I have a question before I change the fuel filter on my 1998 4.2 V-6. The manual says to release the pressure in the system before I install the new filter. It says to disconnect the fuel switch behind the passenger kick panel, then start the engine. It says that the engine should run for a few seconds, then quit. This should release the pressure. After I disconnected the switch, my truck wouldn't start or run at all, not even for a couple of seconds. Before I swap the filter out, did I release the pressure or not, since my truck didn't start up then stall after I pulled the plug? I just wanted to be safe before I go any further.

Thanks...

Dave

 

did the disconnect the pressure was already relived..if in doubt look on the fuel rail for the shrader valve and push on the stem with a rag just below it(kinda of like a tire stem)..if theres pressure you'll know it...otherwise you should be fine..p.s. make sure when you're under there you have plenty of absorbant towles to catch the fuel that will drain out of the filter...and what ever you do don't place those towels back in your garage..the vapors will be set off by your water heater if thats the location of it...thats in the top ten list of what really ****'s your wife off

 

Dave

You are good to go. My truck (5.4L) will only turn over when I turn the key after I pop the inertia switch to change the fuel filter. The engine will not run..even for a few seconds. The turning over of the engine evidently relieves the pressure...as I have never had a problem the two times I have replaced my fuel filter on this truck. There will still be a small amount of fuel that will leak out after the fuel lines are disconnected from the filter...so watch out!

I also changed the fuel filter once on my previous 2000 F-150 (5.4L), and it did the same thing. It would simply turn over and not run. My 1998 5.4L F-150 was the only one to run for a few seconds then quit before I replaced the fuel filter.