REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

The fuel filter is located on the firewall in the engine compartment, or mounted on the vehicle's frame right below the engine compartment, and is connected to the fuel hard-lines by high pressure flexible hoses.

1. Reduce the internal pressure of the fuel delivery system — refer to the previously described procedure in this section.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
3. Remove the fuel filter protector plate, which is usually affixed to the filter with two mounting bolts.
4. Disconnect the fuel filter mounting bolt.
5. Using two wrenches, disconnect the high pressure fuel line and the fuel hard-line from the filter. The Monteros are equipped with two high pressure hoses, rather than one high pressure hose and one hard-line.

   To Install:

6. Connect the high pressure line(s) to the fuel filter. First temporarily tighten the flare nut by hand, then tighten it to the specified torque of 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm). Make certain that the fuel hose does not become twisted. Connect the hard-line to the fuel filter with the same amount of torque.
7. Mount the fuel filter with the mounting bolt and install the protector plate.
8. Connect the negative (-) battery cable to the battery.
9. Start the engine (it may take a while for the system to pressurize and start the vehicle).
10. Check for any gasoline leaks from the fuel filter fittings, repair if needed.

    Fig. 1: On some models, the fuel filter is mounted to the frame of the vehicle in this position

    Fig. 2: Use two wrenches when loosening and tightening the high pressure fuel lines to keep them from being damaged

    Fig. 3: The high pressure fuel line fitting can be damaged if the wrong side is turned, or only one wrench is used

    Fig. 4: The fuel and vapor line assembly and component locations — 2.4L Pick-ups

    Fig. 5: The fuel and vapor line assembly and component locations — 3.0L Pick-ups

    Fig. 6: The fuel and vapor line assembly and component locations — pre-1994 Monteros

    Fig. 7: The fuel and vapor line assembly and component locations — 1994–95 Monteros (3.0L 12 valve and 3.5L engines)

    Fig. 8: The fuel and vapor line assembly and component locations — 1994–95 Monteros (3.0L 24 valve California and Federal engines)