One fine day you might wake up, get dressed, and approach your Ford F150 just to find out it’s not starting at all! If all other parts of your truck are just fine, it’s probably the fuel lines, fuel pump, or the fuel tank that’s causing the problem.
So when to replace the fuel system parts, and how to remove fuel lines from the gas tank of the Ford F150? Luckily, with the right tool, attention to detail, and lots of patience, you’ll be able to remove the fuel lines all by yourself.
The process requires collecting necessary tools, removing the fuel filter and rail bracket, and then removal of the fuel lines. In this guide, we will tell you when to remove or replace various parts of your fuel system and how to remove the fuel lines in some easy steps.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it.
How to Replace the Fuel Line of Your Ford F150 – [Step by Step]
Now it’s time to remove and replace your faulty fuel lines. Follow our detailed step-by-step guide given below to complete the task successfully.
Safety Precaution!!!
Before you start, wear an apron, safety goggles, and latex gloves to ensure maximum safety. Also, you have to disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery. This way, there will be no sparks and other fire-related safety hazards.
Step 1: Gather Required Tools
Here’s a list of all the tools you’ll need to replace the fuel lines –
- New fuel filter
- 3 to 22mm pipe cutter
- 3/8-inch ID fuel-injected hose, around 2 to 3 feet long
- 3 hose clamps that fit 3/8 and 5/16-inch ID hoses
- Flathead screwdriver
- 13mm ratchet and extension
- A lubricant
- Fuel line disconnect tool
Step 2: Disconnect the Fuel Filter
First, you have to remove the fuel filter of your Ford F150 from both ends. For this job, you can purchase some special disconnect clips.
Otherwise, you can use a piece of regular plastic tubing for disengaging the safety clips and removing the filter present in your car’s fuel line.
Step 3: Fuel Rail Bracket Removal
Locate the bolt holding the fuel rail bracket and use the ratchet to remove it. In case you find it difficult to remove the bolt, use a lubricant to break it free easily. This will also ease up your overall workload.
Step 4: Remove the Fuel Line
For this task, you need to use a [amazon link=”B07B469PV3″ title=”fuel line disconnect tool”/]. Choose the correct size and insert the open end of the tool in the female portion of your car’s fuel line connector. Then squeeze the tool to open its jaws.
Keep the tool pushing down firmly until the fuel line connection breaks off. You can also use your pipe cutter to cut off the end portion of the fuel hose directly.
Step 5: Connect the New Fuel Hose
Slide the new hose over the access pipe and secure it in place using 3/8″ fuel-injected hose clamps.
Make sure the clamps aren’t too tight as they might break the hose. Now, use the same type of clamps to connect the other end of the new fuel lines to the filter.
And your job is done! Now you know how to remove fuel lines from the fuel tank of a Ford F150.
What Are the Common Fuel Line Fittings?
If you’re doing this for the first time, you need to know about some important parts and their functions to remove the fuel lines successfully.
The fuel line of your Ford F150 involves a number of hoses that are connected with the gas tank with some metal or plastic made fittings.
Now, let’s take a look at the common fuel line fittings.
Push Style Fitting: This type of fitting comes in different versions. In some push fittings, the push button is present on both sides of the connector. You need to push both the buttons together to release the fitting with ease.
Another type of push fitting features a push button on one side only. You need to push it hard and then pull to disconnect the fitting.
Push & Lock Style Fitting: In comparison to push-style fittings, this type of fittings is more secure. On the bottom of a push & lock fitting, there’s a safety lock. There will be a push button on the opposite side of this lock.
You need to release the safety latch with a flathead screwdriver. Then press the push button and pull the fitting with medium pressure to successfully disconnect it.
Pinch Style Fitting: The shape of a pinch-style connector is slightly different from the previous ones. You’ll notice a retainer on each side of this fitting.
To release the fitting, simply pinch together the two sides of the retainer and pull the remaining portion of the fitting.
Another pinch-style fitting is used for emission lines. You have to pinch the top portion of this fitting and simply pull it out for easy release.
Spring Style Retainer Fitting: Spring-style fittings are available in two different types. One comes with a black ring made of rubber or plastic that works as a release tool.
You have to pull the black ring down towards the metal head of the fitting and then pull it off.
On the other hand, the type doesn’t include any release tool. Therefore, you’ll need a specific type of removal tool for this spring-style fitting.
The removal tool goes into the fitting and loosens it. After that, you just have to pull off the fitting and release it.
Hose & Clamp Style Fitting: Commonly used for emission lines, you’ll need a pair of pliers to release a hose and clamp-style fitting.
Take the pliers and pinch the clamp using the plier’s head. Then slide the clamp upwards and twist the fitting line to release it.
