Sylvie Willis
If you're looking to replace the fuel filter on your 1986 Ford Bronco, you've come to the right place. The fuel filter on your truck is located on the driver's side frame rail, right behind the front tires on the inside. Before you begin, make sure you have the correct fuel filter for your Bronco - it should be a FG-800, but it's always good to double-check with the parts shop. With the right tools and some mechanical knowledge, you'll be able to access and replace the fuel filter, improving your Bronco's performance.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The fuel filter is located on the driver's side frame rail
The fuel filter on an 86 Bronco is located on the driver's side frame rail. This is just ahead of the gas tank.
To replace the fuel filter, you will need to jack up the vehicle and place a jack stand near the outer part of the driver's TTB. Place a waste oil pan under the tire and frame rail. Slide a floor jack under the vehicle, resting it against the transfer case skid plate.
Loosen the clamp on the fuel filter and then remove the bottom portion from the top. You can then replace the filter and O-ring, making sure to use O-ring lubricant. Reassemble the canister and reinstall it on the frame rail.
The fuel filter on an 86 Bronco is a refillable type, with return lines running through it. The fuel tank pumps into the filter housing, and the return from the regulator pumps into the filter housing. These sources feed the outside of the filter element, which then feeds the frame-mounted pump.
Some people have found the bowl of the filter assembly difficult to unscrew due to the frame being in the way. An oil filter wrench can be used to make this process easier.
Draining Racor Fuel Filter: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The filter is refillable and has a unique return line
The 1986 Bronco is unique in that it uses a refillable fuel filter. This filter is located on the driver's side frame rail, just ahead of the gas tank. To access it, you'll need to remove the skid plate or cover for the canister. The filter itself is described as a hockey puck with a hole in the centre, which fits over a nipple in the top/cap of the canister. It also has an O-ring that fits into a track in the bowl.
The refillable fuel filter on the '86 Bronco has a unique return line. From what I can gather, the fuel tank pumps into the filter housing, and the return from the regulator also pumps into the filter housing. These two sources feed the outside of the filter element, which then feeds the frame-mounted pump. The excess fuel then flows out through a return fuel line back to the tank. This return line helps to prevent the low-pressure pump from stressing the high-pressure pump.
Changing the fuel filter on an '86 Bronco can be a challenge due to the tight space and the need for specific tools. It is recommended to first bleed the system pressure, either through the Schrader valve on the fuel rail or by disconnecting the wiring on the inertia switch. You can then loosen the canister bottom and unbolt the fuel filter canister from the fuel rail. Be careful when removing the bowl, as the threads are designed to create a tight seal to prevent leaking. It may be necessary to use an oil filter wrench or a strap wrench to loosen the bowl.
When reassembling, ensure that the O-ring is in place and lubricated, and that there are no gaps in the threads. The top/cap part of the canister has a spring-loaded pressure valve, so be careful not to damage it. A new fuel filter can be purchased from auto stores like AutoZone, and they may even let you use their tools to replace the part.
Husqvarna Leaf Blower: Fuel Filter Location Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It's shaped like a hockey puck with a hole in the centre
The fuel filter on an '86 Bronco is located on the driver's side frame rail, just ahead of the gas tank. It is designed to keep the forward fuel pump from starving during cornering, uphill, and off-road activities. It is shaped like a hockey puck with a hole in the centre, which fits over a nipple in the top/cap of the fuel canister "reservoir".
To replace the fuel filter, first, ensure you relieve the system pressure. This can be done either by the Schrader valve on the fuel rail or by disconnecting the wiring on the inertia switch. You can also disable the fuel pump(s) and start the vehicle, letting it run until it stalls. Then, using a strap wrench or similar tool, loosen the canister bottom and unbolt the fuel filter canister from the fuel rail. You can then replace the filter, remembering to use O-ring lubricant, and reassemble the canister before reinstalling it on the frame rail.
