Fuel Filter Change

Republished from http://www.bullittarchive.com/

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The maintenance schedule calls for changing the fuel filter at 30,000 miles. This is a simple
do it yourself item if you have the right tools. This should only take you about 30 minutes
to complete.

Tools needed

• New fuel filter PN Motorcraft PN FG-986B
• A 5/16th inch spring lock release tool
• Common screwdriver

Securely raise the rear of the vehicle. Either backup on ramps or use a jack and jack stands.
The fuel filter is located almost directly above the differential.

There is a schrader valve on the passenger side fuel rail with a black cap on it. The manual shows
using a tool to release the fuel pressure here before changing the fuel filter. I was only able to get
maybe 1 CC of fuel out of the valve.

The fuel lines have about a 1/2" round fitting on the end. Inside this fitting is a captured coiled spring,
like a ball point pen spring bent into a circle. On the fuel filter is a ridge, one side tapered and the
other side of the ridge is straight.

To install the filter you simply press the filter into the housing, and the tapered edge will allow the line to
push the spring out of the way and click into place. Because the other side is straight it can not pull back out
of the housing. Further into the housing is a set of o-rings that the filter end slips into.

To remove the fuel filter you need to use the special tool. The tool slides along the fuel filter line and
contacts the spring in the housing and pushes it out of the way. This allows you to remove the fuel filter.

There is also a safety lock that holds the fuel filter and the line together. This keeps pressure on the lines
so the spring lock is not constantly under pressure.

First pry up the out side end of the safety lock and then swing the clip up and out. Take note
how it tilts into place.

Insert the correct size tool, 5/16 on the fuel filter and slide it towards the outside. If they are the new single piece
plastic ones they are going to be tight and will take a little bit of work to get it to slide over the line the first time.

You will feel resistance when the tool meets the spring. You will feel it click when the spring releases. Once the
tool clicks into place you can pull the fuel line away from the fuel filter. You can place a bucket underneath to
catch the fuel, only a couple of ounces. Next I removed the clamp to have more room for the release tool
to fit around the filter line. Then released the lock same as the other side.

Pull the filter out of the bracket.

Check the ends of the fuel filter to make sure they are round and smooth and then push the tank side line
onto the filter. The arrow on the filter should be pointing to the engine side of the fuel line.

Push the filter into the bracket and slide the radiator clamp on.

Push the other fuel line onto the filter. You will feel it click past the spring lock.

Secure the radiator clamp.

Install the safety locks by tilting the catch into and on the fuel filter line and push down and over the larger housing
on the fuel line side. You can tell which goes on which because one is larger than the other. Larger goes to the
outside on the housing.

That is it. I put the key to run and let the line pressurize and checked for leaks at the filter and at the schrader valve
on the fuel rail also. As long as there are no leaks then you are all set!