Horseshoe Style Fitting: In this type of fitting, the fitting is connected to the lines with a horseshoe-shaped clip. To remove it, you have to take a screwdriver and place it under the triangle-shaped piece of the connector.
Put a little pressure to disconnect the clip and pull it out. Then you can easily slide off the fitting.
When Do You Need to Remove Fuel Lines of Ford F-150?
Usually, it’s not advisable to remove the internal parts of your Ford F-150. Yet, it becomes compulsory to replace the components to keep your vehicle running in some cases.
The problem can be in the fuel pump, fuel tank, or fuel lines.
Fuel Line Issues: Typically, the fuel lines of your Ford F150 are manufactured to last for 50,000 to 75,000 miles. After that, you need to change the fuel lines to keep your car functional.
Apart from that, your fuel lines might get clogged anytime for a bunch of reasons. It can be the fuel or cleaner you use while cleaning the internal parts. Also, your fuel lines might leak due to faulty fittings.
You need to remove the fuel lines for efficient operation in such scenarios.
Fuel Pump Issues: When your car’s fuel system fails to deliver the necessary fuel to your engine, changing the fuel system and fuel lines becomes the only way to fix this problem. Some signs indicate a faulty fuel pump.
If you notice that your car engine is sputtering at high speeds, it’s an indication that your fuel pump has failed due to clogging or some other reasons. Similarly, low fuel pressure, engine overheating, had mileage decrease, etc., also suggest that you might need to replace your fuel system and fuel lines.
Fuel Tank Issues: It’s extremely dangerous to drive with a damaged fuel tank. When a fuel tank is dented or damaged, you need to swap or replace it and the related parts as soon as possible. Mostly, a fuel leak is the main indication of a damaged fuel tank.
In that case, you’ll be able to smell the gasoline around your car. When your fuel tank gets affected by rust or other corrosive elements, it starts to leak, and you need to replace the tank along with fuel lines to avoid any further damage.
Also, you can easily swap the 26-gallon fuel tank of your Ford F150 with a 36-gallon tank. A bigger fuel tank provides you with greater fuel capacity and that will be of great use in the long run.
When to Replace the Ford F150 Fuel Pump?
As we have mentioned before, your Ford F150 will show some signs that clearly indicate you need to replace the fuel pump. Here are the indications that imply you need to replace your fuel pump:
Surging Engine: When your engine surges, it causes the vehicle to pick up the speed and drop after a few moments. And that’s not a good thing to have on the roads. A surging engine indicates that your Ford F150 has a faulty fuel pump that needs to be changed.
Power Loss: Imagine driving on a high road or steep hill, and your car suddenly loses power. This happens when your engine can’t handle the stress of riding an elevated area. If your fuel pump is damaged, it goes out and causes such power loss.
Low Fuel Pressure: Measuring the fuel pressure can effectively tell whether your fuel pump needs to be replaced or not. Purchase a good-quality fuel pressure gauge and ask a friend to help you measure the pressure.
While your buddy revs the engine, you can easily note the readings from the gauge. Check out your owner’s manual to find out the optimal pressure and whether your fuel pump is damaged or not.
What Is a Fuel Line Disconnect Tool?
All the parts of modern Ford F150s are much upgraded nowadays to ensure the best performance. Similarly, the fuel lines are connected with the rest of the fuel system in the strongest way to prevent leaks and other issues.
Hence, it becomes difficult for many people to disconnect and remove the fuel lines with their hands.
That’s where the fuel line disconnect tools come in handy. Mostly, the disconnect tool is made of plastic or aluminum. It has a similar shape to a small clothespin. You can buy the tools in various sizes.
At one end of the tool, there’s an open-end that attaches to the female portion of your vehicle’s fuel line connector. This way, the tool makes it easier to detach the fuel line connection.
What Size Fuel Line Disconnect Tool Do You Need for Ford F-150?
On the marketplace, you’ll find 5/16-inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 1/4-inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, or 7/8 inch fuel line disconnect tools. In most cases, a 3/8 inch disconnect tool is the correct size for the feed lines of a Ford F150.
As for the return lines, you need to get a 5/16 inch disconnect tool. However, the size may vary for some reason, and you need to know the exact size of your fuel line to get the perfect tool. In that case, you need to check your owner’s manual to know the size.
Otherwise, you can place the top portion of your 1/4-inch wrench and fit it snugly against the fuel line tubing. The wrench’s measurements will tell you the diameter of your fuel line and what size disconnect tool you’ll need.
You can buy [amazon link=”B07B469PV3″ title=”a complete disconnect tool set”/] for more convenience.
