Fuel Filter - The Ford Focus Forum

**nilo** · 02-16-2002, 11:45 AM

I just got finshed changing my fuel filter and I noticed that the fuel that dripped out of fuel filter was extremely dirty. I know that its job is to filter out all the crap that is in the gasoline but I just wanted to know if there wasn't anything wrong in addition. To me the stuff looks like rust and maybe the filter was rusting inside. It sure was rusting on the outside pretty bad. Here is the pic of the stuff that came out of the fuel filter:

**schnack** · 02-16-2002, 01:52 PM

How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.

**zetecwagon** · 02-16-2002, 03:32 PM

If you buy your gas at the same place most of the time go elswhere.

**jptech2004** · 02-17-2002, 12:17 AM

it looks like rust but it may be just debris in your filter and the oil color makes it look like rust. pour off as much oil as you can and keep the stuff at the bottom in that container and set it in an airy area. if it continues to oxidize then it's rust.

**PA 3L SVT** · 02-19-2002, 12:30 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by schnack:
How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.<hr></blockquote>

Fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles.

**nilo** · 02-19-2002, 09:03 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by schnack:
How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.<hr></blockquote>

I changed mine at 45K miles.. a little late on my part. maybe this was the problem

**LastRites** · 02-20-2002, 05:59 AM

I had mine changed at 19K and it was quite restricted. It only gets gas from reputable places and avoided filling up when the gas truck was there. I'm thinking 30K may be a little long to change.

**bitwiz** · 02-20-2002, 09:19 AM

I was going to start a "how to change fuel filter" today, and then I saw this thread. Wicked [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Anyways, how would I change the fuel filter and what tools do I need?

**nilo** · 02-20-2002, 11:28 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by bitwiz:
I was going to start a "how to change fuel filter" today, and then I saw this thread. Wicked [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Anyways, how would I change the fuel filter and what tools do I need?<hr></blockquote>

Some basic instructions:

1) Open the relay box under the hood and take out the relay for the fuel system which is number 12 and blue color on my ZX3.

2) Turn on engine and let it run in netral for 5-10 minutes until the engine stalls. Mine took about 15 minutes.

3)Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery and support your vehicle appropriately. I used ramps under the rear wheels but I would recommend jack stands because it was a little tight for me underneath the car.

4)The fuel filter is located in front of the gas tank towards the right side underneath the car. You should easily be able to spot it.

5)Unbolt the bracket that holds the filter from the frame and disconnect the the fuel lines from each end of the filter. The service manual recommends using a special tool to disconnect the lines but you can easily do with your fingers by pressing on the tabs until the ring pops out. You'll know what I mean when you look at it. Make sure you put a pan underneath when disconnecting the filter because gasoline will spill out.

6)Connect the new filter in. The fuel hose on both sides should snap back on easily . Bolt the bracket back on the frame. Put the relay back in and connect the ground cable.

Took about 30 minutes for me to do.

[ 02-20-2002: Message edited by: nilo ]

**bitwiz** · 02-21-2002, 12:11 AM

Thank you.

**schnack** · 02-21-2002, 08:04 PM

Thanks a lot for the info, i'm going to change mine tomorrow, i'll list my results soon!

**Seawolf** · 02-22-2002, 03:58 PM

You could also use the fuel cut-off switch in the passenger's side kick-panel to shut off fuel as well (like pulling the relay). Just an FYI.

**schnack** · 02-23-2002, 02:35 PM

I just changed my feul filter, i didn't notice any rust or debris.....i don't know, i could be kidding myself, revs feel stronger. The part was $19.00 at the local dealer. Godd luck to every one.

