....but can`t for love nor money get the fuel filter off. Done a search and need apparently, a fuel filter removal tool but cant find that either. How long is a fuel filter good for? I still want to change mine as I had £20 of $hit gas put through her a couple of month ago.
Any pointers for removal without damage appreciated.


I wonder if my local Ford dealer could help me. Probably rob me blind .

 

They will likely rob you blind. There are two different styles available. I used the first version. I hope this helps you out.

http://www.amazon.com/Tools-3290-Spr.../dp/B0002SRD0A

http://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Line-Disc.../dp/B000H6P06G

Here is a good video that explains how to use it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKgQJ-RinXc

Make sure to relieve pressure from the fuel line before you attempt to remove the filter. If you don't know how just shoot me a PM

 

I cant tell if you have a GT or not, but you can bleed off the fuel line through the schrader valve if you do.


Just go to Harbor Freight and get a pack of fuel line disconnect tools. I can't remember which one you need. I don't remember. The pack comes with a variety of sizes, its probably a couple bucks. Even with the tool its still a pain in the ***.

 

After 2000 ford stopped installing the schrader valve on the fuel rail for the 4.6.

Find a fuel disconnect tool to disengage the spring lock. After that its a PITD to get that ******* thing off. One filter that always gives me issues when it comes to replacing. I replace mine at least once a year.

 

Oh really. I figured they were on the 01-04's too. my bad!

 

He also probably doesn't have a Harbor Freight being in Scotland, so finding the disconnect tool cheap may be a problem. It can be a pain to get off, wear saftey glasses and have a towel nearby. You will ges fuel on you. Also, fuel filters are good for about 40K miles.

 

There is a fuel cut off switch mounted in the trunk near the drivers side tail light. if you pull the wire that connects it, it will trick the computer into thinking you have been in an accident and it will turn off the fuel pump. Then you must start the car and let it run until it stalls. Once it stalls you have released the pressure from the line. Be careful still even after mine stalled there was still a little pressure and it sprayed a small amount of fuel down my arm so just make sure it doesn't spray in your eyes. It's not the most fun filter to change but you should be able to tackle it yourself.

 

Tools/equipment needed
1. Motorcraft Fuel Filter--Part #FG-986B
2. 5/16Fuel Line-A/C Line Disconnect Tool. (Any autoparts store has them)
3. Flat head screw driver.

Directions

1. I first backed the car up onto my Rhino Ramps.

2. Disconnect the fuel inertia switch that is located in the trunk. This switch cuts off fuel

3. Next find the Schrader valve that is located by the throttle body, which is located at the end of the fuel rail towards the front of the car. It looks like a tire valve.

4. Once the Schrader valve is located unscrew the cap of the Schrader valve and use a small screwdriver or something to release the fuel pressure. This is much like letting air out of a tire....just press down and it will release the pressure. I would recommend wrapping a shop rag or towell around the Schrader valve and whatever you use to release the pressure. Gas will shoot up, not a lot, but enough.

5. Once you have the inertia switch unplugged and fuel pressure relieved start the car and let it idle until there is no more fuel getting to through the lines, which will cause the car to die on it's own and should minimize the amount of fuel that is released when changing the filter.

6. Next unplug the battery. I didn't do this, but my car threw a code after unplugging the inertia switch and used my predator to clear it. I think unplugging the battery will reset the computer after plugging the inertia switch back in when finished.

7. Get under the car and locate the fuel filter, which is right behind the gas tank.

8. Unscrew and remove the clamp.

9. Pry the fuel filter out of the the housing, which will give you a little room to work with.

10. Then take the 5/16 fuel line disconnect tool and slide in on the fuel line and move it to the outside (away from the fuel filter).

11. Once you get the fuel line disconnect tool slid all the way in, then pull the fuel line off the filter. A little bit of gas will come out so have something on the ground to soak it up.....I used some cardboard that I had left over from moving. I would also suggest goggles so fuel can't get into your eyes. Not a lot of fuel came out when I did this, but you never know.

12. Re-connect the fuel lines to the filter, but make sure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the engine side of the fuel line.

13. Slide the filter back into the housing and put the clamp around the filter.

14. Re-connect the inertia switch

15. Re-connect the battery

16. Make sure to put the Schrader cap back on.

17. Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position and leave it for a few second, but do not start the car. Do that a few time to allow fuel pressure to build back up.

18. Check for any leaks.

19. Start the car and your done

 

Thanks guys for the responses. Top information there and a good write up too Switch. I`ll get a tool. I need one. So the GF keeps telling me.

 

You guys make it a bit too dificult. I didnt do any bleeding, just took one of the removal tools from the pack, and popped the thing off. Got a bit of fuel dripping and etc but oh well. Also: ford stealerships charge i believe 90$, or 160. Either or i cant remember, i remember they shot me one of those numbers and i told em to eat it.

 

40 bucks and took dude like 10 mins start to finish Did this about 8 months ago. I'm lazy.

 

It's not too expensive to get done at a shop. The shop I work at charges 40 bux and I change 10+ a day and I don't ever release any pressure but for the sake of your garage, driveway, clothing, and eyes, I would recommend it. So by time you buy the filter and tool you may want to look into just letting someone take care of it for ya.