Changing Diesel Fuel Filter: Ford Transit Guide

Changing the diesel fuel filter in a Ford Transit can be a challenging task. While some owners opt to seek professional help, others prefer to tackle it themselves. Online forums and communities dedicated to Ford Transit offer a wealth of information and advice on this topic. These forums are a valuable resource for Transit owners, providing step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and a space to share experiences and solutions. The process of changing the fuel filter may vary depending on the Transit model and year, so it is essential to have accurate and model-specific information before attempting any repairs or maintenance.

Bleeding the fuel system

Step 1: Identify the Fuel Pipes

The feed pipe, which supplies fuel to the filter, is usually the larger diameter pipe. The return pipe, which sends fuel back to the tank, is typically the smaller pipe and often has red-coloured clips, while the feed pipe usually has white clips.

Step 2: Prepare for Bleeding

It is recommended to have a priming pump ready to be fitted inline with the feed pipe. Ensure you know the direction of the flow through the priming pump, usually indicated by an arrow.

Step 3: Connect the Priming Pump

Connect one end of the priming pump to the stub on the filter head or the fuel filter outlet, and the other end to the feed pipe leading from the filter to the pump. You may need to use rubber or plastic pipes to make these connections.

Step 4: Pump Diesel

Pump the priming pump until it becomes stiff. This ensures that the fuel filter is filled with diesel.

Step 5: Crank the Engine

With the aid of an assistant, crank the engine while they continue to pump the priming pump. This action forces diesel through to the pump and helps to remove air from the system.

Step 6: Start the Engine and Allow it to Idle

Once the engine starts, let it run at idle for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the priming pump and try to reconnect the pipes quickly to minimise air entry into the system.

Alternative Method:

An alternative method, suggested by a Ford Transit owner, involves turning the ignition on and off. This will activate the fuel pump for a few seconds, priming the system. Locate the tyre valve fitting with a dust cap, usually found to the right of the cylinder head under the bonnet. Push the centre of this valve while turning the ignition on and off to purge trapped air from the system.

Removing the fuel pipes

To remove the fuel pipes, start by taking the pipes off if your Ford Transit is a TDDI. Release the tabs (No. 1 in the picture) and push them back through the coupling. Pull the pipes off the filter. Then, take the clip out of the other pipe (by the arrow in the picture) and gently prise the union out of the filter. Next, press the tab of the filter bracket and pull up the filter to take it off the van. If your Transit is a TDCI, it will have three of the same style pipes on the filter, but the procedure for replacing it is the same.

Removing the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from your Ford Transit, start by locating the filter. The fuel filter is under the van, in front of the fuel tank, usually by the rear axle on the passenger side.

Next, drain the filter. The fuel filter holds about half a litre of fuel, so make sure you have a suitable container to catch the drained fluid. There are arrows on the bowl, housing, and filter itself to indicate the correct alignment for draining.

Once the filter is drained, take the pipes off by releasing the tabs and pushing them back through the coupling. Pull the pipes off the filter. Then, take the clip out of the other pipe by gently prising the union out of the filter.

Now, you can remove the filter itself. Press in the tab of the filter bracket and pull up the filter to detach it from the van. Loosen the screw (if it's a TDCi engine, this will be a Torx screw) and the filter will be free.

When removing the filter, be careful not to damage the surrounding components, especially the filter bowl and housing assembly. A fuel filter tool can be purchased to assist with this process and make the job easier.

Refitting the fuel filter

To refit the fuel filter, you will need to first fill the new filter with fresh diesel. Then, you can begin to refit the filter by reversing the removal process.

For a TDDI engine, you will need to push the pipes back through the coupling and reattach the pipes to the filter. Ensure the arrows on the bowl, housing, and filter are aligned. Then, gently prise the union out of the filter and press the tab of the filter bracket to pull up the filter and secure it to the van.

For a TDCI engine, there will be three of the same style pipes on the filter. Loosen the Torx screw and swap the filter, ensuring the marks are aligned.

Once the filter is refitted, start the engine and leave it running for a few minutes to ensure all the air is out of the system.

To bleed the system, turn the ignition on and off to run the fuel pump for a few seconds and prime the system. Alternatively, you can bridge the electric pump's relay. Look to the right of the cylinder head under the bonnet (RWD) to find the fuel feed connection to the pump. It has a tyre valve fitting with a dust cap. Push the centre to purge any trapped air.

Bleeding the fuel system again

Bleeding the fuel system is a crucial step in changing the diesel fuel filter in a Ford Transit. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Locate the Fuel Feed Connection: Under the bonnet, on the right side of the cylinder head, you will find the fuel feed connection to the pump. It has a tyre valve fitting with a dust cap.

Turn the Ignition On and Off: Turn the ignition key to the "on" position and then back to the "off" position several times. This will activate the fuel pump for a few seconds, priming the system with diesel.

Purge Trapped Air: Ask an assistant to turn the ignition on and off while you push the centre of the tyre valve fitting. Continue purging until diesel fuel starts to come out.

Alternatively, you can bridge the electric pump's relay to run the fuel pump and bleed the system right up to the fuel pump under the bonnet.

Refit the Dust Cap: Once you have successfully bled the system and purged trapped air, make sure to refit the dust cap securely onto the tyre valve fitting.

Start the Engine: After bleeding, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This ensures that any remaining air is completely purged from the fuel system.

By following these steps, you will effectively bleed the fuel system, preventing air locks and ensuring the smooth operation of your Ford Transit's diesel engine.

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