Fuel Filter

[Marc1972]

Ok, so maybe a dumb question, but I'm at a loss. For a 2001 Explorer that had been sitting idle in the yard for 3 years. Giving it to my son in about a month. Won't start. Changed batteries and spark plugs. Still not starting. Turns over good but that's it. Was going to change the fuel filter, however I can't locate it. Seen numerous posts saying on driver side against frame, in the rear, on top on the fuel tank, remove plastic guard and heat shield, nothing. Can't find it anywhere. Can anyone help?

 

[chefduane]

Gen 2 ff's are under the frame rail on the left hand side just aft of the driver door, about where the B pillar is. You'll need to climb underneath to locate it. It helps if you have stands to lift that side of the vehicle. You'll need a fuel filter removal tool http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuel-Filter...Jcfxh9XKoxOrrofOMzg&item=170925684122&vxp=mtr. Also, make sure you relieve the pressure on the Schrader valve on the fuel rail or be prepared to get a nice snootfull of gas sprayed at you when you pull the filter off.

 

[VR4]

Fuel filters almost never cause a no start just because it sat. They can be extremely clogged but will still show things to start. It'll start setting lean codes and then running out of power under load.

Start with the basics before throwing parts at it. Check power to the pump, check pressure at the rail. If none bang on the bottom of the tank with a hammer.

Is the theft light flashing? If so give up now, tow it to the dealer with 2 keys and have them programmed.

 

[Marc1972]

Fuel filters almost never cause a no start just because it sat. They can be extremely clogged but will still show things to start. It'll start setting lean codes and then running out of power under load.

Start with the basics before throwing parts at it. Check power to the pump, check pressure at the rail. If none bang on the bottom of the tank with a hammer.

Is the theft light flashing? If so give up now, tow it to the dealer with 2 keys and have them programmed.

I was going to change the gas out since it hasn't moved in a while and thought changing the fuel filter would be wise since new gas would be going in.

What does the theft light indicate?

 

[Marc1972]

I was going to change the gas out since it hasn't moved in a while and thought changing the fuel filter would be wise since new gas would be going in.

What does the theft light indicate?

It is turning over and wants to start just can't quite catch enough to run

 

[SaltyEx]

I had the same issue on my 01 xlt and it was the fuel pump. There is plenty of info here on how to do the swap. I bought a new one and changed it out dropping the fuel tank in my garage.

 

[Centaurus5.0]

You need to get all that old gas out of there. If it's been in there 3 years, you could probably drop a match in the tank and not light. If you hear the fuel pump turn on, your good on that.

Suggestion:
Drop the Tank. Empty Tank. Clean Tank. Reinstall Tank. Fill with new gas. Cycle old fuel out of line. Install new Fuel Filter. Pour in bottle of Archoil Fuel System Cleaner. That should do Er...