whitall

How difficult is it to change a fuel filter? I have the 24V DOHC engine. If I can't do it myself (I'm not too handy), is it OK to let pep boys do? It seems like a small job for a busy shop. How long should it take a person who knows how to do it (on other cars).

Ford says mine is very old, but the pressure, etc is ok. How do I know when it must be changed?

whitall

Just me again, adding more info. I found out some prices and they are all over the place.

Is it my engine or what!! (24V DOHC on a 2001). I called Pep Boys and they want $30 for the part and $58 to install it, somehow he added that up to $100.71! OUCH! (NAPA part is like $15.)

Called Jiffy Lube and they do it for $59.99, but when I questioned if it is the same for all cars she didn't know. A guy came on and did say that some Tauruses they don't/can't do and that I should stop in and they can tell me.

Looking like I may as well use a "real" shop. The guy I bought the car from had claimed it was done about 12,000 miles ago, less than 2 years anyhow. Yet, Ford says it looks very old. Maybe the guy was confused and he never did it because it was too hard? He would have done it himself...he did his oil and his trans fluid changes himself.

OH MY GOSH! I just called a "real" shop, they want $50-60 and FORD says it's $70. What is Pep Boys thinking? I may do Ford as my son can have an appt and wait. The other shop is a leave it in the morning shop, and I don't know if I trust Jiffy Lube. I don't think I want to mess with this myself....

jwko

It's not a hard job to change the fuel filter. My local Auzozone has it for 15 bucks http://www.autozone.com/R,APP941154/...ductDetail.htm

Jack up the right rear and remove the bolt holding the filter in place, pull the plastic retainers and remove the lines (lines just slide on held by plastic clips). There will probably be a small quick spray but won't be too much (lay a towel under filter area) put lines on new filter push in new clips (if included) and bolt back up to frame. Should take aprox 10 minutes.

tbird100636

WARNING!!! DO NOT TRY TO INSTALL THE CLIPS WITH THE LINES ON THE FILTER ALREADY!!! THE CLIPS WILL BREAK!!! You have to put the clips in the slots on the end of the lines, then put the lines on the filter. Push the lines on until they click. The first time I did a fuel filter on a Taurus I tried to put the clips in after the lines were on and broke the clips.

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Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic