2000 F150 4x4 47k miles. First time changing fuel filter, how do I release the pressure in the fuel line. Chilton says to do it but does not tell you how. All help is appreciated. Do I need a special tool??

 

take the gas cap off while you are changing the filter. You will still have some leakage, but it will not have pressure behind it. Hope this helps

 

forgot to mention about the tool required to remove the filter. there is a special tool available for a couple of bucks or so at your favorite parts house, odd looking sucker, but it works.

 

Will that relieve the pressure in the line though? Might want to hit the fuel pump cut out switch on the passenger kick panal with a screwdriver to deactivate it, then run the truck until it dies. Then after the filter is changed, push the button back in to reactivate it.

 

Thanks

 

I just finished mine. I opened the gas cap first and the only gas that came out was the gas in the filter, and not under pressure. I expected a lot more. The plastic tool I bought made all the difference in removing it. It took 5 to 10 minutes. It turned over for about 5 seconds on restart and worked fine with no leaks. Try this link for assistance. How-To Replace Your Fuel Filter
by Darin Cooney (February 2001)
Article and images Copyright ©2001 Darin Cooney
You will need a special tool, part number (K-D 3321) to remove the gas lines. I purchased this at a NAPA store for about $14.00. It's universal and works on (pre1997) F-150's as well. One end of the tool measures 5/16" and seems to work best for the newer F-150's.
If the truck was just used, let it sit for 15 minutes to relieve the pressure in the fuel line and for the exhaust to cool. Some have also pulled the fuse to the fuel pump. I do not. I've changed my fuel filter three times and never had any problems. The fuel filter is located inside the frame just under the driver's door and looks like a Campbell's soup can. Installation time is approximately 30 minutes.
There are two safety clips. Push up on the clip until the "fangs" un-hook from inside the fuel line. Slide the clip back so it's out of your way. Do not remove it just let it dangle. You will reuse them. Repeat for other side.
Now is a good time to stuff a cotton rag under and around the fuel filter. Keep another rag handy, I'll explain later. Don't forget your gloves and eye protection.
Open the tool and place it on the fuel filter line. Once the fuel hose is disengaged from the fuel filter, the hose will still drip with gasoline. Tuck the fuel hose up and out of the way. This will minimize further dripping. Repeat for the other side.
To remove the filter from the bracket, wrap a rag around the filter and grab the two open ends. Place your thumbs on either the upper or lower bracket applying pressure to open the bracket while pulling it out. This is a strong bracket, so you may have to use some force. Blurting out four-letter adjectives may help the removal process. Lots of gasoline will spill out, keep a thirsty rag handy.
Most new fuel filters have an arrow on the outside indicating fuel flow direction. You can see it on left side of the black filter, (the NAPA #3595 is for a 2000 F-150) see pic. The pic of the Fram #G3850 is for a 1997/98 F-150). There is a pre-fitted groove in the bracket to help hold the filter in place.
The new filter just slides onto the line. You will hear it snap in place. Then replace the original clips. Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps.

 

Thanks to all that responded, and special thanks to Thad. You should be a technical writer is you're not ding it already. That's just what I needed.

 

pull the 20 amp fuel pump fuse (under hood number 10) try to start it. that will eliminate any pressure in the system.

 

Another great thread -- everything went just as described! Thanks for all your help!

Another grateful F150online member

John

So far, after buying my 2000 F150 4x4 SuperCab Flareside I have done the following:

K&N Drop-in filter
Denso Iridium Plugs
New fuel filter
New Michelin Cross Terrain SUVs (265/70-17)
Leer Lid - series 500