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"You can't see anything from a car; you've got to get out of the goddamn contraption and walk, better yet crawl, on hands and knees, over the sandstone and through the thornbrush and cactus. When traces of blood begin to mark your trail, you'll see something, maybe." ~ Ed Abbey

The Proper Way To Change Your Fuel Filter

February 13, 2007

fuel filters

You might wonder why your car suddenly loses its power when your engine and tires are all in good condition. I have read from ehow.com that changing the fuel parts and the fuel filter can give your car more power and in the process give you a faster ride and better fuel efficiency. Aside from that, if you know how to change your own car’s fuel filter, you can save up from spending much by having a mechanic do the task. You are not only giving your car cleaner powertrain parts but you are also saving money. So, read on and learn these simple steps on how to change your car’s fuel filters the proper way.

Follow these simple steps:
1. Put on your protective glasses and gather your tools. An assortment of wrenches and screwdrivers are necessary. The ones you use will depend upon the vehicle.
2. Elevate the vehicle. This can be done by using a jack and jack stands, or drive-up ramps. Do not rely solely on a single jack, as this is very dangerous.
3. Find the fuel filter. The location varies from vehicle to vehicle. It’s a safe bet to start your search near the fuel tank under the body. You can also reference your owner’s manual or call your local dealership.
4. Remove the protective covering that guards the fuel filter. Most filters have some kind of plastic covering over them to prevent damage, and can be removed by a common wrench, hex wrench, or screwdriver.
5. Remove the fuel lines attached to the fuel filter. There are a number of ways these hoses might be linked to the pump, such as links, brackets or clips. Use either a screwdriver or wrench, whichever the attachments require.
6. Cap the fuel lines with a pencil or golf tee, and keep them tilted toward the drainage canister.
7. Remove the fuel filter from the assembly, noting which way it was oriented. An arrow will likely be on the filter. It should be pointed toward the engine, and away from the fuel tank.
8. Install you new fuel filter. Be sure that it is oriented so the fuel arrow points toward the engine.
9. Reattach the hoses and guard.

Make sure to keep in mind these simple warnings as well:

  • Do not over-tighten the fuel filter. Tighten to hand-strength, and let it be. Over-tightening can cause damage and fuel leakage.
  • Change your fuel filter approximately every 10 or 15 thousand miles, but more frequently if you often drive gravel or dirt roads. Vehicles older than 10 years might have rusty fuel tanks, which also contributes to clogging.
  • A new fuel filter is cheaper than a busted fuel pump, which is one of the more serious consequences of a severely clogged fuel filter.
  • Sometimes special tools are required to remove Ford fuel lines and filters. Ford provides these tools with your vehicle or upon request.
  • Make sure that the engine is cool. Any heat could spark a fire.
  • Be sure that the car is secure before venturing underneath. Use a jack and jack stands, or drive-up ramps. Give the car a few nudges to be sure it will not collapse.
  • Never smoke or light matches when changing a fuel filter.

    • The following simple steps and warnings have been given out so as to prevent accidents.

    Posted by auto101 at 12:46 pm | permalink

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