Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the most important factor when performing not only fuel system maintenance, but any type of
maintenance. Failure to conduct maintenance and repairs in a safe manner may result in serious personal
injury or death. Work on a vehicle's fuel system components can be accomplished safely and effectively by
adhering to the following rules and guidelines.
To avoid the possibility of fire and personal injury, always disconnect the negative battery cable
unless the repair or test procedure requires that battery voltage by applied. •
Always relieve the fuel system pressure prior to disconnecting any fuel system component (injector,
fuel rail, pressure regulator, etc.) fitting or fuel line connection. Exercise extreme caution whenever
relieving fuel system pressure to avoid exposing skin, face and eyes to fuel spray. Please be advised
that fuel under pressure may penetrate the skin or any part of the body that it contacts. •
Always place a shop towel or cloth around the fitting or connection prior to loosening to absorb any
excess fuel due to spillage. Ensure that all fuel spillage is quickly remove from engine surfaces.
Ensure that all fuel−soaked cloths or towels are deposited into a flame−proof waste container with a
lid.
•
Always keep a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher near the work area. •
Do not allow fuel spray or fuel vapors to come into contact with a spark or open flame. •
Always use a second wrench when loosening or tightening fuel line connections fittings. This will
prevent unnecessary stress and torsion to fuel piping. Always follow the proper torque specifications. •
Always replace worn fuel fitting O−rings with new ones. Do not substitute fuel hose where rigid pipe
is installed.
•
Relieving Fuel System Pressure
All SFI fuel injected engines are equipped with a pressure relief valve located on the fuel supply manifold.
Remove the fuel tank cap and attach fuel pressure gauge T80L−9974−B, or equivalent, to the valve to release
the fuel pressure. Be sure to drain the fuel into a suitable container and to avoid gasoline spillage. If a pressure
gauge is not available, disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator and attach a hand−held
vacuum pump. Apply about 25 in. Hg (84 kPa) of vacuum to the regulator to vent the fuel system pressure
into the fuel tank through the fuel return hose. Note that this procedure will remove the fuel pressure from the
lines, but not the fuel. Take precautions to avoid the risk of fire and use clean rags to soak up any spilled fuel
when the lines are disconnected.
An alternate method of relieving the fuel system pressure involves disconnecting the inertia switch. Follow
the procedures outlined later in this Section.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
610 General Information