Fuel Filter ?'s

[mkcrawford]

I'm new to the forum and website, but like what has been put together here. I have a 1992 Explorer and would like some advice on changing the fuel filter. It has 170,000 miles and I bought it with 106,000 miles, and have never changed the filter. Took it into Jiffy Lube to have them look at it and the service man said that my fuel filter needed changed and they couldn't do it becuase the last place that changed it put the wrong filter on and their tool wouldn't work on it. He said they would have to "saw the ends off the filter and that would take longer than they had time for." I like to tinker and thought this might be something I could do myself since I do other minor maintenance items.
Anyway any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Dolphan]

Do a search on this newsgroup and you will get info. Others have said it does not need changing - ever, even the manuals like Haynes & Chilton say check and replace if necassary. My fuel pump went out a couple of weeks ago the Ford service guy said the fuel filter should be changed every 15-25K miles becuase of the gas these days - FWIW

 

[Triton46]

There not hard to take off, provided you have the right HP release tool. You can buy them from any auto parts store, there are two kinds:

1) Metal X looking tool.
2) Package with several different size/color 0 shaped plastic pieces.

I have both and found that #2 was easier to use. Once you have the tool, just depressurize the GT and you can remove the filter. You can depressurize by starting the car and removing the FP fuse. Be aware though that the filter will leak when the fittings are removed, so you will probably take an 87 octane bath.

Now, if they put the wrong filter on, this may be a problem. I would not, repeat would not try cutting the filter off. The filter is under pressure and contains gasoline...best leave that to a professional.

 

[mkcrawford]

Thanks for the responses. I did a search on the topic and found some past posts that delt with changing the fuel filter. I'll get the tool and give it a try and let everyone know how it goes.

BTW, I'll have to substitute a "10 year old boy with a garden hose" with my wife who will probably say, "should've just taken it to the shop."