Fuel filter

[desi]

Hello ,

A 2001 Ford Ranger 2.3 liter 5 speed 173k miles. Fuel filter has never been changed to my knowledge and it takes a moment to start. I do not lose power while driving on the highway etc. Which leads me to believe fuel filter needs to be changed.

It's on the rail and I have the pliers to remove hose.

Please tell me what i am missing in the process:
1) Unbolt filter
2) disconnect hose and drain ( should I disconnect battery cable)?
3) Disconnect the back 2 hoses
4) put new filter and and install.
5) How do I depressurize the fuel system? There is a hose coming from top of engine going to a round device with a 2" knob on it. On the side of this device is a small "bike tire" air stem.
Is this bike tire stem how I would depressurize prior to changing filter?


Thanks in advance

 

[v8318cid]

Steps seem ok, however, depressurizing is best handled by removing the fuse for the fuel pump, then cranking the engine until it no longer "turns over". This removes the residual fuel from the fuel rail and reduces the amount of fuel likely to drain from the lines. Might also be a good idea to loosen the gas cap to relieve any pressure in the gas tank prior to disconnecting your lines. The bike tire stem is probably the fuel pressure test port. Always disconnect the battery, for safety reasons. You can do just about anything non-electrical without doing so, but in general its safer to just unhook it. Accidents happen, primarily to those who say it will never happen to them. =)