Replacing Fuel Filter: Work Master 55 Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter is a part of regular maintenance. Keeping your fuel system properly maintained by changing the fuel filter prolongs the life of the fuel pump. The fuel filter will be located either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Some fuel tanks have internal, non-serviceable fuel filters. In order to relieve the pressure in your fuel system, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Once you have located the clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter, use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes they are in. With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter to pop them off of the nozzles on either end. Make sure to tip the fuel lines toward the bowl or bucket in place as you remove them to catch any spilled gasoline.

The fuel filter is in the fuel tank

If your Work Master 55's fuel filter is in the fuel tank, you will need to drain the tank before removing the filter for inspection or replacement. Shut the fuel valve, which may be located at the base of the fuel tank, where the gas line is attached. If your tank is not equipped with a valve, clamp the gas line with a fuel line clamp. Do not pinch the fuel line as this could cause damage.

To access the fuel filter, you will need to use a long pair of needle-nose pliers or something similar. You will need to dump the fuel and use the pliers to pull the fuel line towards the tank opening. Then, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. The fuel line just slides onto the filter.

If your Work Master 55 is a 2-stroke engine, you may be able to simply shake the tank with the cap off to get the filter and fuel line to fall out. You can then pull off the old filter, put a new one on, and drop it back into the tank.

If you are having trouble accessing the fuel filter, try tilting the machine on its side and shaking it to get the filter as close to the opening as possible. You can also try using a pair of hemostats (similar to those used by doctors) to grab the fuel line and work it towards the opening.

If your Work Master 55 is a Stihl FS55 RC model, you will need to remove the carburettor and pull the fuel filter out through the top of the tank.

You'll need to relieve the pressure in the fuel system

To relieve the pressure in the fuel system, you will need to run the vehicle without the fuel pump functioning for a short time. This can be done by locating and removing the fuse for the fuel pump. The fuse box is usually located in the interior of the car or under the hood. Check your vehicle's owner's manual or the auto maker's website for a fuse diagram.

With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine. Make sure automatic vehicles are in park and vehicles with a standard transmission are in neutral with the parking brake engaged. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the motor. The engine should start easily as it expends the fuel remaining in the fuel system past the fuel pump. Allow the engine to run for a minute or two before shutting it off.

Without the fuel pump functioning, the pressure will be relieved in the fuel lines fairly quickly. With the engine off, you can then re-insert the fuse that powers the fuel pump.

Remove the old fuel filter

To remove the old fuel filter, you must first disconnect the battery. This is to ensure that the engine cannot be started while you work on the fuel filter. Use a hand or socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal.

Next, locate the fuel filter. Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine its location. The most common location for modern vehicles 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. If your vehicle is a Work Master 55, the fuel filter is likely located on the underside of the vehicle.

If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Place a jack under the car at one of its designated jack points, then either pump or twist the handle to raise the vehicle. Once the vehicle is jacked up, place jack stands beneath it for safety before working under the vehicle.

Place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that drips or pours out when you disconnect the fuel lines.

Now, remove the clips holding the fuel filter in place. Most fuel filters are held in place by two plastic clips. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out of the holes they are in. These clips may break as you remove them, so purchasing replacement clips along with your new fuel filter is advised.

With the clips removed, slide the fuel lines away from the filter and towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled gasoline. You should wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter.

Finally, slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket that wraps around its outer housing. The fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction. If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it toward the back of the car to remove it.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is a safety precaution when changing the fuel filter on a Workmaster 55. It is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended to prevent any electrical sparks. Sparks and gasoline fumes from the fuel system can be a dangerous combination.

Disconnecting the battery will also relieve pressure in the fuel lines. If you don't disconnect the battery, you should at least pull the fuse or relay for the fuel pump to prevent pressure build-up and release of fuel when you open the line.

It is also important to ensure that there is no key in the ignition and no chance of the ignition turning on while you work. This will ensure that there is no electrical power near the fuel pump.

Some people also recommend disconnecting the battery to avoid losing any radio settings.

Overall, while disconnecting the battery is not essential when changing the fuel filter, it is a good safety measure to prevent sparks and relieve pressure in the fuel lines.

Install a new fuel filter

To install a new fuel filter, start by comparing the new filter to the old one. Check that they appear to be 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, you will need to return the new one for the correct replacement filter.

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

Now, 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. If the plastic clip breaks as you slide it in, do not attempt to drive the vehicle until you replace the broken clip. Make sure 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.

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