3rd. Gen. Fuel Filter Change*
 

I changed my fuel filter today and figured I'd take some pictures and explain it. I know most of us have done this a 100 times, but I am sure there are some out there that never have. It is very easy to do.

The first step is rounding up the needed materials:
1. FLEETGUARD FS19856 Premium Fuel Filter (7 micron) I get mine from Genos Garage.
2. A ratchet with a 1 1/8 socket. You can also use a large adjustable wrench, but it will be a pain with the limited amount of room ( This is going to be used to unscrew the cap on your fuel filter canister, since the top is raised and shaped like a nut.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01501.jpg

3. Is a trusty truck step. ( So that you don't bust your rear trying to stand on a five gallon bucket)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01503.jpg

The next step is locating the canister. It is located on the drivers side of the truck and back towards the firewall.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01502.jpg

In this picture, I put the socket and ratchet on the cap to give you a better idea of where it is.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01505.jpg

Before you do anything, make sure that you wipe off the outside of the canister where the top meets it because you don't want to get that stuff in the canister. Mine was covered with dirt and stuff.
Being careful not to pull any wires, using your ratchet unscrew the cap of the canister in a counterclock wise motion. When the top is completely freed, simply grasp it with your hand and pull it straight up slowly so that you don't make a huge mess with the fuel. Just hold it over the canister for a second or two to let the excess fuel drain out of the filter. Bring the assembly out from under the hood and this is what it will look like.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01507.jpg

Simply remove the filter from the cap, (There are little clips that hold it in there) and remove the yellow gasket from the top.
This is what it looks like with nothing on the cap. Note the little clips I was talking about, as this is what holds the filter to it.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01509.jpg

Put your new gasket on the top first and then snap your new filter into place on the cap. Make sure that the hole is facing out or it will not go back into the canister.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSC01512.jpg

Using your finger, rub a little bit of diesel on the new gasket so that it seals when you put it back together.Put your filter into place in the canister and slide it in. Make sure the threads of the top are aligned and tighten by hand until snug. Then using your ratchet snug it up just a bit more, but be very careful not to over tighten it or it will break. Turn the key in the ignition and start your truck.
You are done and have saved yourself anywhere from $50-$90 with only around 10 minutes worth of work. :yeah: