I guess my face is a little red on this one. I have been pretty disgusted with the performance and fuel economy my '02 supercrew has been putting out lately. So much so that I was considering tradeing it in on a diesel super duty. I had the sudden realization that I hadnt changed the fuel filter in the past 28,000 miles...or 2.5 years ....O.K. you can insert flame here. I replaced the filter with a new one and man y'all should of seen the color of the crap in the old one. I honestly believe the filter was the factory original. I guess the dealers "100 point inspection" Ford certified pre-owned vehicles is just an inspection and not a maintnence service. Well after a new filter the truck runs better than it has since I bought it. It doesn't shift down on hills nearly as much and dramaticly less gas pedal pressure is required to hold speed or get up to speed. I haven't checked mileage yet as I havent had to re-fill the tank yet. Still above a quarter tank, but I can tell the fuel consumption has went down. I'll post some numbers as soon as I run a new tank of gas through it. Long story short. If you are experienceing poor mileage and anemic performance, don't overlook the fuel filter. It's a lot cheaper than tax on a new truck!

 

I replaced my fuel filter recently and before the new filter I took a fuel gauge reading at idel and a reading after the filter change. The difference was a pound and a half higher after the new filter. [sorry I can't remember the exact numbers, I think 29psi before and 31.5psi after]

 

That can also make a difference in starting, lower fuel pressure.

 

Sweet.. I want to do mine soon 5.4 72k supercrew. Any tips? what kind filter?

Steve

 

I used a Wix filter from O'Reileys. The swap is really easy and straight forward. As for tips, I guess let the truck sit overnight to help alleviate fuel pressure, and for any under body parts that might be warm to cool down. You will NEED a fuel/ air conditioning line disconnect tool, 5/16 I believe, may be a 3/8. If your not familiar with these, they are little round plastic disks with a section cut out to allow it to slide over the metal fuel line. one side will be necked down flat to allow it to slide under the coupling and release the spring band that holds it on. You should be able to pick these up at any auto parts store for a couple of bucks for a set. Basicly you wont get the filter off without a sawz-all if you dont have one of these tools. It may be eaiser to disconnect the front side first as it is harder to get to, but not bad. Once it's off the new filter just clicks back in place. Make shure the arrow indicateing flow is pointed in the right direction, and that both lines are connected securely (common sense, I know ). Hope you have the same great results I'm now enjoying.

 

 

A picture is worth a 1000 words. Thanks screwy.

 

thanks for the pics, because the tool i'm looking at getting is more like a wrench with two different sizes, one on each end....they carry it at AAP.

 

That will work too, it's just a different design. I happen to like it better then the plastic things.

 

I just got back from napa and the guy looked at me like I had 2 heads when I told him about the tool. I bought the napa gold filter and it comes with 2 clips. How dod they work? Do you guys have a part # for tool??

Thanks
Steve

 

Here's a NAPA set on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NAPA-...QQcmdZViewItem
iIn my opinion these are the easiest to use. There are several brand names put on these and they are obviously all made by the same company.

 

Thanks I will check into that. It looks like I have stock filter on it and it needs to go.

 

Oh the 2 clips ........ for older model trucks. The filter you need doesn't use the external clips. Did they give you a 3595 filter? Here's a helpful filter lookup site, Wix.
http://www.wixfilters.com/filterlookup/index.asp
Drop the first number in a Wix to get the NAPA number.

 

yes I got 3595 and found the tool on napa website. What is the deal with clips? Did I get the right one??

 

The 3595 fits multiple applications and some of them may still use the old style clips. If you can see the number on your old filter just interchange it on the Wix site I posted. That way you'll be 99 % sure you got the right one.

Motorcraft FG986B crosses to 3595 NAPA. You're good to go.

MOTORCRAFT catalog site. http://www.motorcraft.com/catalog.do