I was going to change the fuel filter on my truck yesterday, but couldn't figure out how the guard comes off. It has a bolt but it also has a rivet in it and looks like its all one piece so Id have to drill the rivet to remove. I tried to just spin the housing off and the drain **** hits on the guard. I cant find any mention on this guard in the book or on any youtube videos. Thanks

 

Just loosen the bolt, and remove it. the guard will swing up and out of the way.

 

There is a thread somewhere on here discussing the differences. It shows the guard removal & filter change if remember correctly.

 

Before you open the drain, unscrew the filter three revs first. If you don't the drain can empty your tank. Ask me how I know.

 

Thanks, I thought the bolt would have something g to do with it, it when I was feeling, it felt like it was one piece with the riveted piece.

 

Just changed mine again this morning. Got Motorcraft filter kit from Amazon for $52, half of what the dealer charges, and about 30 minutes later she's running again with new filters. It's a 10mm wrench to remove the guard bolt, swing the guard up and out of the way, disconnect the sensor wire and 32mm socket to remove the canister. I turn the canister 3 turns then loosen the drain valve. Upper filter is a simple 1/4 twist after disconnecting the two fuel lines. I prime with the ignition switch for 30 seconds about 10 times until I stop hearing the air in the fuel system, then start the engine. Thanks Ford for making this such a simple job.

 

So I changed my two filters yesterday, just as I have done a bunch of times in the past. Except this time I turned the rail filter canister a little too far when putting it back on with the new filter and broke the plastic stop tab off the canister. Didn't take a lot of force but when I heard the snap I immediately knew what happened. The canister seems to have sealed ok, no fuel dripping.
Just ordered a replacement. A previous thread recommended you have a spare just in case. I agree.

 

If you have stating issue with what happened. You might have a small air leak in the system where that tab was.

 

Seem to be ok so far. No noticeable fuel leaks and no issues starting the past couple of days.
I'm going to change out the canister when the new one comes in. And then order another one as the spare.