Post #33 has 1,027 words on the subject. 
How the &^%$& do you change the fuel filter?
- Thread starter alia176
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ed97fzj80 said:Post #33 has 1,027 words on the subject.
I think you're 1000 words off...I guess I needed a Texan to translate that Cali speak
Like I said, once I was holding the filter and reading the advice it all made sence. That backside bracket bolt is a pain but all in all a very successful wrenching day.Thanks for all y'alls help! Changed all three belts and the FF in under 3 hours this morning.
Time for a
The best way to simplify the fuel filter change is to spend 8 hrs. fighting the PHH. After that the fuel filter is cake.
Jay
Jay
That picture is worth 1,000 words, bringing the total to 1,027.
jaysdead40 said:
I couldn't have put it better myself.
Just did this today. Not as bad as I expected.
Edit: Firster things first: start the truck and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. This will allow you to wedge yourself further into the wheel well (oh joy!). I also removed the rearmost rubber skirt in the driver's side wheel well to allow for better visibility.
First things first: remove the gas cap and disconnect the battery. With these done, there will be minimal fuel spillage and a much lower risk of your truck disappearing in a fire ball! I removed the top bolts (12mm) on the oil and ATF dipsticks, the ground cable on intake runner #2, and the intake support brace (14mm, removed top bolt, loosened lower). Then I cracked the banjo bolts on the filter (17mm) and headed back under the truck. From underneath I was able to use a few feet worth of extensions to remove the filter mounting bolts (12mm). Back up top, I removed the banjo bolts and brought the old filter out. Very little fuel was spilled. The fuel that came out of the tank-side of the filter looked dark, but I'm going to wait until the filter dries out before cutting it open.
Big thanks to whoever came up with the idea of grinding the slot in the PS bolt hole of the filter mount. I did that, reinstalled the PS bolt about 75% and the filter easily slotted on to the bolt and hung there unattended. It made it much easier! I threaded the second bolt in and went back under the truck to tighten those two bolts. Back up top once again, I installed the fuel lines (don't forget to remove the old washers and use the new ones in the box), tightened them down, reconnected everything and fired her up!
Edit: Firster things first: start the truck and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. This will allow you to wedge yourself further into the wheel well (oh joy!). I also removed the rearmost rubber skirt in the driver's side wheel well to allow for better visibility.
First things first: remove the gas cap and disconnect the battery. With these done, there will be minimal fuel spillage and a much lower risk of your truck disappearing in a fire ball! I removed the top bolts (12mm) on the oil and ATF dipsticks, the ground cable on intake runner #2, and the intake support brace (14mm, removed top bolt, loosened lower). Then I cracked the banjo bolts on the filter (17mm) and headed back under the truck. From underneath I was able to use a few feet worth of extensions to remove the filter mounting bolts (12mm). Back up top, I removed the banjo bolts and brought the old filter out. Very little fuel was spilled. The fuel that came out of the tank-side of the filter looked dark, but I'm going to wait until the filter dries out before cutting it open.
Big thanks to whoever came up with the idea of grinding the slot in the PS bolt hole of the filter mount. I did that, reinstalled the PS bolt about 75% and the filter easily slotted on to the bolt and hung there unattended. It made it much easier! I threaded the second bolt in and went back under the truck to tighten those two bolts. Back up top once again, I installed the fuel lines (don't forget to remove the old washers and use the new ones in the box), tightened them down, reconnected everything and fired her up!
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I cut the filter open the other day. As I mentioned before, the fuel that came out of the tank side of the filter looked somewhat dark and gunky. There wasn't much evidence of physical debris in the filter element, but it was a fairly dark colour. It would be interesting to see the inside of a new filter to compare the colour of the elements.
The material felt similar to the air filter element I took apart a while ago.
The material felt similar to the air filter element I took apart a while ago.
Thanks Adam .. now I feel like I can do this job. A little verbal guidance goes a long way!
I replaced my fuel filter today and would rather do 20 fuel filters than one PHH.
My tricks.
Remove the 3 fender skirts and open the hood for the most light to get in.
Use a 2 gallon bucket as a seat and position yourself in the fender. That seemed to put me at a good level to see what was going on.
I put a shop rag under the fuel lines before loosening them. I left my fuel cap on and had very gas little drip out. More fuel dripped out of the filter when I was maneuvering it out than had come out of the lines so be ready.
I didn't notch the filter's tabs when reinstalling. Instead I Installed the engine side mounting bolt first. I used my left had to hold the filter while my right hand had the 12mm socket with the mounting bolt in it. I had the filter turned so i could see the hole in the tab to start the bolt. The other bolt is easy.
It was easier for me to attach the front fuel line from above going in from the hood.
Make sure to use new gasket/washers for your banjo bolts and make sure you remove the old gasket/washer from the bolts. My old ones were stuck on pretty well and would have been easy to forget.
I was very pleasantly surprised how smoothly this replacement went.
My tricks.
Remove the 3 fender skirts and open the hood for the most light to get in.
Use a 2 gallon bucket as a seat and position yourself in the fender. That seemed to put me at a good level to see what was going on.
