
7. Place a suitable container or shop towel under the fuel filter. Remove the union bolt and two gaskets, then slowly disconnect the fuel inlet hose from the fuel filter outlet. Fig. 8: Remove the union bolt and two gaskets from the fuel filter, then disconnect the inlet hose from the filter
   
   
8. Using a special wrench 09631-22020 or equivalent, disconnect the inlet pipe from the fuel filter. Remove the two bolts and the filter from the vehicle. Fig. 9: Using a special tool, disconnect the inlet pipe from the fuel filter
   Fig. 10: Remove the two filter mounting bolts, then separate the filter from the vehicle
   To install:
   
9. Install the fuel filter with the two bolts and tighten them to 43 inch lbs. (5 Nm).
10. Using the special wrench 09631-22020 or equivalent, connect the inlet pipe to the fuel filter. Tighten to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm). Using a torque wrench, tighten with a fulcrum length of 11.81 inch (30cm). Install the fuel inlet hose to the filter outlet using new gaskets and union bolt. Tighten to 22 ft. lbs. 30 Nm). Fig. 11: Install the filter inlet hose to the filter outlet, then tighten to 22 ft. lbs. (29 Nm)
    
    
11. Install the charcoal canister to the bracket. Connect the two EVAP hoses to the canister.
12. Connect the air cleaner hose to the throttle body. Install the air cleaner cap together with the air cleaner hose.
13. Attach the IAT sensor wiring.
14. Connect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and check for leaks. Reset any various digital equipment such as radio memory and the clock if necessary.

Go to the end of the driver door (just a reference point). Look under the body of the van. You will see the fuel filter (large round tubular shaped object) with a fuel inlet and outlet. you have to have a special tool (you can rent or buy at Autozone) to remove the fuel line. With the tool it is very easy. Replace with a new filter and snap your fuel lines back on. Make sure the arrow showing which way the fuel flows is pointing toward the front of the vehicle. Hope this has helped you.

Fuel Filter REPLACEMENT Gasoline Engines The fuel filter is located behind the fuel inlet connection on the carburetor. On 1976–87 vehicles fuel filters incorporate a check valve and are not interchangeable with earlier years. Replace the fuel filter every 15,000 miles (24,135 km), or sooner if engine flooding is a problem. Fig. 1: Hold the large fuel inlet nut on the carburetor while using a flare wrench to loosen the line connection

1. Using an open–end wrench (preferably a line or flare nut wrench), loosen the fuel line connection from the larger fuel filter nut. You will have to hold the other nut with a wrench to keep it from turning. Most of the time these units are quite difficult to remove. It is a good idea to apply a lot of penetrating oil to the threads and then tap the nut lightly.
2. Once you have the fuel line disconnected from the carburetor, remove the larger nut from the carburetor with a box–end wrench or socket.
3. Remove the filter element and spring from the carburetor.
4. Check the element for blockage by blowing through the fuel inlet end. If the element is good, air should pass through easily.
5. Once you have checked and/or replaced the filter, reinstall the carburetor nut and the fuel line. Be careful not to strip the threads. Fig. 2: Install the new spring and filter in the order they were removed

