I have read all of the posts and my haynes manual as well. I need to replace my fuel filter and am still confused on the type of connector that I have on my lines. I thought the best thing to do was to take a pic and let the experts chime in. After I depressurize the system and remove the retainer clips, do I need any special tools? I thought it better to ask than to use the old force it and break it method I have perfected. It looks to me that I have the spring lock couplings? Also any suggestions on the brand of filter to replace it with? I was leaning towards Motorcraft just for safety sake. 96' 351, Auto, Eddie Bauer.

 

You have the same filter as me. I bought a kit of tools from MidWay Auto Supplies thus: http://www.midwayautosupply.com/deta...ption.asp?3240 but I'm sure MotorHaven has them too (support your sponsor). You can buy the tools individually if you prefer. To remove it withou the tool is possible but a real bitch so I would spend the $10-$40 and save yourself the stress. With the tools its really easy to get the filter off.

 

You indeed have a spring lock fitting. Most auto parts stores sell the tool you need. Mostly around $10. Keep them handy as you will find those connectors on other parts, i.e. the fuel pump. It helps to spray some some sort of lube into the fitting to help seperate it.

 

Be very carefull. I changed my filter just the other day and it was the most dangerous thing I have ever done. I pulled the wire from the fuel pump fues in the engine compartment next to the air box. Then I started my engine and it ran for about 2 seconds. I assumed the pressure was gone. I crawl under my bronco, with a drop light, but I move the drop light far away. I remove the heat plate. I start to use the tool that slides into the connection and I mean gas in a fine mist starts spraying all over me and starts running on the ground. I didn't think it was ever going to stop. If any thing would have ignited that fuel. I would have fried like burnt turkey and my whole house would of went up and killed my kids too.

 

Yeah, it does get everywhere so make sure you have lots of rags and keep the gas lines high to stop it siphoning back from the front of the vehicle. I removed the rear connection first and lifted it up out the way. then drain the old filter into a can and remove it catrching any run off the outlet hose in the can too. they put it all back together quickly before it runs down your arm.

Sometimes going through the motions of what you are about to attempt first can save a lot of trouble 'cause you find out at that point whether you have everything you need at hand rather than when its running down your arm or in your mouth etc.

I guess its more of a concern for you guys who have warm weather - I did mine in January with ice about so the stuff was less volatile.

Good Luck

 

For fuel filter replacement, trigger the fuel cut off switch and then run the truck until it dies. Then get some rags and put around the valve on the fuel rail and depress it to drain what gas is left there and relieve pressure. Then you can take off your filter and replace.

 

tigerhawk- If you release the pressure with the onboard button and then restart the engine doesnt that just restart the fuel pump ? If not how after the filter change to you get the pump going agian ? Just curious I'm about to disconnect my fuel rails and replace the filter while swapping my manifold.

 

I bought the kit, it's just a set of colored plastic tools that release the springs. Different colors for different sizes. I didn't even depressurize the system because at the time I didn't know about that. Not much gas came out anyway.

 

when you trigger the fuel cut off switch it turns off the fuel pump so then the engine will run until its out of fuel and it will cut off. Then you can relieve the little pressure left in the fuel rail if there is any. After your done you will reset the fuel cut off switch. The little valve on the fuel rail is just like the little air valve on the tires.

 

Ah the old double click of the switch thing ! Got it. Thanks Tigerhawk you probably saved me lots of frustration.

 

Just finished the job. All in all it was not to bad. I bought the line tool from NAPA for $17. It was probably more than the plastic ones but is is a nice metal build with two ends for two different size lines. My theory is why not have a tool for life vs. for one job. I see what you all say about the extra fuel. I triggered the pump cut off switch and ran her till she quit. I even gave it an extra turn of the key to try and get out as much pressure as possible. The lines came off pretty easy and after the buzz cleared from the fumes the new filter went on fast. I have a pretty good stack of gas rags airing out int he back yard. I hope this helps the morning bog down I have on the first start of the day, if not I will post after tomorrow's start to get more pointers. Good luck to all who attempt this. Total costs, $19 Motorcraft filter, $17 Napa line tool, 1.5 hours of time, 100 brain cells from the fumes.