The '86 Bronco uses a refillable fuel filter, with return lines running through it. The fuel tank pumps into the filter housing, and the return from the regulator pumps into the filter housing. Both sources feed the outside of the filter element, which then feeds the frame-mounted pump.
The fuel filter can be challenging to remove due to the build-up of "road grit". It is also made of plastic with pipe-style threads, so it is important to be careful when unscrewing it to avoid cracking the housing. An oil filter wrench can be useful for this task.
How to Clean Your Motorcycle Fuel Filter
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a strap wrench to loosen the canister bottom
To loosen the canister bottom of a fuel filter on an 86 Bronco, you can use a strap wrench. This is a useful tool for loosening round objects that a regular wrench might not be able to grip effectively.
First, you must bleed the system pressure. You can do this either by using the Schrader valve on the fuel rail, or by disconnecting the wiring on the inertia switch. Alternatively, you can disable the fuel pump(s) and start up the vehicle, letting it run until it stalls.
Now, you can use the strap wrench to loosen the canister bottom. To do this, hold the flat top of the wrench in front of the canister bottom, then wrap the strap around the canister to form a loop, and hold it in place. Nylon and rubber straps are best if you don't want to damage the surface of the object. If you want more leverage, use a metal strap, but be aware that this may scuff the surface. Pull the strap through the slot until the loop is tight around the canister.
Look for the channel or slot on the top of the strap wrench and slide the end of the strap through it. Keep pulling the strap end until the loop is hugging the canister tightly. Move the handle in the direction of the arrow to loosen the object. Hold the end of the handle to get the most leverage. Slowly pull the handle in the direction of the arrow so the strap catches on the top of the wrench.
If you don't have a strap wrench, you can jury-rig one with a piece of rope and a jack handle. Alternatively, you can use duct tape to remove tight bolts or nuts. Tear off two 12-inch pieces of duct tape and attach them together to make a single strong strip. Stick the end of the strip to the nut and wrap the tape around clockwise to tighten, or counter-clockwise to loosen.
It's important to note that when viewed from the bottom of the canister, you should be turning it counter-clockwise. Additionally, only use hand-tight force when installing the canister; never use a wrench.
Locating the Fuel Filter in Your 1986 Chevy Caprice
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The filter is easy to access by removing the skid plate
The fuel filter on an 86 Bronco is located on the driver's side frame rail, just ahead of the gas tank. It is a refillable fuel filter, with return lines running through it. The fuel tank pumps into the filter housing, and the return from the regulator pumps back into the filter housing. This unique setup is only found on the '86 and '87 models.
To access the fuel filter, you need to remove the skid plate or cover for the canister. This will give you better access to the fuel canister "reservoir". The filter itself is shaped like a hockey puck with a hole in the centre. It is easy to identify, with a hole that goes up to the nipple at the top and an O-ring for the track in the bowl.
Once you have located the filter, you can use an oil filter wrench to unscrew the cap. This is a tight seal to prevent leaking, so you may need to use some force, but be careful not to crack the housing. After removing the cap, you can replace the filter and O-ring, making sure to use O-ring lubricant. Reassemble the canister and reinstall it on the frame rail.
The process of replacing the fuel filter on an 86 Bronco is made easier by the accessibility of the filter once the skid plate is removed. This direct access allows for efficient maintenance and part replacement.
Quickly Releasing the Fuel Filter on a Volvo S70
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The fuel filter should be located on the driver's side frame rail, behind the front tires on the inside.
First, remove the air cleaner. Loosen and remove the fuel tube from the filter. Then, unscrew the filter from the carburetor. Apply Loctite® or an equivalent to the external threads of the new filter and screw the filter into the carburetor.
The fuel filter should be an FG-800, but always check with the parts shop as different engines may require different filters.
The part number for the filter housing is 3266.
Use an almost dry brush with a slight bit of Permatex to keep the O-ring in place.
