Fuel Filter

I have about 77,000 miles on my Windstar, how might I know if I should replace the fuel filter ?

I know no answer for this question. We are almost totally at the mercy of the gasoline distribution system. One filling of crappy gasoline can clog-up a brand-new filter.

A few years ago, it helped if we kept the tanks full of gasoline...this lessened the air volume that could cool and give off resulting condensation ... and resulting rust. But with today's evacuated plastic tanks...this is not so much an issue.

I would suggest using gasoline from large high volume outlet filling stations. Gasoline stations that use filters on the pump hoses may be the best...maybe!

Also it may help to add a few ounces of alcohol every now and again to help control water. I suggest using methanol/ethanol (denatured alcohol). Don't go overboard... 6 - 8 oz per tank should keep things dry.

As long as you have sufficient fuel pressure, you know everything about the fuel delivery system is working ... including the filter.

I suppose there is a "life" to the filter screen on the fuel pump. It will eventually lose its pliability and get hard. I have bought a spare pump assembly and keep it in the garage waiting for that eventual day. But so far, so good... 150 k miles and counting, on the original filter!

do yourself a favor and replace it now... my windstar died on the road because of a clogged fuel filter and it was around 80k miles too. It's cheap, easy and you'll be glad you changed it

Depending on what year your Windstar is you may need a special tool to disconnect the fuel filter from the lines. This is what the tool looks like. (http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-37000.html)

I suppose there is a "life" to the filter screen on the fuel pump. It will eventually lose its pliability and get hard. I have bought a spare pump assembly and keep it in the garage waiting for that eventual day. But so far, so good... 150 k miles and counting, on the original filter!

12Ounce,

Are you saying that you have never changed the fuel filter or the pump/screen? I would suggest that fuel filter replacement is pretty much a routine maintenance item.

Yep...neither one. Does my '99 even have a secondary fuel filter? I should know but don't. My daughter's MPV does not have a secondary filter.

If you change the fuel filter yourself, please ensure you relieve the system pressure FIRST. Sounds kinda no nonsense, but somehow I got caught up and forgot. When I pulled the filter off, wham, high pressure fuel in the face!

Yep...neither one. Does my '99 even have a secondary fuel filter? I should know but don't. My daughter's MPV does not have a secondary filter.

I hope your Windstar has one because I have changed something on my 99 that I thought was the fuel filter...lol.

The one under the driver's seat is the one I am talking about.

I guess now that you mention it, I remember seeing it when I changed the ABS/Trac controller.

Thanks for the info.

How do you relieve the fuel pressure?

There should be a schrader valve (sorta like the tire valve stem) on the fuel rail. Im not sure where yours is. On the 2000 3.8L, it sits right next to the DPFE sensor on the right as you are looking at the engine.

I can't remember where it is either but I did relieve the pressure at the schrader valve. It is on the metal part of the fuel line (fuel rails) near the injectors.

I have a '96 3.8L.
On this unit, there is a pressure check point / release point in the middle of the front fuel rail (the crome pipe that feeds the injectors).
This looks and works just like the air fill valve on your tires. Mine had a little black cap on it.....just unscrew it.....and get a bunch of rags.....and press the center needle valve to release the pressure.

I would recommend replacing the fuel filter.

On the '96, there is a plastic clip to hold the hose in place on one end of the filter, many replacement filters include one or 2 of these in case your original one gets messed up taking it off.
The other end is the more challenging.
First, there is a "redundant" metal clip on the other end of the filter. Then you must use a plastic "fuel line release" tool to slide up inside the crome cap (you will see it) on the other end. There are clips inside the crome cap that hold it in place. You can buy a set of various sizes for about $10 or less (US) at most auto part stores. This plastic tool set is also used to release the transmission cooling lines at the radiator....and also for air conditioning connections. My set told me to use the 3/8 inch size for FORD 5/16 inch fuel lines. We have the 5/16 inch fuel lines on the windstar.

Thanks for all of the info

Really informative answers. I will be sending my questions this way as well.

Noah (http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/oem-oil-fuel-filter-service-kit-p-14013.aspx)

I personally change my fuel filter annually with my tune up items (air filter, pcv valve, cabin filter, plugs, wires, etc.) I find after about a year on all of these, I tend to start losing power. After changing everything, my windbag feels like a new machine.

I'm like 12Ounce... never have changed it. 254 k miles on the original filter.

It might be a good idea, but it's not been an issue for me.

+1 for 12ounce too.

To update my story: I continued along, ignoring the fuel filters "until"!.......

DW and I were on a long travel/vacation up the East coast ... headed to D.C., where we were to pick up friends flying in to join us from Germany. Tight schedule!

It was somewhere in the back-water country of N.C. where I did the "fillup" at a remote truckstop. Halfway thru the filling I noticed I was purchasing very-high-content alcohol/gasoline mix! Oh Brother!, I thought. This stuff otta clean up my tank real quick! And probably have a lot of crap in it of its own. ( I may have been the only sucker to fill from that particular pump all year!)

Sure 'nuff ... in less than 50 miles the engine started losing power. By the time we got to Washington, I could hardly accelerate thru an intersection. It took me about a day to find an in-line filter and a mom-pop service center that would change out the filter for me. (Luckily the folks from Germany were held up by bad weather!). As soon as the new in-line filter was in place ... the engine was fine again.

I don't think any filter replacement practice would have avoided this problem. My problem was with that one fill-up. When I got back home, I replaced the intank pump and filter also ... just to get rid of all the stuff that one fill-up had given me. The in-line filter was replaced again also.

That was about 80k miles ago, my Winny now has approx 270k miles total on her. I may someday soon replace the filters again. The in-tank one worries me most as it is now a bit "long in tooth".

On long trips, I now carry a replacement in-line filter along.