I don't know when the truck need a fuel filter change and how are the sinthom or problem that the dirt can cause to my truck. Thanks for any help and how to do it or if I need to bring the truck to my machanic. Thanks again. I need few sugestions.

F-150 1997
LARiAT 4.6 V8
3.55 slip,K&N filter
tail light cover
6 CD Changer, Leather interior

 

You can do this yourself, but you will have to buy a 10-17 dollar tool to disengage the filter from the line. I think the metal (sissor type) is best. The hard part is getting the very stiff spring filter holder to flex open to get the filter out. There is a good post in the archives (I think) section, with step/step directions. My check engine light was coming on frequently, and changing it, stopped it . I did mine at 25k, but others are doing it more frequently. I have heard that garages are charging a lot to do it, and the tool will be used again. I don't know why they changed to this type of connection, my previous F-150, E-350, and present '92 Town car's filters had plactic clips to hold the lines--and no probs with them and they were easier to change. All this takes is strength to slip the filter out of the bracket--the tool disconnect works easily.

 

Watch out of the gas, I got drenched when I did it. Wear goggle for sure, gas in the eye hurts! I also got pretty cut up while trying to pull the darn filter from the retainer. That darn clamp holds that filter on tight (pull it straight; out sliding it to the either side does not work). I also found that having a lot of room under that car helps, I jacked mine up (if you jack it up be sure to chalk the tires [saftey first]). There are some good how to articles of the filter change too, be sure to read those. Good luck.



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Erik
etimmer@Pharmacy.Arizona.EDU

97 150 XLT 4.6L V8
K&N Filter
Vel. Tube (soon)

My Web Page (not much here)

 

I paid $8-10 for the tool, by K D, I think.
I leave it sit overnight to drop fuel pressure, or bleed it off at Shraeder valve on Fuel Rail. Then I disconnect lines with the tool. Then unbolt bracket holding the Filter from the frame rail. This allows chucking the bracket into a vise, or using Gloves on it to pop it out of bracket. I find it much easier to do that way, with it out in the open.
I think somewhere in the early 90's they went to this style fitting, as my old truck has the same type. I have had no problems with them. I have also had the type with the plastic hairpin retainer clip, on older vehicles than that.

 

I used to have a Jimmy, at 165,000 I put some fuel system cleaner in it. The gas tank had corroded and the cleaner washed it all up to my engine, basically if you don't change your fuel filter your truck will gradually loose performance it is comparable to having clogged arteries, it will eventually quit then you got about $700 of work so no matter what the costs change your filter (I need to take my own advice I have never done it). That is the problem you will have.

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'97 F-150 XLT Expidition front end (no idea why). 17inch 4x4 wheels with 32 inch tires flowmasters with tips, K&N filter, 5-spd, 4.2 V-6 bedliner, bright clearcoat red, stepside, hidden hitch, 3.55 gear ratio, tinted windows and a BIG reg ford sticker on the back window (my greatest joy is cutting people off who have calvin pissin on the ford sign and they HAVE to look at my big red sticker)

 

WALDO described it very well. I try to change my fuel filter every 4th oil change and I do oil every 3k. Once I get my new truck, I'm going to start using synthetic oil, and will maybe change every 6k. So I will start changing the fuel filter every 2nd oil change.

Most people don't realize that just by changing your fuel filter on a regular basis really makes life easier on your fuel pump, injectors, valves, etc. and keeps your engine at top performance.

I use a good quality fuel injector cleaner every 4th fill-up. This might be a little bit overkill, but I found if you do this, you never have a problem with dirty injectors in the long term. Some of this gas these places sell us is *****!!! I try to only use Amaco or Texaco premium from a NEW gas station, but sometimes you just get caught in a bind and have to settle for less.

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Boss™

Just Ordered 2001 F-150 Lariat, Oxford White/Silver 4x4, medium graphite leather, SC, SB, SS, 99L 5.4L, 44E tran, 7700# payload, Class III Tow, 3.73LS, Skids, Capts chairs, 4W disc ABS, shift-on-fly, keyless, HD everything
Planned Mods:
"Protected by Smith&Wesson" sticker, Westin Chromed Stainless Nerf Bars, ARE LS II bed cover, Bedrug™, Gibson Swept Side Cat Back, K&N filter w/airbox mods, headers, Superchip, 3" body lift with at least 33's, alarm/pager/auto start system, stereo system