Ford 2002 F350 Fuel Filter Replacement
This article is about my Ford 2002 F350 fuel filter replacement. This is a V10 gas engine one-ton truck. However, this article can be used for other vehicles with similar fuel filter connection designs.
Fuel Filters from Amazon.com
I must admit that this truck has been neglected when it comes to maintenance. This is a simple procedure that won’t take more than fifteen minutes to execute. Also, it is very low in cost as you are only replacing one filter. But my truck has always started up every time. However, it has begun to become temperamental. A clear sign that something I should have done long ago was demanding attention.
Symptoms of a fuel filter needing replacement
Lately, when I would try to start it, sometimes it would crank without so much as a hint of internal combustion. Sometimes it would start right up. I began to count the years and going into basic troubleshooting began thinking about things that could produce this problem. The first thing that popped up was a fuel filter replacement that was long overdue(18 years without a fuel filter replacement). Since fuel availability is part of the starting equation I thought that I had better remove that one from the troubleshooting list by replacing it.
Three things for a successful fuel filter change
I knew that to have a successful fuel filter replacement I needed three things. First I need to have a clear understanding of how to execute the task. Second that I have the proper tools to complete the job. Last that I have all the replacement parts needed.
Eyes on the filter
I gathered some information online on how to replace the filter. But the first thing needed was a clear observation of my existing filter. My truck is tall enough that I didn’t need to lift it to work on the filter replacement. But if you need to lift your truck to work on it check out my how to work under a vehicle safely post.
I crawled under the truck and followed the fuel lines from the gas tank. There was the fuel filter under the cab on the driver’s side. It was different from anything I had seen in the videos. This job was going to require some special tools. It has push-on type connections. But not all push on connections require special tools.
Quick connector types
A couple of Youtube videos demonstrated how to remove this type of fuel filter. All the videos I found had the same type of connector on each end of their filter. But while my existing filter was identical it is not connected like that. It clearly had a different style connector at each end of the filter. On one end of the filter I could disconnect the fuel line(blue type connectors) without the use of tools(see the above video) and on the other end, I was going to need a specialty tool to remove it(see video below).
Blue connector how it works
I purchased the filter and asked if they rented the specialty tool. The tool that they had on hand would not work on my truck. I would have to purchase a specialty tool.
Plastic or Metal fuel line tools
Fuel filter and special removal tool set
I found the available tools to be of different designs and different price ranges. If I was in the business as a mechanic I would purchase the most durable(metal versus plastic). But for me this will be a one-time-use type of tool, I don’t want to spend a lot of cash on the tool to have it sit in my toolbox unused after the first use, which is what this tool was destined to do. I spent the least amount I could on the tool I purchased. It turned out to be plastic and a snap over the fuel line and push by hand design.
So I finally had all the parts of a successful fuel filter replacement.
The infeed fuel line to the filter from the fuel tank has a blue push-type connector as in the first video. It does not require a tool to remove it. The downstream side of the filter has a connector like this second video. This type of connector requires the specialty removal tool.
How to use the fuel line disconnect tool
The use of the tool is pretty simple. Match the diameter of the fuel filter line to the tool(dimension clearly marked on the tool) and snap it over the fuel filter line. Then push the tool into the quick connector until the spring clips are pushed away/off the fuel line(I used a pair of needle-nose pliers to push on the back of the tool). Then while holding the tool against the connector, pull the fuel line/hose off the filter.
Using the fuel filter tool
Safety Equipment
I expected that there was going to be a small amount of fuel loss as the fuel lines are disconnected and the fuel filter removed. The engine had been running so I waited until the next morning to disconnect the fuel lines. This wait time would allow the fuel pressure within the fuel lines to gradually drop.
The fuel is also going to be dripping from above when the fuel lines are disconnected. So the use of safety glasses is a requirement. Also, something is needed to catch the fuel. A catch pan or an absorbent pad to catch and or absorb the small amount of fuel(it’s going to evaporate). Also, I needed to make sure that I was out of the path of the gasoline when the fuel lines are disconnected. Fuel blocking gloves(Nitrile material) to keep from absorbing the gasoline through the skin is a requirement.
Safety precautions and equipment needed
- Catch pan or absorbent material
- Safety glasses
- Body location
- Nitrile gloves
An improvised tool
If you don’t want to buy a tool the following video shows you how to improvise a tool from a sharpie cap. I tried it but didn’t find it that easy to use(IMHO the cap was too flexible/soft) so I bought a tool.
Step by step procedure
- Gather your safety equipment, tool, and new filter.
- Disconnect the blue connector fuel line.
- Disconnect the other connector with a specialty tool.
- Remove the filter from its retainer.
- Install the new filter in the retainer with the directional arrow pointing to the motor.
- Connect the fuel lines.
- Turn on the ignition key(but do not start the vehicle) and allow the fuel system to “pump up(get up to full pressure).“
- Verify that there are no leaks.
Conclusion
That’s it your fuel filter replacement should be complete. Did the fuel filter replacement solve my truck’s problem? Yes, it did. My truck is back to its old self. It starts every time and is no longer temperamental.
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
(Mybusyretiredlife.com All Rights Reserved)
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