Fuel Filter, 99

[rdave]

In my earlier post, I asked about replacing the Fuel Filter on a 99 Escort Sedan. Here are some tips from this weekend, and Yes, it can be done in about 1 hour.

Fuel Filter is mounted on the firewall, look down between the battery and fire wall, barely visible.

A. Give in and go ahead and remove the battery, otherwise add a few hours or so.
B. Remove the battery tray.
C. On the fule filter, see the screw (don't remove) holding bracket secure to firewall, loosen just enough that fuel filter can be removed in the next steps. Very small socket wrench worked, no extension.
D. Take 8 inch flat screw driver and slide between plastic holding clip on fuel lines, disconnect BOTTOM line first and slide out of way. There will just enough room to slide the screwdriver between house and clip, then GENTLY pryout.
Repeat for the top fuel hose.
E. Pull the filter UP and out of the bracket.
F. Install new filter in inverse order. Note that you will DROP the fuel filter into the bracket from the TOP, i.e. the top has a lip around the edge to hold in place.
NOTE: When connecting the fuel line, don't forget to install the NEW plastic holding clamps, otherwise, check with your Insurance Co on Fire Coverage. There are 2 small openings at the top of the fuel lines where the holding clip slides in and LOCKs in place. I was able to install the clips with my fingers.

That's all.....Still prefer front mounted or chassis mounted filters on some cars, so much easier to work with. You would think that parts needing normal mtce replacement would be mounted in more reachable places. But, remember the Monza, had to loosen motor mount and raise engine 6 inches to change plugs.....
:flash:

[Heep]

Thanks for posting that useful info...it's stuff like this that really benefits everybody