Fuel filter - Diesel Forum

BarryN · 11-13-2005, 12:30 PM

I did a search here, but didn't find what I was looking for. I have a '99 F-250 5.4 and I'm about to replace the fuel filter. I have the new filter and the quick connect tools, but am unsure of any special procedures.

1. Do I just crawl under there with the quick connect tools, drop the filter, pop the new one in, and start her up?
2. Do I need to relieve the fuel pressure before popping it loose?
3. Do I need to purge the air out of the line after replacing the fuel filter?

It's sputtering noticably, especially when I'm pulling my trailer. I have nearly 20K miles on this filter and figure it's time to change it out. That will hopefully fix my problem.

Thanks everyone!

Barry

robsd · 11-13-2005, 04:54 PM

yep
nope
nope

you'll get a little fuel spray but none to worry about, not enough to try and bleed off the pressure and spray fuel somewhere else. if you know it's coming it's not a big deal.

rob

BarryN · 11-13-2005, 05:33 PM

Thanks robsd! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I went back to AutoZone and looked in the Chilton manual. I got the Loan-A-Tool from them, but it didn't work. I went back, got my deposit back, and bought the right tool. I got a set of quick connect tools, the ones that are basically washer sized. The guy I originally spoke to there was kinda guessing, but the guy I spoke to today knew what he was doing.
Once I got the right tool, and a guy who could explain the process to me, it only took 5 minutes to do the job.
I posted here cuz I knew I'd find someone who was very familiar with doing this. Iwas right.

Thanks again! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

robsd · 11-14-2005, 02:36 PM

Sorry, sounded like you already had the right tool so I didn't mention that. I got the set of 3 different colored plastic do-dads. I was working on my son's mustang and used one of these to remove the metal fuel lines on the fuel rail.

It is nice to have the correct tool and not make things worse. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

robsd · 11-28-2005, 12:35 PM

Well I thought I'd pop this back up to the top, every other weekend or so I make my trip to the weekend place. I can tell you every hill and at what point the truck will down shift. I noticed it downshifting all over the place one weekend!! WTH? Since is was about time I replaced the air filter (really not to bad at all, I knock it out once a month or so anway), also changed the fuel filter. Full of crap and dirt. The truck now performs as it did before. Must have been really clogged and I replaced it less than a year ago (I date my stuff). Since I don't drive around with my filler cap off the only place the dirt could enter the system is at the pump...IE in the fuel to begin with. Guess I'll have to move my fuel filter schedule up some.

Just an FYI,
Rob

Smiley · 01-19-2006, 05:53 PM

Does anyone know if all the gas ford vehicles with the fuel filter on the rail under the vehilce require the same tools to release the compression fittings? I am trying to replace the fuel filter on a 2000 Explorer and the guys at Auto zone swear i do not need any special tool. I think they are wrong, but want to buy the right ones when i go back!

robsd · 01-19-2006, 08:06 PM

I would say yes but check. If the fuel lines have sort of flar on the end then yes you need the tool. The flar holds the spring that locks onto the fuel line. The plastic tool spreads the spring to allow it to slide over the bump on the filter ends.

Hope this helps.

peter15 · 01-23-2006, 07:42 AM

have checked your spark plugs check the gap

SLE · 01-23-2006, 11:37 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone know if all the gas ford vehicles with the fuel filter on the rail under the vehilce require the same tools to release the compression fittings? I am trying to replace the fuel filter on a 2000 Explorer and the guys at Auto zone swear i do not need any special tool. I think they are wrong, but want to buy the right ones when i go back!

[/ QUOTE ]

No, I changed my filter on my 02 FFV 3.0L taurus yesterday and I assumed I would need the tool (which I already had for doing the pickup) but found out once I was underneith that it was two plastic U clips (which were brittle and I broke the center out of) were on each end of the conecting fuel lines. Just pop the clips out and the lines come right off, easy as cake! Also JFYI the placement on my taurus was on the passenger side rail back by the rear tire.