Changing Fuel Filters: International Truck Maintenance Guide

Changing the fuel filter on an international truck is a challenging task, but one that can be made easier with a few simple steps. This article will cover the process of changing a fuel filter, including depressurising the fuel system, removing the old filter, and installing a new one. It is important to note that diesel engine fuel systems are under a lot of pressure, and accidentally releasing this pressure could result in injury. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions and refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.

Relieve pressure in the fuel system

To relieve the pressure in the fuel system of your international truck, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate your vehicle's fuse box. This is necessary because relieving the pressure in your fuel system requires running the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. By locating the fuse box that contains the fuel pump fuse, you can prevent the fuel pump from turning on with the engine. Most vehicles have a fuse box in the interior and under the hood, so refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to identify the correct location.

Once you've located the correct fuse box, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or plastic tweezers to remove the fuse for the fuel pump. This will ensure that the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine. It's important to note that there is still fuel and pressure in the fuel lines running from the rear to the front of the vehicle.

Next, ensure that your vehicle is not in gear. Even though the engine will not receive a fresh supply of fuel from the gas tank, there will be enough fuel left in the lines for it to start and run briefly. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park, and vehicles with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged.

Now, you can start the engine. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it as you normally would. The engine should start easily as it expends the remaining fuel in the fuel system past the fuel pump. If the engine turns over but then sputters out, it may not have had sufficient pressure in the lines to force the fuel into the engine. Allow the engine to run for a minute or two before shutting it off.

At this point, the pressure in the fuel lines should be relieved, and you can re-insert the fuel pump fuse. Make sure the vehicle is turned off before replacing the fuse. Do not start the engine again after inserting the fuel pump fuse.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely relieve the pressure in the fuel system of your international truck before proceeding with the fuel filter replacement.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is an important step in changing the fuel filter of your vehicle. It ensures that the engine cannot be started accidentally while you work on the fuel filter. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the battery:

Locate the battery: The battery is typically located in the engine bay or under the hood of your vehicle. It is usually a rectangular or square-shaped object with two terminals, labelled positive (+) and negative (-).

Gather the necessary tools: You will need a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal of the battery. Have a pair of gloves ready to protect your hands from any dirt or grease.

Loosen the nut on the negative terminal: Use the wrench to loosen the nut that holds the negative cable onto the battery terminal. You will need to loosen it enough so that you can remove the cable, but you do not need to remove the nut completely.

Disconnect the negative cable: Once the nut is loosened, carefully remove the negative cable from the battery terminal. Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the cable as it may be connected to other components.

Secure the negative cable: After disconnecting the cable, tuck it safely to the side of the battery. Ensure that it does not hang close to the terminal, as you do not want it to accidentally come into contact with the terminal and cause a spark.

Mark the cable and terminal: To make it easier when reconnecting the battery, you can use a marker or tape to mark the negative cable and its corresponding terminal. This will ensure that you reconnect the cable to the correct terminal when you are finished with the fuel filter replacement.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the battery, making it safe to proceed with changing the fuel filter. Remember to always take appropriate safety precautions when working with vehicle batteries, and if you are unsure, consult a qualified mechanic.

Locate the fuel filter

To locate the fuel filter, refer to your vehicle's service manual. The fuel filter is typically located along the fuel line, either under the car or in the engine bay. If your vehicle is a modern one, the most common location is along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, just past the fuel pump. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is located in the engine bay on the line that leads to the fuel rail.

Some vehicles may place the fuel filter in a different location, so it is important to refer to your service manual to find out the exact location. You may need to access the fuel filter from inside the cabin of some vehicles.

Once you have located the fuel filter, place a bowl or bucket beneath it to catch any fuel that may leak out when you remove the fuel lines. Be careful not to use plastic containers as fuel may eat through some kinds of plastic and cause a leak.

Remove the old fuel filter

Before removing the old fuel filter, it is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel system to prevent fuel from spraying out. To do this, locate the fuel pump fuse or relay in the fuse box and remove it. Then, start the engine and let it run until it stalls. This will depressurize the fuel system.

Now, locate the fuel filter. It is typically found along the fuel line, either under the car or in the engine bay. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine the exact location. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it safely. Place jack stands under the vehicle before beginning work.

Place a bowl or bucket under the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may leak out during the removal process. Be careful to avoid mixing the fuel with oil or coolant, and be cautious when using plastic containers as fuel may eat through certain types of plastic.

The next step is to remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Most fuel filters are secured by two plastic clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pop them out of their holes. These clips are prone to breaking, so it is advisable to purchase replacement clips along with your new fuel filter.

With the clips removed, you can now slide the fuel lines away from the filter and detach them from the nozzles on both ends. Ensure that you tip the fuel lines towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled fuel. It is recommended to wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter.

Finally, slide the old fuel filter out of its bracket. It is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. The fuel filter may have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in a specific direction. If necessary, refer to your vehicle's service manual for guidance on removing the fuel filter.

Install the new fuel filter

To install the new fuel filter, first, compare the new filter to the old one. Check that they have the same outside diameter, that the nozzles are the same size, and that it will fit into the bracket. If the fuel filters do not match, do not install the new one and return it for the correct replacement filter.

Now, slide the new fuel filter into the bracket. It should be able to slide in easily. If you have to force it, it is likely not the correct diameter. The fuel filter should stop when it is seated properly and should only be able to slide out in one direction. Be careful not to damage the housing of the fuel filter, as that may cause a leak.

Next, fasten the fuel filter to the fuel line. Slide the fuel lines onto the front and back of the filter the same way they were attached to the old one. With the fuel line in place on the filter, slide the plastic clips through the holes on the fuel line nozzle to secure the line in place on the fuel filter. Ensure that the fuel lines are snug on the nozzles of the fuel filter before sliding the clips into place.

Finally, lower the vehicle off of the jack stands. Jack up the car to relieve the weight on the jack stands, then slide them out from beneath the vehicle. Once the jack stands are clear, lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the battery to complete the installation.

Frequently asked questions