**CTRacing04** · 10-25-2006, 06:24 PM

do I have to do this on an empty tank? i live in an apartment complex and was wondering, last thing i need is fuel all over the parking lot. Thanks. Oh i have 65k and this hasn't been changed, i was told by the local oil shop place that theywould charge $75, but i figured i could buy the part and do it for way less. heck tranny oil change was 99k, i passed. lol

**LamarWH** · 10-25-2006, 10:47 PM

Yeah I went through 4 fuel filters in 130k miles in my old ZX3. It about time I change the FF onmy SVT, got about 40k mi, I'm assuming its the same part #. Gonna do it this weekend.

**CTRacing04** · 10-31-2006, 04:33 PM

Well I went and bought the filter at Pepboys for like ~17 bucks after tax. I went to my dads house and we did it there. It was easy and maybe 1 or 2 drops of gas. I didn't disconnect the battery or any fuses. I must tell you I wish i would have done this sooner. My car doesn't hesitate any more and doesn't have the hard starts it would have. It also pulls really hard just like when it was new. Im really happy as i thought maybe my engine was already going by by since it was so sluggish and would hesitate at steady freeway speeds.

**Jlongoria9** · 10-31-2006, 05:16 PM

what brand do u guys use?

**DisrupTer911** · 10-31-2006, 06:40 PM

motorcraft.

**boostedzx3** · 10-31-2006, 07:00 PM

I change mine every 12k miles, then again i'm boosted and anal about things like that. I will only use sunoco 93 too.

**LamarWH** · 11-01-2006, 12:13 AM

Did mine, fuel that came out the filter was clear. Picked up mine @ Autozone.

**Jibberish18** · 11-01-2006, 12:25 AM

Purolator. Just about any filter I pick up is usually Purolator.

**Busted_00_ZX3** · 11-01-2006, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nilo

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by bitwiz:
I was going to start a "how to change fuel filter" today, and then I saw this thread. Wicked [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Anyways, how would I change the fuel filter and what tools do I need?<hr></blockquote>

Some basic instructions:

[ 02-20-2002: Message edited by: nilo ]

Good stuff man I need to do mine too. I got my from the orig owner its got about 78k on it. Its going to look like alabama clay when i unbolt it.

Edit: also, purolator usually the best in any instance.

**MillerTime** · 11-01-2006, 11:57 AM

With the fuel pump in the tank and as long as the line is not pressurized (let it sit for about 10 - 20 min or remove the fuse and try to crank at said earlier) you should not get any more then a few drops. The Pump creates a plug at one end so when you take the filter off the little bit of fuel that at the ends will come out but it will create a vacuum at the other end so it will not drain a bunch of gas all over.

As far as doing it in an apartment complex it should be fine.

I did mine and that hardest part was getting that darn screw undone off the metal retaining bracket. After that it was maybe 10 min if that.

**Silfox** · 11-02-2006, 05:55 PM

I did mine Tuesday and I found that if you unclip the fuel lines along the bottom of the car it gives you more play room.

**nilo** · 11-02-2006, 05:59 PM

wow.. my own thread raised from the dead..

02-16-2002, 11:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
nilo TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Troylet , NY, US Posts: 819	Fuel Filter I just got finshed changing my fuel filter and I noticed that the fuel that dripped out of fuel filter was extremely dirty. I know that its job is to filter out all the crap that is in the gasoline but I just wanted to know if there wasn't anything wrong in addition. To me the stuff looks like rust and maybe the filter was rusting inside. It sure was rusting on the outside pretty bad. Here is the pic of the stuff that came out of the fuel filter:

02-16-2002, 01:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
schnack TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 844	Re: Fuel Filter How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.

02-16-2002, 03:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
zetecwagon Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio USA Posts: 1,212	Re: Fuel Filter If you buy your gas at the same place most of the time go elswhere.

02-17-2002, 12:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
jptech2004 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Jason) Irving, TX Posts: 13,604	Re: Fuel Filter it looks like rust but it may be just debris in your filter and the oil color makes it look like rust. pour off as much oil as you can and keep the stuff at the bottom in that container and set it in an airy area. if it continues to oxidize then it's rust.

