Fuel Filter
REPLACEMENT
It is recommended that the fuel filter be replaced periodically. The filter is of one-piece construction and cannot be cleaned, so it must be replaced.
Carbureted Engines
Fig. 1: View of the fuel filter used on carbureted engines
- Remove the air cleaner.
- Loosen and remove the fuel tube from the filter.
- Unscrew the filter from the carburetor.
- Apply Loctite® or equivalent to the external threads of the new filter and screw the filter into the carburetor.
- Hand-start the tube nut into the fuel filter. While holding the filter with a wrench to prevent it from turning, tighten the fuel line tube nut.
- Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.
- Replace the air cleaner.
Fuel Injected Engines
Fig. 2: Exploded view of the fuel filter mounting on fuel injected engines
Fig. 3: Use a hand vacuum pump to relieve the fuel system pressure
Fig. 4: Exploded view of the fuel inertia cut-off switch and its location
Fig. 5: Exploded view of the
5⁄16 in. hairpin clip type quick-disconnect coupling
Fig. 6: Connecting and disconnecting the garter spring type quick-disconnect couplings
Remove the fuel filter mounting bracket retaining nuts . . .
. . . then loosen the filter retaining clamp and slide the bracket assembly back . . .
. . . to provide better access to the push connect fittings (arrows)
With a rag positioned to catch any spilled fuel, disengage the retainer clip and remove the line
NOTE: The inline reservoir type fuel filter should last the left of the vehicle under normal driving conditions. If the filter does need to be replaced, proceed as follows:
CAUTION If the fuel filter is being serviced with the rear of the vehicle higher than the front, or if the tank is pressurized, fuel leakage or siphoning from the tank fuel lines could occur. To prevent this condition, maintain the vehicle front end at or above the level of the rear of vehicle. Also, relieve tank pressure by loosening the fuel fill cap. The cap should be tightened after pressure is relieved.
- Shut the engine OFF. Depressurize the fuel system as follows:
On the 2.3L EFI engine, a valve is located on the throttle body for this purpose. The valve can be located by removing the air cleaner.
On the 2.9L EFI engine use the following steps:
- Remove the gas cap.
- Disconnect the vacuum hose from the pressure regulator located on the engine fuel rail.
- Using a hand vacuum pump, apply approximately 25 in. Hg pressure to the pressure regulator.
Fuel pressure will be released into the fuel tank through the fuel return hose.
On most EFI engines the fuel pressure can be relieved as follows. Use special tool T80L-9974-B or equivalent attached to the pressure measuring port on the engine fuel rail. Direct the drain hose to a suitable container and depress the pressure relief button.
An alternate method of relieving the fuel system pressure is to disconnect the electrical connector from the inertia switch and crank the engine for about 15–30 seconds until it runs out of fuel and dies.
- Raise and support the vehicle safely.
- Remove the push connect fittings at both ends of fuel filter. Install new retainer clips in each push connect fitting.
- Remove the filter from the bracket by loosening the filter retaining clamp enough to allow the filter to pass through.
NOTE: The flow arrow direction should be positioned as installed in the bracket to ensure proper flow of fuel through the replacement filter.
- Install the filter in the bracket, ensuring proper direction of flow as noted by arrow. Tighten clamp to 15–25 inch lbs. (1.7–2.8 Nm).
- Install the push connect fittings at both ends of the filter.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Start the engine and check for leaks.
Clean all dirt and/or grease from the fuel filter fittings. "Quick Connect'' fittings are used on models equipped with a pressurized fuel system. These fittings must be disconnected using the proper procedure or the fittings may be damaged. The fuel filter uses a "hairpin'' clip retainer. Spread the two hairpin clip legs about 1⁄8 in. (3mm) each to disengage it from the fitting, then pull the clip outward. Use finger pressure only; do not use any tools. Push the quick connect fittings onto the filter ends. Ford recommends that the retaining clips be replaced whenever removed. The fuel tubes used on these fuel systems are manufactured in 5⁄16 in. and 3⁄8 in. diameters. Each fuel tube takes a different size hairpin clip, so keep this in mind when purchasing new clips. A click will be heard when the hairpin clip snaps into its proper position. Pull on the lines with moderate pressure to ensure proper connection. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks. If the inertia switch (reset switch) was disconnected to relieve the fuel system pressure, cycle the ignition switch from the OFF to ON position several times to re-charge the fuel system before attempting to start the engine.
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