Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) how to change the fuel filter?

[pdxkid]

I am in need of some basic tips/instruction on how to change the fuel filter on my '96. I will admit, I tried the search function, but did not find an answer. I intend to order the manual from Geno's soon, but am planning a trip soon and would like to properly do this job. Thank you in advance.

 

[Joe G.]

First thing is two remove the two nuts that fasten the master cylinder to the power brake booster. That allows you to lean the master cylinder toward the fender to get a little bit more room to work. If you have RWAL instead of four wheel ABS that will give you a lot of room. Disconnect the WIF sensor from the bottom of the fuel filter. I use a little screw driver to deal with the connector. Try not to stab yourself in the finger doing that. Instead of a filter wrench I use a large screwdriver. Easier and quicker. Use the screw driver like a chisel on the upper rim of the filter. Hit a few good licks with a hammer to loosen the filter so you can unscrew it with your hands. Getting the filter out of there is kind of tricky. It has to go under some stuff toward the front before you have room to remove it. Make sure the old center gasket is not still on the screw that holds the fuel filter in place. Remove the drain valve from the old filter and install it in the new one. Moisten the outer and center gaskets on the new filter with fuel and screw it on hand tight. I don't fill the filter with fuel because the inside is the clean side. I don't like to send unfiltered fuel to the IP. Don't forget to reconnect the WIF sensor. Loosen the bleed screw and fill the filter with the push button on the lift pump. It takes quite a few pushes to do that. When you get fuel to the bleed screw tighten it up. Put the master cylinder back in place. It may take a bit of cranking to start or it might not. It will start regardless. If necessary limit crank time to 30 seconds and let the starter cool for two minutes between cranking. Once you have done it a few times it's pretty easy.

 

[pdxkid]

Joe. Sounds relatively easy. Thank you.

 

[kenny61]

If you got long arms like me you can skip moving the master cylinder after loosening it with the screwdriver. I just reach in and twist er off.

 

[hsmith]

Like Joe said, PIA, but only necessary at 10k intervals or so.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Don't forget to drain the fuel out before removing filter you can use decent size water bottle (20 oz. or larger) to drain fuel into then pour the fuel into your tank.

 

[RHestand]

Do these directions also apply to a 98 12V?

It seems like I've read something about the 98 12V uses the same fuel filter as the 98 & half and later, 24V engine. I'm not at sure about this.

TIA for any info on this.

Ray

 

[Joe G.]

The '96 and earlier use a spin on filter. '97 and later use a canister filter so these instructions don't apply.

 

[RHestand]

Can anyone chime in on the best or easiest way to change the canister filter on my 98?

I'll be changing it for the first time in a week or two. In checking it out, it looks like it might be a messy job.

TIA, Ray

 

[Dr.Bob]

Be careful when you disengage the WIF sensor if you break the wire your light will stay on all the time like mine.

 

[Missouri Mule]

RHestand, you would change it like the 94-96 engines except you have a filter that fits into the canister instead of disposible canister,



You would have to drain most (or all of it) of the diesel fuel out of it, unplug the wif sensor take a filter wrench and unloosen it then spin off by hand. There are probalby o-rings invovled so you will have to be on the look out for them.



If your lucky a member with 97 to 99 will chime in with more detailed info.