FIRST YOU NEED A SUITABLE CONTAINER.PLACE UNDER FILTER DRAIN HOSE OPEN THE FILTER DRAIN.NOW YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY.REMOVE THE THE BAFFLE AND THE AIR INLET CROSSOVER MANIFOLD.REMOVE THE TWO CAPSCREWS SECURING THE FUEL FILTER BASE TO THE CRANLCASE.DISCONNECT THE WATER DRAIN HOSE FROM FILTER. DISCONNECT THE FUEL OUTLET HOSE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL AND FILTER HOUSING.AND THE FUEL RETURN HOSE FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE.DISCONNECT THE TWO FUELSUPPLY HOSES THAT CONNECT THE REGULATOR BLOCK TO THE CYLINDER FUEL RAILS.LOOSEN THE CLAMP AT THE FUEL PUMP END OF THE HOSE WHICH CONNECTS THE FUEL FILTER TO THE INLET OF HIGH PRESSURE STAGE AT THE FUEL PUMP.DISENGAGE THE WIRING HARNESS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FILTER HOUSING.DISENGAGE THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FROM THE WATER IN FUEL SENSOR AND THE FUEL HEATER.REMOVE THE FUEL FILTER.USE A PRYBAR TO REMOVE THE FUEL FILTER CAP AND THE FILTER ELEMENT WILL COME OUT WITH THE CAP.DEPRESS THE ELEMENT LOCKING TABS AND REMOVE THE ELEMENT FROM THE CAP.TO INSTALL CLEAN THE MATING SURFACES AND INSTALL THE FILTER ELEMENT ONTO THE CAP MAKING SURE THE TABS ENGAGE.INSTALL THE FILTER CAP AND PRESS DOWN FIRMLY BUT GENTLY TO ENGAGE IT.ENGAGE THE WIRING CONNECTIONS TO THE FUEL HEATER AND WIF SENSOR.ENGAGE THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE FILTER HOUSING.TIGHTEN THE CLAMP AT THE FUEL PUMP END OF HOSE WHICH CONNECTS THE FUEL FILTER TO THE INLET OF HIGH PRESSURE STAGE AT THE FUEL PUMP.ENGAGE THE TWO FUEL SUPPLY HOSES THAT CONNECT THE REGULATOR BLOCK TO THE CYLINDER HEAD FUEL RAILS.CONNECT THE FUEL OUTLET HOSE LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL AND FILTER HOUSING AND THE FUEL RETURN HOSE FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE.CONNECT THE WATER DRAIN HOSE TO THE FILTER.INSTALL THE 2 CAP SCREWS SECURING THE FUEL FILTER BASE TO THE CRANKCASE.INSTALL THE AIR INLET CROSSOVER MANIFOLD AND BAFFLE.INSTALL THE TURBOCHARGER ASSEMBLY.

I the filter is on the drivers side frame rail to the rear os the transmission cross member.
You must release the fuel pressure in the fuel line or gas will literally spray everywhere. On the passenger side fuel rail (on the engine), there is a Schrader valve which you can depress and it will de-pressurize the lines.
Use a K-D 3321 fuel line tool, available at various auto parts store for around $12. Use the smaller 5/16" end.
Note the safety clip on the end of the fuel line where it mates to the filter. Remove this by squeezing it together and unhooking the small latch. Your new filter comes with new clips, but I prefer the factory issue as they're somewhat sturdier so I always save them.
After you've removed the safety clip, slide the fuel line away from the filter so you've got enough room to insert the tool. On this particular vehicle, one of the fuel tank interfered with my using the tool, so your going to slide the filter partially out of the bracket to gain access. No big deal. Push the tool in to the fuel line (away from the filter) and listen/feel for a click to indicate you've disengaged the locking device from the filter.
Once you've disengaged, pull the line away from the filter. At this point you'll start getting some fuel draining out. I like to take the dust cap from the new filter and place it over the discharge end of the old filter to control the mess. Try to move the fuel line so that it's raised to minimize fuel leakage from there as well.
Then moved on to removing the fuel line from the inlet side of the filter. Note the "teeth." These are springs that lock on the raised flange of the fuel filter. When you insert the tool to disconnect, you are pressing in on these springs.
When you're ready to install the new filter, insert it into the bracket and press the fuel lines on to the new filter. Just as you felt/listened for a click when removing the fuel lines, listen/feel for a click during installation.
After you've hooked the fuel lines to the new filter, install the safety clips and you're done. It's that easy.
Good luck and hope this helps.

If you go to the auto parts store they should have a fuel line disconnect tool that has a 5/16ths end an a 3/8ths end. The tool is shaped like an X. Before you start you need to pull the fuel pump fuse under the front of the REAR passenger side seat while the car is running and let it stall. it will release the built up pressure. This is important unless you want gas to spray every where. Then take the tool and start with the end of the filter with two lines. Place the appropriate end of the tool over the smallest inlet, push the tool in then pull the line towards the filter and then push the line away and it should disconnect. Do the same with line above. Then you can use the two appropriate size wrenches to disconnect the outlet end. reconnecting the new filter is simple just make sure your quick connect lines click in all the way and you tighten the outlet line well, I think its like 22 or 25 ft/lbs.