Fuel Filter Question

[M3xpress]

I changed my oil today and was going to replace my fuel filter. This is my first time replacing it, but after reading about it, seemed pretty simple.

When I started to do it, I ran into something I wasn't expecting. I was expecting a 1/2 square hole to turn the filter housing lid off, and instead I saw this....



The only thing I had that would fit close was a 14mm one of these, but it was still a little too small. I had 17 mm but it was too big. I tried finding a 15 or 16 or a big Torx at Advance but they didn't have anything that would work.



Has anyone had a lid like this? What did you use to get it off?

[erbilabuc]

needle nose pliers but not in the middle hole, on the outside slats. It shouldnt be on that tight. I can get mine off with my hands.

[7.3Lariat]

Mine was like that. I took a flat-head screwdriver and put it at an angle into one of those outer cut outs if you will and used a hammer. Came loose right away then just hand spun it.

[forddieseldoctor]

Grab the outside of it with a filter wrench for the 7.3 oil filter. They are the same size. The other option is the 2 screw driver method. It's hard to describe, but I can get a pic tomorrow.

[M3xpress]

It was definitely on there pretty tight.

I will probably try the hammer/screwdriver route tomorrow and see if I can get it broken loose.

[Jarrod B]

Originally Posted by forddieseldoctor

Grab the outside of it with a filter wrench for the 7.3 oil filter. They are the same size.

ive done this and approve this methoid.

[nuthinbutfords]

I used a pair of vice grips on the outside of mine

[Buffalo444]

i took a brake tool (or w/e its called, a little pry bar) and stuck the bend in the outter notches and used it like a handle, worked easy.

[Jarrod B]

or do this method......

[justinmix]

One of these guys works good too.......

KD 3526 - Ford 7.3L Fuel Filter Tool KDT-3526 KDT3526 KDT 3526