replacing fuel filter--help

[lrall]

so ive got a new fuel filter, and some clippy things. The mechanic i talked to said i might/might not need them. Its a 2002 Taurus SES, he said to de-pressurize the fuel system by unscrewing a part and 'pushing it in' im assuming thats the lil white/black guy and push on the hole w/ a pick or something similiar. Then pull of the clips and put the new one on? im confused as he said there were 2 types of clips and he said if 1 breaks im screwd....should i run sea-foam through it first or would that not even make a difference in the fuel? 50K miles FYI...walk through, comments, anything is welcome, thanks guys and gals

[shorod]

I think what the technician is referring to for releasing the fuel pressure is via the fuel pressure schreader valve on the fuel rail. However, as you understand, the fuel will be under significant pressure and therefore, when the valve is pressed, fuel will spray out. You obviously need to take appropriate precautions. I suggest using a fuel pressure gauge with relief hose, then direct the hose into an appropriate container and release the fuel into that.

No point in running Seafoam or other injector cleaner through the old filter, replace the filter, then put the cleaner in.

As for the clips, yes, there are a couple of different styles used fora range of model years. This has been addressed before, along with where you can get the correct clips if you need the other style or break/lose yours. Search the forum for keywords.

-Rod

[Willyum]

Is really a very simple job. No need to get fancy to release fuel line pressure. Slip one hose off the filter and the gasoline will drain out into your oil drain pan anyway. After you install the plastic clips, pull on the hoses to see that they are secured and won't slip off.

[wrightz28]

That may be 'acceptable' on car that's been stting for a while (like a week) and the pressure has bled off on it's own, but highly not recommended.

Cracking open a pressurized system to the tune of atleast 35-40 psi of flamable liquid and getting sprayed in the face or on a hot exhaust system and igniting is not the way I'd want to spend my day.

[MooseNelson]

I just recently changed mine, give a 30% performance boost, and better mileage.

Pretty easy, just JACK the car up (USE JACKS!!)

Get underneath, shine a flashlight on what yur doing:

use some needle nose pliers and try to push the white clips out from the fuel line connectors, don't worry if you break them, the new filter comes with them.

unscrew the holder and slide the filter from its place

stick the new one in, make sure in correct direction (arrow)

lock in...

first time you start you neeed to floor it, to get some fuel through the system.... whhhhhhhh rhhhhhhhh rhhhhhhhhh....rooooooommmm

[shorod]

Well, flooring the throttle (WOT) when trying to start the car will actually shut the injectors off (so you can get a flooded car to start). The recommended method is usually to turn the key to run, the fuel pump will run to prime the system, turn the key off for 3 or more seconds, turn the key back to run, etc. Do this about 4 times and the fuel system should be properly pressurized.

-Rod

[lrall]

wow, real easy to do, pressure? right..... i pushed out the clips(paaaain in the booty) and then just pulled the fuel filter out w/ a pan underneath, it just dribbled out, i pulled slowly of course. then shove the new one in clippy clippy and your done!! also did my spark plugs and ran some sea foam through it!! hope its all worth it ahah. Thanks for all the help