'98 explorer-ranger

[trex]

we have several '98 explorer -rangers in the fleet at work. fuel filters are a problem- scheduled at 50.000mi.they most always come off at the rear line, but the frt. line is the problem. rust, dirt , crap, crud,etc. leads to line replacement. the ones that are stuck i can get off after destroying the clip. this clip has three tabs unlike any one they sell as a replacement. the new lines have the correct clip and i suspect ford sells them if you know the part number. anyone else run across this? i realize replacing them more often is the obvious answer, but the beauricrtic b.s. is very deep.

[way2old]

I know exactly what you mean. We have 3 different companies loking for a replacement clip. No luck so far. We change the filters every 20k on all of ours. Don't know what schedule you have. But by changing earlier, it reduces the chance of breakage. We have modified the semi-round clip to work. I will search our parts room tomorrow and see if I can get you a number. Good to hear from you again.

[trex]

thanks for the reply. i assume you have found one you can trim short enough to work.b