Hey guys, since the dealer wants $85 to replace the fuel filter, I figured I'd like to do it myself, only problem is I don't know how. I know where it is located (and what it looks like) but thats about it. Can anybody give me some direction? I'd like to know...

-how to keep fuel from leaking all over the place
-how to swap them out, without breaking anything
-any special tools I might need
-any brand that might be better to use
-any general tips from someone who has done it

Thanks for the help!

 

Okay first off, replacing the fuel filter is probably something I will never do to my truck again as it was a pain in the frekin ***. But regardless I got it done.

1. You must disengage the fuel system by pulling the fuel pump fuse. Then start the engine and let it bogg down as it will get any remaining fuel out.
2. The proper way to do it is using a fuel line tool that u can pick up at a local parts store. However, when I bought mine one of the ends did not fit around the fuel line so my friend had to grind it down to fit.
3. There is either a plastic tool, or a metal tool. I used the metal tool, maybe the plastic works better, I dunno.
4. I recommend Motorcraft, but I used Wix and it works fine.
5. Some people have used a tiny screw driver to push in the tabs and release the fuel line but this didnt work for me. Even though you disengaged the fuel system you will still have fuel come out of the lines, so have a pan on top of you underneath the filter, my buddy got drinched with fuel when he was doing his.

Good luck.

 

True that!

It is easyer to locate the scrader valve on the fuel rail and release the minimal presure there. This keeps the engine from being starved to death as it represurizes as soon as the vehicle is turned on. (be sure to do this on a cool engine, with the eninge OFF)

Yes it does.. lol.. the plastic ones are dirt cheap and work. Its still a PITA but you gotta do what you gotta do...

I would NOT recomend trying this. Most people dont know but if you mess up that clip/joint the part cost ~$4-600 to replace, parts alone. You will need to replace the line from the tank to the fuel rail... yea... so dont risk it.

Good advice there... lol.. I didnt think of that and also got a fuel bath although it wasnt as bad as the trans fluid bath I took that one time

Good Luck!

 

sounds like 85$ is a good deal.

 

Yea, Hope Ford dont see this thread the'll raise the price

 

Its not that bad... I could do it in 20min with a CERTAIN pair of needlenose
plyers now.

I will say the 2000 and earlier are ALOT easier to do clips vs snap rings
Which makes you wonder why they went to snap rings..
I mean if you broke the clip they are 99C at napa.


Rand

 

If you do screw up the clips, you could just convert the fuel lines over to braided lines. I have done this on a buddies truck when we put his fuel cell in. Looks clean and sic as all he11!