What is the procedure for changing the fuel filter on an EFI F150? I have a '95 with two tanks and a 300 I6. I understand the fuel line must be depressurized first, but how? After the new filter is in I assume the line will repressurize automatically when you turn on the key.

 

There is a bus fuse (a large fuse under the hood in one of the black boxes refer to your owners manual for specific one and location). Then you have to have a filter disconnector. I tried the same thing on mine and couldn't get the filter off only come to find out there is a special tool for it. Thank God I could not get it off I live in Germany and finding the tool would have been impossible. I know that alot of the bigger parts stores let you borrow or rent tools try them to see if they have one, if they do not try to buy one from Ford or another parts dealer. Hope this helps.

cpnhgnjnky

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Nov-01 AT 11:27 AM (EST)]That's not what I wanted to hear. I've got a filter sitting on the workbench right now. I figured it would go in just as easily as every other fuel filter I've done. I guess it just doesn't come out as easily. I'm starting to miss my '83.

So what does the tool run from the dealer?

Jeff

 

If memory serves me correct, you can pick up the tool at any NAPA or Pep Boys type store. I think they run around $7.

 

As far as depressurizing goes you need to cut the power to the active fuel pump and then start the engine and run until it dies. The easiest way I have found on mine is to disconnect the wiring harness from the front fuel tank and put the selector switch on the front fuel tank setting. Usually it won't even fire when I crank it over and I figure that is depressurized.

 

Keep in mind this "tool" is just a plastic washer looking thing that slips over the fuel line. It has a flange that slips in between the filter mouth and the fuel line to release the retention springs. At least the set of 7 or so that I bought from Autozone were. Ran about $6. The trick is to push it firmly against the filter before pulling the line.

 

Great advice. Anyway safety goggles are in order and should wait for exhaust pipe to cool down--just in case.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Nov-01 AT 01:04 PM (EST)]I have a '94 F-150 and the easiest way I've found to de-pressurize my truck is by releasing the button on the fuel-pressure switch located behind my passenger-side kick panel. Use a small screw-driver....the button is red and you have to pop it up by inserting the screw-driver into the narrow slot. You want to do this while the truck is running, though. It should die within 5-10 seconds. Once it dies, try turning it over a couple of times. Shouldn't start up at all. You may want to open one or both of the fuel caps just in case there's any pressure in the tank before proceeding. I havne't found this to be a problem. I think it's just for safety measures. Like mentioned above, the tools can be found at AutoZone, Napa, Parts America, etc. for $6-$7 (should be a pack of about 6 or 7...it will include tools for the air-conditioner lines as well). Once the fuel pressure has been released in the lines, inserting the tool and removing the lines is a piece of cake. You just need to make sure that once the tool has been placed on the fuel filter, you press it securely away from the filter before trying to remove the line (should feel it release the spring). If you don't, you can pull all day and you'll never get the line off. Once you have the old one out, putting it all back together is just the exact reversal of taking it out. I've found that changing the fuel filter on my truck is as easy as changing the oil. I did it just this past weekend and it only took me about 20 minutes.

I hope this is encouraging. Get the tool and give it a shot. Once you've done it once, you'll never take it to a shop to have it done.

Cragar

Oh yeah....don't forget to press the fuel pressure switch button back down before trying to start the truck and close the fuel caps. It may take about 10 seconds for the truck to turn over, but once it does, it will re-pressurize the fuel lines.

 

That's better. I was expecting one of those "special" tools that you use once, the shop doesn't rent/loan, and nobody near you has.

Thanks for the info!
Jeff

 

I just picked up a pack of the AC/Fuel line tools this morning at Autozone. 6 different sizes for $9.99. They look like something nice and easy to loose no matter how hard you try.

Jeff

 

looks like lot of discussion on a relatively simple job---repair books say just let the vehicle set for about 30 min. There will be at least some residual pressure, so there will be some fuel spillage so have an old towel ready. As for those plastic clips, I just tear them out, the new filters I have bought always comes with new ones. I also turn the old one upside down, shake it into a glass jar, and see if there is any water in the gas....good to know....'91 Lariat 5.0 mint

 

Yeah, some models have those clips, but mine (92) use some silly flange spring dickfer system or something that is a royal pain in the butt. I finally found a tool, it was kind of shaped like a pair of tongs, but the tips wouldn't fit betwixt the filter and the flange on the line... anyway...

If you have a fuel cutoff switch (intertia switch), disable it and start the truck to run the fuel out of the lines. After the truck dies, crank it a bit more to get any remaining fuel out.

Bryan