Changing the Fuel Filter
#1
#2
shamrogue,
I suggest that you use a motorcraft fuel filter above all else.
Get a catch pan, needle nose pliers, rags, flat blade screw driver, and a small ratchet and socket set.
Loosen the filter clamp with the correct socket, pull both white plastic lock tabs out with the pliers, and carefully seperate the fuel line from the filter ends. Pulling on it firmly usually does the trick. You will leak out some fuel, so keep your trouble light away and the catch pan handy.
Reassemble with the fuel filter pointing the correct way. Arrow on filter going towards the engine. Push the fuel lines back onto the filter and replace the white plastic tabs into the slots of the fuel line. Be sure the legs of the tabs are seated all the way through the fuel line. Tighten the clamp around the filter and check for leaks after starting your engine.
Your method may vary, but this works for me on all of my Ford/Mercury products. Good luck!
-hooD
I suggest that you use a motorcraft fuel filter above all else.
Get a catch pan, needle nose pliers, rags, flat blade screw driver, and a small ratchet and socket set.
Loosen the filter clamp with the correct socket, pull both white plastic lock tabs out with the pliers, and carefully seperate the fuel line from the filter ends. Pulling on it firmly usually does the trick. You will leak out some fuel, so keep your trouble light away and the catch pan handy.
Reassemble with the fuel filter pointing the correct way. Arrow on filter going towards the engine. Push the fuel lines back onto the filter and replace the white plastic tabs into the slots of the fuel line. Be sure the legs of the tabs are seated all the way through the fuel line. Tighten the clamp around the filter and check for leaks after starting your engine.
Your method may vary, but this works for me on all of my Ford/Mercury products. Good luck!
-hooD
#3
Hood described the basics well, but there is a twist regarding late '90s+ Ranger fuel filters in that they use different types of line connectors which require a special disconnect tool:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=204571
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=204571
#4
#5
Relieving the pressure is a good idea, but not necessary, just be carful, one of the hoses will come off with much force, and spray fuel for an instant. Just keep your face out of the way. I also reccomend that when you get the new Motorcraft filter from your Ford dealer that you ask for some of the plastic clips that hold the hoses on. They will usually provide these for free. I would not recomment re-using the old clips.
#6
Ed,
Relieving the fuel pressure would be an excellent idea eventhough i have never done so myself. I know what to expect, so it's no surprize to me to when i open the fuel line. My 89, 91, 96, 98, and 04 Ford trucks and Mercury cars are all changed the same way by me. It's no big deal in my opinion. It's like cutting the grass. And by the way, you're more likely to have a fire when refueling a hot lawnmower than changing your fuel filter! But please always put safety first.
When changing the fuel filter on a car you will need to lift the vehicle slightly to gain access to the filter. Trucks can be changed without lifting in most cases.
When buying a new motorcraft fuel filter at my local parts store i ALWAYS open the box and check for NEW plastic clips. The one time i didn't check for clips i got home to find that i didn't have any in the box.
Good luck changing them fuel filters...once you do it, you'll see how easy it really is.
-hooD
Relieving the fuel pressure would be an excellent idea eventhough i have never done so myself. I know what to expect, so it's no surprize to me to when i open the fuel line. My 89, 91, 96, 98, and 04 Ford trucks and Mercury cars are all changed the same way by me. It's no big deal in my opinion. It's like cutting the grass. And by the way, you're more likely to have a fire when refueling a hot lawnmower than changing your fuel filter! But please always put safety first.
When changing the fuel filter on a car you will need to lift the vehicle slightly to gain access to the filter. Trucks can be changed without lifting in most cases.
When buying a new motorcraft fuel filter at my local parts store i ALWAYS open the box and check for NEW plastic clips. The one time i didn't check for clips i got home to find that i didn't have any in the box.
Good luck changing them fuel filters...once you do it, you'll see how easy it really is.
-hooD
#7
I recently changed the filter on my 99 ranger. I pulled the fuel pump relay and cranked the engine to relieve the pressure. The hardest part was getting the fuel line removal tool (bought for under $10) to fit under the lip of the filter. I ended up having to grind it down to make it a thin wall tool. Once I was able to get the tool under the lip to lift the spring, it popped right off. You should have safety glasses on to make sure you don't get splashed in the eyes and keep you lips sealed too (LOL). Even a drop of gas tastes pretty bad!!
Trending Topics
#10
#11
Hood, VFRocket, thank you. Makes perfect sense. Thanks, all of you that have posted, show why this website is clearly #1, with real world experience, things you won't read about in any service manuel. Hood, your tip for checking the box for the new plastic clips are right on. It's things like that, one does not read in a manuel...ED
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Supercab
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
8
05-19-2016 11:04 PM
mxtrp
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
6
08-25-2005 06:57 PM