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Identifying
Connector
Types
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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