Finding the fuel filter can be half the battle. The filter may be located anywhere between the fuel tank and injector fuel supply rail or throttle body. On many cars, trucks and vans the filter is often located underneath the vehicle along a frame rail or in a bracket near the fuel tank. On some vehicles the fuel filter is part of the electric fuel pump module located inside the fuel tank.

   Most fuel filters have an arrow indicating the direction of fuel flow. The fuel filter must be installed with the arrow pointing toward the engine and away from the fuel tank. If the filter is located inside the tank, the tank will have to be removed. If this is the case, replace both the fuel filter and the fuel pump screen or sock. This may be a job more suited to your mechanic.

   Fuel Filter Replacement:
First things first, if you value your life, do not smoke or allow any one near you to smoke while replacing the fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter on a cold engine to avoid the possibility of the fuel hitting an exhaust manifold or pipe and igniting. It only takes a small spark to ignite the fuel and cause a disaster.

   Most fuel filters have a cover or shield protecting them. They usually come off with a screwdriver or small wrench. Once the cover is off, you will see the fuel filter and lines. This is important, some fuel fittings will need a special tool to disconnect the lines from the fuel filter. Others will have a simple hex line fitting. Some Fords require a special tool to remove the fuel lines and they have thoughtfully provided one for you.

   Finding the fuel filter can be half the battle. The filter may be located anywhere between the fuel tank and injector fuel supply rail or throttle body. On many cars, trucks and vans the filter is often located underneath the vehicle along a frame rail or in a bracket near the fuel tank. On some vehicles the fuel filter is part of the electric fuel pump module located inside the fuel tank.

   Most fuel filters have an arrow indicating the direction of fuel flow. The fuel filter must be installed with the arrow pointing toward the engine and away from the fuel tank. If the filter is located inside the tank, the tank will have to be removed. If this is the case, replace both the fuel filter and the fuel pump screen or sock. This may be a job more suited to your mechanic.

   Fuel Filter Replacement:
First things first, if you value your life, do not smoke or allow any one near you to smoke while replacing the fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter on a cold engine to avoid the possibility of the fuel hitting an exhaust manifold or pipe and igniting. It only takes a small spark to ignite the fuel and cause a disaster.

   Most fuel filters have a cover or shield protecting them. They usually come off with a screwdriver or small wrench. Once the cover is off, you will see the fuel filter and lines. This is important, some fuel fittings will need a special tool to disconnect the lines from the fuel filter. Others will have a simple hex line fitting. Some Fords require a Special Tool to remove the fuel lines and they have thoughtfully provided one for you.

   Another type of fuel line fitting is the "push connect" fitting. These are found most often on Ford vehicles.

   With a small screwdriver, remove the hairpin clips from the line. Then just wiggle the fuel filter out of the fitting being careful not to kink the fuel line. Now put the two new hairpin clips that came with the new fuel filter and install them into the fitting. Use a golf tee or something similar to plug the fuel line and prevent fuel from running out of the fuel tank.

   Type 1 Fitting

   Type 2 Fitting

   Type 3 Fitting

   Another type of fitting is for rubber hoses held on with hose clamps. Simply loosen the clamps and pull the lines off. Now these lines can be very stubborn so the best thing to do is to use a twisting motion to get the hoses off the filter. There is a special tool for removing these hoses so if you have this type, you may want to get it. Again, use something to plug the fuel lines to prevent spillage.

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