I was about to replace the fuel filter, but after finding it, I have a few questions.

1. I intended to squeeze the lines on either side of the filter closed with vice grips, but after feeling the lines, I think that I may break them if I were to do that. The filter looks like it is nice and high relative to the gas tank. If the car does not have a lot of gas in it, can I take out the old filter and not have alot of fuel spillage, even if I don't pinch the lines closed?

2. I am unfamiliar with how the lines are conected to the filter itself. How are the lines conected to the filter? How do I disconnect them? Is it as simple as pulling them off???

I am familiar with the Schraeder valve for releasing pressure.

 

They are like slip connections I always use my needle nose pliers to slide the outer part of the end then the hose will slide off.
Which style filter do you have ?(mounting)
There is 2 types one that is mounted the width of the car and one that is mounted the lenght of the car.
The one mounted the width of the car is easy to get out.
The other one is a major pain.

 

After my first post, I wenty ahead anyway. I was surprised to learn that the lines on both sides of the filter are simply slipped on. There are no clamps. In all other cars I own, these lines are under pressure. It appears to me that the fuel pump must be further down the line, and therefore it is "pulling" gas through the filter, instead of "pushing" it through.

Another easy job (my filter runs side-to-side) that adds some peace of mind.

 

The pump is in the tank.
The lines are under pressure. The design on the line is when the outside is released the line clamps the filter.
Once you pull on the outer part of the connection it releases and the line can slide off.

 

Tech,

I simply pushed the lines back on to the new filter, and it does not appear to be leaking fuel. Are those lines secured simply by pushing them on to the male fittings coming out of each end of the filter? Thanks

 

Yes they are secure.
There is metal tabs inside the connections that hold the filter.