AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

[steelblue5505]

Wondering if anyone has changed the retro Bird's gas filter themselves.
I'm thinking of doing myself but I got some questions:
Is it physically difficult?
Does Bird need to be on a lift?
Need any special tools?
Is the task easier if the left front wheel is removed or just turned out of the way?
Any known tips or short cuts?

Thanks,

[Gobird]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Mike, I just did it last week but haven't put up the pics yet. Maybe I can get to that today.


Directions are now in the How to Install section of the site.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26029

[Chuck]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

I did mine as well - NBD - used a WIX gas filter

[GHerndon]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

I replaced my fuel filter recently. I removed the tire and fender liner to access the filter. After the experience I would NOT recommend it to other owners who do not have a lot of experience working on vehicles. Even though I released the fuel pressure I was covered with HOT gasoline when I removed the filter. Also without the special tool it is difficult to release the filter hose connections. I think the danger of the hot gasoline outweighs the benefit of doing it yourself. I believe there is a good chance of a fire unless extreme caution is exercised.

[Leroy]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Ford recomended replacement is every 30,000 miles. I think a plugged up fuel filter would be a pretty rare problem in these times with the filters they have on the pumps at the gas stations and the quality of the gas we put in our cars. Leroy

[Gobird]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Leroy, this is the first time I changed mine after 60,000. I cut the old one in half and it was pretty dirty inside.

[FUN X 3]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

I admire the do-it-yourselfer mechanics here, it's great that they share their knowledge and expertise here on TBN. As for me, I'll leave something like this for my dealer to do.

[steelblue5505]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Spence,
Thanks very much for the procedure & photos for switching out the gas filter. Looks simple enough.
I'd change one step, I'd pull the F4 fuse before putting the Bird up on stands, gets rid the uneasy feeling of opening the door while the car is up in the air instead down on all fours.

Again much appreciated!

[4thTBird]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

What is the cost to have the fuel filter changed by the dealer?

[Gobird]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Andy, It's quoited on my install thread but for my dealer down here it's $48.00 and filter was only $9.00 to buy at Advanced Auto. My dealer is cheaper then what most charge so your cost could be higher.

[Chuck]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Another reason to change it yourself is that it gives you an opportunity to toughly clean beneath the liner. Greg, you got hot fuel out of your line. Having been a back yard mechanic my whole life I knew that some fuel would leak out so I was prepared. I'm not sure if Spence's "how to" thread recommends that you wait a few hours for the fuel pressure to subside but that should help control the fuel leakage.

[steelblue5505]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

How about the plastic push pins that hold the fender liner in place......
should a few extra on hand be necessary or do the originals hold up and go back in and continue to hold like new?

[bottomtime]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Another reason to change it yourself is that it gives you an opportunity to toughly clean beneath the liner. Greg, you got hot fuel out of your line. Having been a back yard mechanic my whole life I knew that some fuel would leak out so I was prepared. I'm not sure if Spence's "how to" thread recommends that you wait a few hours for the fuel pressure to subside but that should help control the fuel leakage.

I have changed many fuel filters on many of my Ford vehicles, and the very first thing you do, is start the engine, let it idle, and then remove the fuel pump fuse, while it is idling until the motor quits running, which it will. This will purge and release the pressure and most of the gas out of the fuel lines. There will still be some fuel remaining in the the filter itself, and a little gas will still be remaining in the lines, not much, because of the routing of the fuel lines there will be gravity keeping a cupful or so, in the low spots on the lines, after the engine quits by itself. Because of the location of the TBird gas filter right next to the engine, never do this procedure with a hot engine, that has been running and just shut down - common sense dictates that. After you are finished, replace the fuel pump fuse, turn the key on, wait a minute of two before you start it, and you will hear the fuel pump pumping in the tank pressurizing the lines again. Most Ford fuel injections systems, carry a fuel line pressure of around 45 to 50 PSI pounds of pressure. That's it - you're done!

[steelblue5505]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Donn
Have you changed the fuel line filter on the retro Bird?

[Gobird]

Re: AnyOne Change Gas Filter Themselves?

Mike, I didn't have any problem reusing the old pins. As long as they are removed properly,pulling the small inner pin out first, you shouldn't have a problem.