AU Fuel Filter Modifications

SirHenry · 28-07-2012, 01:26 PM

G'day All,

Anyone got any ideas for modifying the location and/or the type (ie how to get rid of that stupid nut) of the fuel filter on the AU's??

I had previously thought the most stupidest part on an AU was the sump plug but after attempting to replace the fuel filter I now know it is the fuel filter nut.

Even following the replacement guide and the gregory's guide all you really end up doing is stripping the head of the nut and needing to replace the fuel line. Probably needs very high quality/good fitting spanner to avoid stripping the nut.

You would think for an item which needs to be regularly replaced it would be better located and designed.

Don't get me wrong I love my AU but really there are just some things you would love to change about the AU. eg fuel filter under the bonnet

my67xr · 28-07-2012, 04:12 PM

get yourself a set of these,
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...17#Description

or tool shops will sell better brands too,
i paid $20 for 1x sidchrome one years ago.

smally289 · 28-07-2012, 04:30 PM

As above but I bought one of these

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....e=&dir=catalog

Never had a filter that beat me since I got it over 10 years ago.

Day-mow · 28-07-2012, 08:46 PM

Only problem I've ever had with them was getting it to seal properly.

**aussiblue** · 28-07-2012, 11:03 PM

Alos see:
http://www.rycofilters.com.au/librar...73_fitment.pdf

fordman302 · 29-07-2012, 06:16 AM

As above, grab a flare nut spanner, i havent ever had a problem with mine

SirHenry · 29-07-2012, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my67xr

get yourself a set of these,
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl...17#Description

or tool shops will sell better brands too,
i paid $20 for 1x sidchrome one years ago.

that's not a bad idea, very handy for the tool box

will try that and see how I go thanks muchly

Should try and get the Flare Spanner added to the how to guide.

dieseltrain79 · 29-07-2012, 10:01 PM

Yep , I needed to change fuel filters on the AU and Soarer . Both same sized lines and nuts .

Went to repco and bought a flare nut wrench

never looked back since !

SirHenry · 30-07-2012, 07:23 PM

Update!

Got Flare nut spanner, very impressed by it very good buy at $6

Only problem now is need to find someone with the muscles of Samson to budge the fricking thing.

After second attempt damn thing will still not budge. At least the head of the flare nut is not stripping with is good means the flare spanner is fantastic.

Had enough mechanic can have fun with it although up on a hoist would provide valuable leverage you can get on car stands.

I have now elevated Fuel Filter to number 1 position of most stupidest part on the AU just a smidgen above door actuators.

Thank you all the for the help I will be very curious to see how much fun they have with it.

dieseltrain79 · 30-07-2012, 08:13 PM

Use a pipe over the spanner or double another ring spanner in the other end for more leverage . Make sure you are using a spanner on the filter as well , crack both in opposite directions and away you go . Once cracked its easy

but I have arms like a gorilla so , lol

BHDOGS · 31-07-2012, 08:43 AM

Spray some penetrating oil in it might help loosen in up or hacksaw of by the old filter type with double hose ends and install that with a strong hose clamp

SirHenry · 31-07-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHDOGS

Spray some penetrating oil in it might help loosen in up or hacksaw of by the old filter type with double hose ends and install that with a strong hose clamp

Good idea! might be an idea for the next one, got it booked in with mechanic $63 to remove frustration.

I still want one to be like my old corolla, nice easy plastic in the engine bay easily accessible, unclip fasteners install new one and done.

BRADFORD000 · 02-08-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

G'day All,

Anyone got any ideas for modifying the location and/or the type (ie how to get rid of that stupid nut) of the fuel filter on the AU's??

I had previously thought the most stupidest part on an AU was the sump plug but after attempting to replace the fuel filter I now know it is the fuel filter nut.

Even following the replacement guide and the gregory's guide all you really end up doing is stripping the head of the nut and needing to replace the fuel line. Probably needs very high quality/good fitting spanner to avoid stripping the nut.

You would think for an item which needs to be regularly replaced it would be better located and designed.

Don't get me wrong I love my AU but really there are just some things you would love to change about the AU. eg fuel filter under the bonnet

Whats wrong with the sump plug ?

fordman302 · 03-08-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRADFORD000

Whats wrong with the sump plug ?

Hey What??

Quote:

Originally Posted by BHDOGS

Spray some penetrating oil in it might help loosen in up or hacksaw of by the old filter type with double hose ends and install that with a strong hose clamp

Probably want to avoid this as much as possible, there can be allot of presure in fuel lines, in saying that i have managed to make a seal with 2 clamps myself but its something i wouldn't want to have to do again

hawke · 03-08-2012, 07:16 PM

There's a fuel filter???

I've been servicing my AU ute for the last 7 years, and never seen or heard of one. Where is it, and when should it be changed?

dieseltrain79 · 03-08-2012, 07:32 PM

It's under the passenger side floor just in front of the rear wheel .

From memory it's 14mm or 9/16 on the fuel lines .

Barnaby · 03-08-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordman302

Hey What??

Probably want to avoid this as much as possible, there can be allot of presure in fuel lines, in saying that i have managed to make a seal with 2 clamps myself but its something i wouldn't want to have to do again

Pull the fuel pump relay and start the car. This clears the fuel out of the fuel lines. Not all of it but at least it's not under pressure.

fordman302 · 03-08-2012, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnaby

Pull the fuel pump relay and start the car. This clears the fuel out of the fuel lines. Not all of it but at least it's not under pressure.

Thats for removing the filter and changing it but i think he was talking about the hose clamp idea being a permanent fix

Barnaby · 03-08-2012, 09:11 PM

My bad...

dieseltrain79 · 04-08-2012, 08:19 AM

Also not a good idea to run the lines dry . Injectors require fuel as their lubricant and can be damaged if run dry .

SirHenry · 04-08-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRADFORD000

Whats wrong with the sump plug ?

What's wrong with the sump plug is that it is a locktite style one unless u know to tighten it first before you undo it you will strip the thread and have to get it machined. quite a few posts on that one.

sk8xr8 · 04-08-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

What's wrong with the sump plug is that it is a locktite style one unless u know to tighten it first before you undo it you will strip the thread and have to get it machined. quite a few posts on that one.

What are you on about???

SirHenry · 04-08-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8xr8

What are you on about???

nothing to worry about was just having a whinge and wished some parts on the AU were a little easier.

All good now though the AU's are still one heck of a car IMO.

BRADFORD000 · 26-08-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

What's wrong with the sump plug is that it is a locktite style one unless u know to tighten it first before you undo it you will strip the thread and have to get it machined. quite a few posts on that one.

Never have i had or heard of this problem. I was always told to replace the sump plug every few oil changes anyway

mik · 26-08-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawke

There's a fuel filter???

I've been servicing my AU ute for the last 7 years, and never seen or heard of one. Where is it, and when should it be changed?

from memory it`s about every 90,000 k`s, there are a couple of different types that look the same , but the sealing area`s are slightly different, if you get the wrong one it will pee fuel everywhere, this is one item i get the date of manufacture and buy it from from ford spares.