02-19-2002, 12:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
PA 3L SVT TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Conshohocken, PA Posts: 106	Re: Fuel Filter <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by schnack: How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.<hr></blockquote> Fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles.

02-19-2002, 09:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
nilo TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Troylet , NY, US Posts: 819	Re: Fuel Filter <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by schnack: How many miles did you have on that fuel filter? My problems with fuel starvation are getting worse, maybe first I'll change my fuel filter.<hr></blockquote> I changed mine at 45K miles.. a little late on my part. maybe this was the problem

02-20-2002, 05:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
LastRites Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Tacoma / Ft. Lewis, WA. Posts: 1,786	Re: Fuel Filter I had mine changed at 19K and it was quite restricted. It only gets gas from reputable places and avoided filling up when the gas truck was there. I'm thinking 30K may be a little long to change.

02-20-2002, 09:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
bitwiz Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Whitby, Ontario Posts: 1,491	Re: Fuel Filter I was going to start a "how to change fuel filter" today, and then I saw this thread. Wicked [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Anyways, how would I change the fuel filter and what tools do I need?

02-20-2002, 11:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
nilo TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Troylet , NY, US Posts: 819	Re: Fuel Filter <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by bitwiz: I was going to start a "how to change fuel filter" today, and then I saw this thread. Wicked [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Anyways, how would I change the fuel filter and what tools do I need?<hr></blockquote> Some basic instructions: 1) Open the relay box under the hood and take out the relay for the fuel system which is number 12 and blue color on my ZX3. 2) Turn on engine and let it run in netral for 5-10 minutes until the engine stalls. Mine took about 15 minutes. 3)Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery and support your vehicle appropriately. I used ramps under the rear wheels but I would recommend jack stands because it was a little tight for me underneath the car. 4)The fuel filter is located in front of the gas tank towards the right side underneath the car. You should easily be able to spot it. 5)Unbolt the bracket that holds the filter from the frame and disconnect the the fuel lines from each end of the filter. The service manual recommends using a special tool to disconnect the lines but you can easily do with your fingers by pressing on the tabs until the ring pops out. You'll know what I mean when you look at it. Make sure you put a pan underneath when disconnecting the filter because gasoline will spill out. 6)Connect the new filter in. The fuel hose on both sides should snap back on easily . Bolt the bracket back on the frame. Put the relay back in and connect the ground cable. Took about 30 minutes for me to do. [ 02-20-2002: Message edited by: nilo ]</p>

02-21-2002, 12:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
bitwiz Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Whitby, Ontario Posts: 1,491	Re: Fuel Filter Thank you.

02-21-2002, 08:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
schnack TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 844	Re: Fuel Filter Thanks a lot for the info, i'm going to change mine tomorrow, i'll list my results soon!

02-22-2002, 03:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
Seawolf TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: in the Chi-Town area Posts: 849	Re: Fuel Filter You could also use the fuel cut-off switch in the passenger's side kick-panel to shut off fuel as well (like pulling the relay). Just an FYI.

02-23-2002, 02:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
schnack TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Dearborn, MI Posts: 844	Re: Fuel Filter I just changed my feul filter, i didn't notice any rust or debris.....i don't know, i could be kidding myself, revs feel stronger. The part was $19.00 at the local dealer. Godd luck to every one.

10-25-2006, 06:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
CTRacing04 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 169	Re: Fuel Filter do I have to do this on an empty tank? i live in an apartment complex and was wondering, last thing i need is fuel all over the parking lot. Thanks. Oh i have 65k and this hasn't been changed, i was told by the local oil shop place that theywould charge $75, but i figured i could buy the part and do it for way less. heck tranny oil change was 99k, i passed. lol __________________ -04' 2.3L hatchback, custom Intake, Catback exhaust

10-25-2006, 10:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
LamarWH Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,580	Re: Fuel Filter Yeah I went through 4 fuel filters in 130k miles in my old ZX3. It about time I change the FF onmy SVT, got about 40k mi, I'm assuming its the same part #. Gonna do it this weekend.

10-31-2006, 06:40 PM	#18 (permalink)
DisrupTer911 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bloomfield, New Jersey Posts: 15,205	Re: Fuel Filter motorcraft. __________________ 2009 Ice White R-Design Volvo C30 : Strictly \| Focused myFlickr : Canon : Sigma : Tamron : Induro : Domke [FJ] \| Sponsors \| Store \| Guidelines \| Ext. How-To \| Int. How-To \| Mid-Atlantic \| [FJ]

10-31-2006, 04:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
CTRacing04 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 169	Re: Fuel Filter Well I went and bought the filter at Pepboys for like ~17 bucks after tax. I went to my dads house and we did it there. It was easy and maybe 1 or 2 drops of gas. I didn't disconnect the battery or any fuses. I must tell you I wish i would have done this sooner. My car doesn't hesitate any more and doesn't have the hard starts it would have. It also pulls really hard just like when it was new. Im really happy as i thought maybe my engine was already going by by since it was so sluggish and would hesitate at steady freeway speeds. __________________ -04' 2.3L hatchback, custom Intake, Catback exhaust

10-31-2006, 05:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jlongoria9 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: TX Posts: 1,120	Re: Fuel Filter what brand do u guys use?

10-31-2006, 07:00 PM	#19 (permalink)
boostedzx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Enola, PA Posts: 5,869	Re: Fuel Filter I change mine every 12k miles, then again i'm boosted and anal about things like that. I will only use sunoco 93 too. __________________ Looking for a riding mower, snow thrower, push mower, weed wacker? Contact me, or email at LNservices@ymail.com Photoshop this euro kit and wheels on my car pleaz! http://forums.focaljet.com/focus-con...it-my-car.html

11-01-2006, 12:13 AM	#20 (permalink)
LamarWH Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,580	Re: Fuel Filter Did mine, fuel that came out the filter was clear. Picked up mine @ Autozone.

11-01-2006, 12:25 AM	#21 (permalink)
Jibberish18 I Now Post Stupid **** Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,620	Re: Fuel Filter Purolator. Just about any filter I pick up is usually Purolator. __________________ "If You Never Had The Bad Times, How Would You Know You Had The Good Times?" -DEATH

11-01-2006, 11:57 AM	#23 (permalink)
MillerTime TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 712	Re: Fuel Filter With the fuel pump in the tank and as long as the line is not pressurized (let it sit for about 10 - 20 min or remove the fuse and try to crank at said earlier) you should not get any more then a few drops. The Pump creates a plug at one end so when you take the filter off the little bit of fuel that at the ends will come out but it will create a vacuum at the other end so it will not drain a bunch of gas all over. As far as doing it in an apartment complex it should be fine. I did mine and that hardest part was getting that darn screw undone off the metal retaining bracket. After that it was maybe 10 min if that. __________________ 2001 ZX3 2.0L Zetec (On it's second life)- Motor - SVT Header, SVT High Flow Cat, SVT Flex pipe, SVT MagnaFlow CatBack, IceMan intake tube, FS coolflow Air Intake, FC 65 mm TB, Screamin' Deamon Coil & wires, FS 91 Octane Tune Trany - Steeda Tri-Ax/f shifter with RS shift knob, FS Alum Flywheel, Luk Gold Clutch, F2 TurnKey Tranny with 4.06 gears Suspension - FS Strut Bars, Eibach Sway bars, Koni Sport Kit, VF rear engine mount, LCR Camber Plates

11-02-2006, 05:55 PM	#24 (permalink)
Silfox [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Austin, TX 78729 Posts: 7,657	Re: Fuel Filter I did mine Tuesday and I found that if you unclip the fuel lines along the bottom of the car it gives you more play room.

11-02-2006, 05:59 PM	#25 (permalink)
nilo TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Troylet , NY, US Posts: 819	Re: Fuel Filter wow.. my own thread raised from the dead..

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