Fuel filter...88 Ranger 4x4

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May 11, 2004 | 09:04 AM

sprocket226

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Fuel filter...88 Ranger 4x4

My ranger started running really slugish the other day, the engine would almost stall then surge, barely do 40mph when floored. Seems like a fuel issue. The fuel filter looks kinda like an oil filter tucked in the frame rail right next to the transfer case, after about 3 hours last night I finally get the old one off. There is no filter inside(?) it's empty! And to top that off, I broke off the plastic piece that hangs down

Do you guys think I can put a different type of filter in? Also, as I followed the fuel line forward, past the filter, there is another filter looking thing, it's silver, but it has a red and black wire coming coming out of it, any ideas what this is?

May 11, 2004 | 11:46 AM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

Go to a parts store & pick up a new filter so that you know what you are looking for. Make sure the new filter has the plastic keepers in the box.
Then read "fuel pressure relief procedure" & the rest of the filter change instructions on page 4-2 in your Haynes manual. The thing that broke is just a reservoir for the fuel pump. Hopefully you can epoxy it back together

May 11, 2004 | 12:23 PM

G2IC_Wraith

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprocket226

I don't have the 4x4 but if I am thinking of the right area..... Isn't the transfercase behind the trans? If that is true, I wonder if you aren't looking at the "vapor canister". I think that is what it is called. On my 88' 4x2, fuel goes out of the tank along the frame rail past the vapor canister to the hi-pres pump then on to the fuel filter up by the trans bell housing where the frame starts to bend upward. Like I said, I have not been under an 88' 4x4, so forgive me if it is not the same as mine. I just thought the design must be pretty similar since I can't see Ford spending $$$ designing a different fuel system for the same truck. Oh, and the last part you mentioned another filter looking thing, that is why I thought you were looking at the vapor canister. The next thing inline would be the pump, and I don't know the color of the wires, but red and black sounds reasonable.