I put a shop rag under the fuel lines before loosening them. I left my fuel cap on and had very gas little drip out. More fuel dripped out of the filter when I was maneuvering it out than had come out of the lines so be ready.
I didn't notch the filter's tabs when reinstalling. Instead I Installed the engine side mounting bolt first. I used my left had to hold the filter while my right hand had the 12mm socket with the mounting bolt in it. I had the filter turned so i could see the hole in the tab to start the bolt. The other bolt is easy.
It was easier for me to attach the front fuel line from above going in from the hood.
Make sure to use new gasket/washers for your banjo bolts and make sure you remove the old gasket/washer from the bolts. My old ones were stuck on pretty well and would have been easy to forget.
I was very pleasantly surprised how smoothly this replacement went.
Did mine this weekend... wasn't bad. Just wanted to say couple of things and of course show photos... love photos 
I'm grateful for IH8MUD and thank you everyone for posted their experience.
1. Remove the banjo line bolts (17mm) FIRST if you can. I couldn't get the bolt close to front of the truck off, so I had to struggle getting it off by clamping the filter to the frame w/ a c-clamp to get leverage.
2. I had more fuel spilled out of the filter than the fuel line, so have a small container ready. Fuel was so dirty coming out of the filter, I couldn't believe it.
I'm grateful for IH8MUD and thank you everyone for posted their experience.
1. Remove the banjo line bolts (17mm) FIRST if you can. I couldn't get the bolt close to front of the truck off, so I had to struggle getting it off by clamping the filter to the frame w/ a c-clamp to get leverage.
2. I had more fuel spilled out of the filter than the fuel line, so have a small container ready. Fuel was so dirty coming out of the filter, I couldn't believe it.
Did mine last night and nasty muddy/rusty fuel came out, guess it was time for a change. I was able to loosen the banjo bolts with it bolted in place. The front bolt was easy to get to from the top but I had the battery and battery tray out at the same time. The rear I got from the bottom with a ratcheting wrench. I also removed the oil and trans dipstick bolts to gain some room. The 12mm bolts I got easily with a 3' extension and a 12mm wobbly impact socket from the bottom. I notched the bracket as Christo suggested and slid in the new filter rear bolt first. It wasn't too bad, just a little dirty and time consuming. I would say no more than an hour job for the average guy and no need to jack the truck up.
I just did mine and that rear rear banjo bolt was a pita! Then trying to screw the rear fuel line was another major PITA! My arms were so tight in that small cutout by the front shock. At that awkward sitting position felt major arthritis set in trying to screw them bolts back in. I could just imagine what old folks feel like
The cutout of the ps side bolt was a smart mod!!! It helped remount the fuel filter pretty easily.
I'm glad I don't have to do this often!
Whew...
The cutout of the ps side bolt was a smart mod!!! It helped remount the fuel filter pretty easily.
I'm glad I don't have to do this often!
Whew...
Reaching straight up from the bottom of the truck was much easier for me to get that back banjo then reaching through the fender well. I tried it then said screw this and rolled under with a creeper, didn't even have to jack the truck up.
I needed to do my fuel filter: I decided to pull the engine and do the PHH while I was there.
Easy peasy... the smart way to go !!;p
Easy peasy... the smart way to go !!;p
took care of mine yesterday > figured after 149K miles it was time . I had some nasties come out but not as bad as I thought for being over 15 years old
Where? Mine was on the PS frame above the front differential. I've got pics, but can't upload now. This thread led me to believe it was under the manifold on the DS. Mine is a 8/1992, so maybe that explains it. Part is #23300-69035, Fuel Filter Assembly.
Also, when I tried to loosen the second banjo bolt (hollow fuel bolts), the filter spun. So I got a 3/4" wrench to hold it in place and finally got it off.
2 fuel bolts & bottom mounting bolt was accessed from under the vehicle while doing 1/2 sit-up. Handle of ratchets & wrenches below all the engine wires, vacuum hoses, etc.
The "fuel line notch" on each end of the filter doesn't really hold the line that well. Be careful when torquing down, they bend. Mine bent, but didn't leak so should be okay.
Sadly didn't fix my problem, but needed to be done anyhow. 220K miles on original filter.
I've got pics, but can't upload now. I'll try again.
Also, when I tried to loosen the second banjo bolt (hollow fuel bolts), the filter spun. So I got a 3/4" wrench to hold it in place and finally got it off.
2 fuel bolts & bottom mounting bolt was accessed from under the vehicle while doing 1/2 sit-up. Handle of ratchets & wrenches below all the engine wires, vacuum hoses, etc.
The "fuel line notch" on each end of the filter doesn't really hold the line that well. Be careful when torquing down, they bend. Mine bent, but didn't leak so should be okay.
Sadly didn't fix my problem, but needed to be done anyhow. 220K miles on original filter.
I've got pics, but can't upload now. I'll try again.
I'm going to order a new filter while tackling my P0401 but need the PN for those 4(non reusable gaskets). Can anyone tell me the part number for those little guys?
I included a picture for reference.
I included a picture for reference.
