Working through replacing servicable items to build up a baseline for when things were last changed.
Have reached the fuel filter and am stumped by the clips used to hold it on (image and a link to the image below). As far as I can work out, the part labled ‘A’ (and a similar tab on the other side of the clip) must be pushed/pulled up, so that they’ll pass over the part labled ‘B’. The trouble is, I’m having a right job doing this on both sides, feel like I need at least 1 extra hand.
Firstly, is my thinking correct on how to remove them? Secondly, anyone have any tips regarding their removal?
My eternal thanks…
https://www.flickr.com/photos/145898965@N06/27969514747/in/dateposted-public/ <-- Link to image if it hasn’t appeared above.
I would advise buying a couple of spares…
https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/fuel-filter-pipe-clip-mk2-25-p-1830.html
They can be removed but usually quite brittle. I am told the way to do this is to run a piece of thin split plastic tube inside the clip to push the clip fittings out so they can be removed without breakage. I imagine most break the clips to remove and replace with new when refitting.
The pic shows the end of the fuel line that was on an engine I recently bought and fitted. In true scrapyard fashion it was simply cut with side cutters.
It also shows a pair of what used to be circlip pliers that I modified so that I could squash the white clips in and slide the connector apart.
These are now known as my “Special Tool.”![]()
I have seen all sorts and shapes of long nose pliers that would do the job but in my case it was simply what I had at the time.
Paul G
So not to leave a thread hanging…
I bought a GM fuel clip removal tool, they’re applicable to the later MX5 fuel clips, a link for one is below (can’t find the link I bought from). They slide under the grey clip and push the flappy bits (that’s the technical term) up on both sides, allowing the filter pipe to slide out.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Fuel-Line-3-8-5-16-Scissor-Type-Quick-Disconnect-Tool-For-GM-Ford-Mazda/192435528701?hash=item2cce0d23fd:g:~k4AAOSwSwVaZrl1
This tool got one end off with relative ease, but was too long to fit over the shorter of the fuel filter pipes, so I used some thick cable ties to do that one (more of a struggle, but where there’s a will there’s a way).
One petrol-soaked t-shirt later and it’s all changed without a hitch.
Nice one - you saved yourselves £2.70 which is the cost of the two new clips delivered to preserve and re-use the old brittle clips:-)
This is just the sort of stupid thing I would do too but probably decide to keep quiet about it especially after asking the question.
How much did the special tool that almost worked cost by the way?
Sorry, missed the link - £2.89:-)
Tool was £3.80 ![]()
Breaking the old clips would’ve felt like cheating, well worth the exta quid for the challenge (at least that’s what I’ll keep telling myself, haha)
Mad isn’t it - I was more concerned about getting an unfranked second class stamp off an envelope than losing a shedload on my stockmarket ISA.
Good to have control.
It would cost you and I £2.95 minimum through Royal Mail to post that tool out. Probably cost the company that sold it to you pence - never ignore an unfranked stamp!