Hey all

Was going to post this on what did you work onto today, but thought someone might find this helpful if they were searching for it.

Replacing my fuel filter has been on my shortlist for quite some time. Searched the site and came up with different manufacturers and part numbers for suitable substitutes for a fuel filter. Someone listed a WIX part number #33078 (thanks a bunch don’t remember who). I have most big chain automotive places fairly close by but, Oriellys is the closest and they carry a lot of WIX filters. They didn’t have one in stock at my local store but, they were able to get it the next morning by 8:00. Under $20 out the door.

This filter is the exact filter to the OE filter in our cars. It was even made in Poland like our original.

Now to change it.

It’s two nuts and two quick disconnect fuel lines a 20 minute job right? I’m embarrassed to say this job took me about three hour to complete. It’s not that it’s hard, but trying to get at it is the real challenge. Mostly because you are having to get to it through the rear left coil spring, brake lines and suspension components. Just trying to figure out what combination of sockets, extensions and swivels that would work ate up a good bit of my time. If I had to do it again I’m sure I could get it done in under an hour.

I’m going to list how I think you can save yourself a little time and frustration.

Take of the left rear wheel (can’t imagine not)

Release the fuel pressure from the shrader valve on the fuel rail it’s under a small blue cap (mine was on the left side). Note: you should only lose about ½ cup of fuel when you remove the old filter.

There are two nuts left and right of the filter. Remove the one on the right it’s a 10mm. This is the one that holds the FF bracket in place. Leave the bracket on the FF you can easily loosen it and put the new filter in the bracket when you have it removed. Now the quick disconnects are nothing special (Ford type?) hopefully you have the right type of tool. Some tools would be to to big to fit in the space between the filter and the fitting as it’s a bit tight. Anyway, take off the top line first and your almost there. Once you have the top line disconnected bend back the surrounding metal shield and push it downward and out through the bottom. Now it’s a lot easier to remove the bottom disconnect fitting. Putting it back together is pretty much the reverse of this procedure.

I found using a 1/4” hand driver with a socket seems to be what worked best for me.

I was surprised that my filter had never been changed before it was a OE filter dated 08/03. Yeah, as others have said it had a lot of nasty black stuff in the filter. If this task is on your list I say go for it because a new fuel pump is $700+ and this may help avoid a failure. Hope this description helps anyone needing it to make this task easier.



Cheers!



Andrew

 

Might have been me in my working thread here.

 

Hey Rothwell

I really don't think I found the information on your thread I remember it was just a reply on another thread. That said, I just spent the last hour going through your thread and it is awesome and very well done. It's funny how many of the same repairs and tasks we have all done or contemplate doing to our cars. I book marked your thread for future use especially for the seat renewal info you shared. My interior is good (about the same as what you had to work with) but, it could use a going through. I thought the results you got with the kit you used was excellent.

Thanks for directing me to your thread you have a ton of really good info there.

BTW. I see you had a 2005 XJ VDP. I really like this generation and have two in my area I was thinking of taking a look at. I would really like your opinion and thought s on the car if you wouldn't mind sharing them with me. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Cheers!

 

When I replaced the factory fuel filter in my wife's 2006 XK8 at 90,000 miles in September 2015, I found that it was much easier to remove its bracket and then pull down the entire assembly to give me more working room to get at the fuel line connections. Wiping the road grime off those white plastic connection tabs then gave me a clear view of where to press on them in order to release the fuel lines and remove the filter itself. Like others before me, I chose to go with a new Motorcraft FG-986B fuel filter ordered from amazon.com for about $12....

 

Hey Jon

I think we are both saying the same thing. Leaving the bracket attached to the filter and removing them both at the same time. Hope all is well and you're enjoying this beautiful weather we're having.

Cheers!