how do you de-pressurize the fuel pressure for a filter change?

Do you just removes the clips and punsh the fuel lines on the new filter, or is there a trick to it?

92 f150 5.0 4x4

 

i heard of people startin the vehicle then hittin the fuel shut off module and when it shuts off it supposedly takes the pressure away. i didnt get to try it yet so i dont know if it works or not.

 

I remove the fuel pump relay and then try to start the truck to depressurize the fuel lines. Putting the new fuel filter on is a lot easier than removing the old one. You will need a fuel line removal tool to remove the old filter. I bought mine from Pep Boys for just a few dollars. Make sure you insert the tool all the way into the fitting BEFORE trying to pull the fuel line off.

 

If you pull the clips on the lines it will de-pressurize itself. Just make sure you do it slowly and have a catch can underneath. I've done this many times with no problems.

 

Yep, sometimes the pressure will actually help them come apart easier if they haven't been apart in awhile.

 

On the fuel rail on top of the engine there should be a cap over a valve much like a tire valve. Cover it with a rag and turn the core out of the valve just like when pulling the core out of your tire valve. This will relieve the pressure and is the way the dealership would do it. Assuming that your '92 is similar to my '93 you will need a tool to release the locks on the fuel filter as stated by kioolt, these should be available from most auto parts stores. I got mine at Schucks for about $12 and it included several sizes that also work with the A/C.

 

My recommendation is to either use the inertia switch, or pull the fuel pump fuse out with the engine running. The engine will run for a few seconds and then die. Restart the engine and it will run very briefly and then die again. At this point, you have as much fuel out of the lines as you can. If you do not do this, and the system is under pressure (60psi or somewhere around that I think), fuel may spray everywhere which can be dangerous to your health(don't want gas in your eyes, etc). Their will still be fuel in the lines, but only about 1/4 cup or so at the most and it will dribble out of the lines.

Just my thought as I have done it both ways.

 

yeah i change it the same way....just get a bucket and if your good you wont smell like gas the rest of the day like me lol

 

I always pulled the fuel pump fuse on my 89. Pretty simple and quick

 

ive got a 90....wheres your fuel pump fuse at? under the dash with the rest of the fuses? my fuel pump wont prime, it could be my fuse, any suggestions?

 

make sure you lay clear of where the fuel will splash on you and MAKE SURE YOU WEAR GOGGLES i dont wanna sound like im a panicky andy but hey take it from someone whose done this several time safety isof utmost important and gas in the eye burns!! as for taking the lines off the filter, i totally agree you really dont have to depressurize it there isnt that much pressure that its going to shoot too far and i think the pressure makes it easier to take apart.. ive done like three of these filters over the years

 

You guys are too smart. I think I will try this when I change it.

Out of curiosity, how often should you change your fuel filter?

 

I change the fuel filter every 25000 on my 4 wheeled vehicles.

 

i change mine when the truck starts running like garbage.... ive got 82k on the one on my ranger

 

I have never bothered to depressureize for filters that are underneath. Depending on the job I am doing though. Under the hood fuel system work, or near electronics, I will usually use the schraeder valve on the fuel rail. Put the rag over it, and push in on the center core. There is NO REASON TO UNSCREW THE CENTER CORE, just take the plastic cap off and press on it with a punch or small screwdriver through the rag. It is just like letting a little pressure out of a tire, just push the post inside the valve stem. There will still be fuel in the system -check valves prevent fuel from going back to the tank, so be prepared with rags or a catch can when you disconnect the lines at a low spot in the system, but it won't spray with any kind of pressure.

And yes, if you have the garter fitting as is on ford fuel rail lines and A/C lines as opposed to the two plastic horseshoe clips, buy the tool. Mine covers all 4 common sizes of hoses and was 14 bucks, and I have seen two fittings wrecked from using incorrect tools PITA to replace em. It seems that the trucks that have high pressure pumps in the tanks therefore high pressure at the filter have garter fittings, and those that have the fuel filter before the high pressure (3 pump models) have the clips. Cheers.