1999 Ford Escort FUEL FILTER?

1999 FORD ESCORT
77,300 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
NWALD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My engine chugs (kind of like what happens if you're in the wrong gear) and this has been happening the month. Had new spark plugs and it helped but the chugging (or maybe missing is a better word) is back since weather has gotten cold. Once the engine gets warm...it seems to disappear. Took it to Fas-Lube for new fuel filter....and they couldn't do it because of how difficult it is to get to. Wondering if you think it could be the fuel filter (before I spend the money to have a mechanic put in fuel filter!!). Your thoughts?
Nov 11, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ZACKMAN
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 4,202 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Is the check engine light on?
Nov 11, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Avatar
NWALD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No, no engine light came on! I thought it was really odd that Fas-Lube said they couldn't get to the fuel filter. Your thoughts? Is it really THAT difficult?
Nov 11, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Avatar
ZACKMAN
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 4,202 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Not hard, but tedious. You have to work from under the hood and under the car. Your fuel filter is in the engine compartment between the fuel tank and the fuel rail.

1. Relieve fuel system pressure. You will have fuel gushing onto you while you are under the car, in you don't relieve the pressure.
2. To relieve pressure, locate fuel rail. Remove the valve cap at the end of the fuel rail and attach a fuel pressure gauge. Open the manual relief valve on the pressure gauge slowly.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable.
4. Place a suitable container under the fuel filter to collect excess fuel that WILL leak from the filer and lines.
5. From under the hood, remove retaining clip from the fuel filter upper hose. Disconnect fuel hose from fuel filter and drain excess fuel into the container. Plug the hose.
6. Jack up the car.
7. From under the car, remove retaining clip from the fuel filter lower hose. Disconnect fuel hose from fuel filter and drain excess fuel into the container.
8. Lower the car.
9. From under the hood, remove retaining clamp screw and remove filter. You may have to wiggle the clamp and screw if they are corroded.
Nov 12, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.