Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Desperately in need for sock filter on fuel pump

Finally got around to change my fuel pump today and everything went according to plan. When I finally disassembled the unit, I was shocked to see how dirty it was. Even worst, I realized the sock filter BAT sent me was not the right one. The stock sock filter is 'L' shaped and the one they sent me is .... flat, like a hypen ('-')...... I guess.

Called BAT up and they said they don't have the 'L' shaped sock filter. Don't really want to just clean the original filter as it's extremely clogged.

Can anyone PLEASE tell me where I can buy the correct, 'L' shaped sock filter for the returnless fuel pump on a late 99 SVT Countour?

Another thing, I read in a posting titled '..headache with the fuel pump..' that if the sending unit is really dirty, there may be a chance of the tank being contaminated. After removing my entire FP/S from the tank, I looked in and it seemed quite clean. However, the actual sending unit itself was lined with crap on the bottom when I attempted to replace the pump along with the sock filter completely covered with crap. Is this the type of contamination you all are talking about? Or is this kind of crap common to see when replacing the fuel pump at around 43K miles?

Thank you in advance for all your prompt responses. If I don't hear from anyone, my baby is stuck in the driveway....so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help!!!!

the contamination they are talking about i believe is on the bottom of the tank and can be stirred up quite easily, not really sure, as for the sock goto signaturelm.com and talk to bill

SigLM, or if you need it in a hurry, your local ford garage. Make sure you take the old one with you. If worst comes to worst, you can try cleaning the old one with some throttle cleaner. Also, make sure you forget to put the disc filter back on the bottom of the housing, or you'll be doing this again soon.

Just got off the phone with Signature LM (Chuck) and they said they don't have just the sock filter. Obivously, I didn't get to speak to Bill. Is he the only guy that can get this 'L' filter for our fuel pump? In case you're wondering, I already called all my local Ford garages and none of them has the filter. I'm soaking the old filter in gasoline right now hoping it'll clean up..but I would must rather put a new sock filter on the pump. Any other suggestions guys?!?

Another thing, I read in a lot of postings that people suggest going without the disk filter on the bottom of the unit. What's the story there?!?

The disc filter clogs very easily causing the pump to burn up from lack of fuel. The sock filter is more than enough anyways.

Thanks to the folks who responded. As of now, the old filter is back on. I cleaned it as good as I possibly can so hopefully it'll last for another 30-40K miles...yes, I'm being very optimistic here.

Nonetheless, if anyone knows anywhere else other than SIgnatureLM that may sell the sock filter for our SVT Contours, please let me know.

One thing I noticed when I was putting everything back together, the gasket that goes around the tank opening (prior to replacing the tin lid and steel ring) seems to be a bit bigger than allocated space. Has anyone noticed that?!? That isn't normal...is it?!?

You need to change that gasket. It will leak. It is common for the seal to swell after getting exposed to fuel. It isn't a problem until it is removed and it won't fit when trying to reinstall it. You almost always need to replace that gasket when pulling a fuel pump out.

When you call ask for Steve. He has been a great help to me....If he doesn't know something he'll find out....Bill is still around (probably spending alot of time in the executive break room) so he can go to him for questions if needed......