Fuel Filter

[jtedm]

How do I go about changing the fuel filter on a 04 HO. Never have changed it myself before? And I would like to change the air filter also. I was told that if I open up the air filter I will need to put a new 1 in?



Thanks

jtedm

 

[rbattelle]

Fuel filter change is simple:



1. Open the drain (turn the little yellow handle) until fuel stops coming out. THEN TURN OFF THE DRAIN!

2. Using a 1-1/8" socket, remove the filter canister cover.

3. Pull up on the canister cover; the filter is attached to the underside of it.

4. Turn the filter to unlock it and remove it from the cover.

5. Remove the o-ring (new filter will come with one).

6. Apply a small amount of engine oil to the new o-ring and install it on the filter lid.

7. Lock the new filter in place under the lid.

8. Place the filter/lid assembly back on the canister and tighten to 25 ft-lb (just "snug it up").

9. "Bump" the starter, but don't start the vehicle. Leave the key in "RUN". You will hear the lift pump run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Repeat the process once.

10. Start the truck and check for leaks.



BTW, this procedure is probably repeated 1000 times in this forum... a quick search would have pulled up many examples. (which begs the question, why did I take the time to write it all out?)



-Ryan

 

[MacHaggis]

Only things I'd add to Ryan's very good procedure are a couple of tips. They might seem obvious, but . . .



A) Before Step 1, trace the drain hose until you find the bottom and wedge a container of your choice into the assorted parts to catch the fuel that will empty from the filter housing when you open the drain. Remember to remove this container. Remember to remove this container. Remember . . . Some folks have used hose, connector and clamps to extend the lower end of the hose in question down to a more convenient spot.



B) THEN TURN OFF THE DRAIN. Can't say that often enough. I usually do this AFTER removing the filter element from the housing, as it tends to drip more fuel as it's removed. Then I TURN OFF THE DRAIN.



Forgetting B is not a problem if I've also forgotten to remove the container in A. Do not ask how I learned this.

 

[jwduke]

Because you are a great guy Ryan, thats why you took the time to type it out!!!

 

[kowaliga]

Being a new member, but having read the TDR for two years, I agree and laud Ryan not only for his courteous responses but for their accuracy, as well. Sorry to hijack.

 

[barbwire]

Hey Ryan, you forgot one step! You forgot to tell him the best way to get the scum out of the container. I need to hear it too.

 

[rbattelle]

You guys are making me blush.



Good question about the scum in the canister. There are 2 schools of thought on the matter: to wipe it out or not wipe it out. In my opinion, the risk of getting some lint from a paper towel on the "clean" side of the canister isn't worth the benefit from cleaning out the scum. Remember that the "post" that is in the center of the filter is where the clean fuel is drawn, so as long as that post remains clean and free of dirt/scum/grit, it doesn't make any difference how much junk is sitting inside the remainder of the container.



Having said that, I have another filter mounted between the stock filter and the CP-3, so now I definetly clean out the stock canister when I change the filter. But only because I have a downstream filter to catch anything I inadvertantly introduce. Before I had the secondary filter I was a non-wiper.



I'm not aware of any "wipers" who have ruined an injector or CP-3 as a direct result of introducing some piece of lint on the clean side of the filter canister. Bottom line: it's a matter of personal preference and risk tolerance. Just like the stock market.



-Ryan

P. S. - and sincere thanks for the compliments.

 

[RMarkey]

wouldn't a good shot of starting fluid clean the scum out, then let evap of course before reinstalling? no lint poss. I haven't actually done it myself yet so I might not know what I'm talking about, but at work we use starting fluid by the case weekly, works great.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I would be willing to let you practice on my 97.



Not only would it help you gain experience, but you would realize how fortunate you are when changing an 04.

 

[MacHaggis]

"realize how fortunate you are when changing an 04"



Yep. I had a real eye-opener last summer. Helping a friend (mostly justs handing him tools ) with a shade-tree away-from-home replacement of a return line on his '97. Several access possibilities, none easy. He decided it ws better to pull the air horn than to drop the filter and have to reprime it. That'll tell ya somethin'!