I've searched and searched the site, (by the way there are over 500 threads with the words "fuel" and "filter"!) and I only found one or two threads that just mention the location of the fuel filter. So.... is there anything else I should know if I am going to replace it? I really hate surprises, like engines working then not working.....so if anyone can direct me to a previous thread on this subject or give me a step by step that you know works, I would be ever so grateful!!!

oh yeah--mine's a 1994 Aero E4WD ext with 102K....

the Cowgirl Mechanic

 

Filter is probably on the left frame rail (is on most Fords with FI), under approx. the driver's seat area. On the older 'stars, you'll have to pretty much destroy the nylon clips that retain the fuel lines to the filter. Some models have the filter in a sort of shield or box-like affair that requires removing two screws to get to the actual filter. Later models require a removal tool to disengage an internal line lock mechanism (that I can't quite recall right now), but older models have only the plastic clips that generally can't be re-used. New filter might come with them, depending upon vendor.

First, locate the fuel rail pressure test port on the fuel injection rail (on top of engine). You can often spot this by the "tire valve cap" on it. Remove the cap, engine off, depressurize the fuel lines by using a small screwdriver and rag to push down the Shrader valve (like on a bicycle tire). Fuel will squirt out, so cover with the rag before doing this.

Open fuel tank filler cap.

Now mangle and remove the two plastic fuel filter clips. Pull pretty firmly on fuel lines to remove from filter. Spit fuel out of nose/mouth, wipe off face. Spill two cups of fuel from filter all over the place. Go have a beer and get cleaned up while vapors dissapate.

Installation of new filter, as they say, is reverse of above. Cycle ign key off-to-on-to-off a few times to get the fuel pressure up before cranking, or you'll have to crank a bit longer than usual.

Simple, no?

Regards,
Al S.

 

pretty much what asavage said. but i would suggest taking some paper towels are wrap them around the connections before pull them off the filter. that way you can avoid being splashed with fuel. after the lines are off, place the soaked paper towels in a metal bowl and light them a fire! lol! but be careful when you do that... take all necessary precautions. don't want to burn off your eye brow now.

 

Ohh, one more thing, its not completey reverse. I have never had the fuel run back up my arm and into the fuel lines as I installed the new filter.

 

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Funny! One thing I might suggest too. Wear some safety glasses or clear goggles. For some odd reason, I never enjoyed a splash or flick of gasoline near my eyes, without wearing any type of eye protection! Ed

 

Sounds like a good plan!!

Thanks for the graphic details!! ;-) I love it!! Well, tommorow I am going to dive into the clockspring and because I will need to disconnect the battery anyway--I figure I'll tackle the fuel filter too!! This should make it easier to not get sprayed, and I'll kill two birds with one stone!!

I'll let ya'll know how it goes!!

the Cowgirl Mechanic

 

The fuel filter really is pretty simple to do, just don't go looking in any of the manuals for the location, both Chilton and Haynes are confusing. Like they said, look on the frame rail just under the driver's seat and it's simple to find. Shouldn't take you more than 20-30 minutes to do and it isn't as messy as all that if you take precautions to drain the fuel.

 

You guys are going to get a kick out of this....

Due to time constraints, I had to forgo doing the clockspring and fuel filter at the same time. So tonight, while I was at a friends house, who happens to be an engineer at Damlier Chrystler and is a car nut and formerly worked on fuel systems, said "Sure!! I can do that for ya!! NO Problem..(famous last words, eh?)

So she (yes, shes a woman...) (I'm pregnant and my back is badly sunburnt so I couldn't do this project myself--Ok?? enough explanation!?!?), dived under the van tonight and well, to make this short and sweet....got a faceful of gasoline .. ....we had to douce her with water, trying to rinse her eyes out. By the way, baking soda with water helps to neutralize the gasoline.....we even had to flush out her one ear because it got douced too!! Poor lady friend of mine!! and she knew better too!!! So her Hubby, a car nut too, helped to finish the job so I could go home.

She will be fine, (at least she says she's fine..) and after taking a shower, putting "swimmers ear" medication in her ear and eye drops in her eyes, she felt almost as good as new....as well as you can feel after an experience like that!!! She said she feels silly and that she knew better....but didn't expect there to be so much pressurized fuel ready to go!! I'm just glad she's ok and now wish I would have waited to do the job.....Oh-well, cannot go back in time......

So the new fuel filter is in, and the van actually runs a bit smoother now!! So that is my final chapter for this thread....hope it entertained and educated.... Don't do what she did!!!! De-pressurize the line first!!!!

the Cowgirl Mechanic

 

LMAO!

Sorry to hear about your friend, but that is a very funny story!

 

Reminds me of Al Bundy and Jefferson D'Arcy: "You go to the other side, put your eye right there and tell me when the drill came through."