Does anyone have a step by step on geting to and cleaning a dirty fuel filter on a 2001 Disco? Is it worth the trouble?

 

I "believe" the fuel filter is in the tank with the pump, you might want to check the RAVE

 

Why do you think the sock needs to be cleaned and be specific, are you getting any fault codes, is it running poorly?
If all you want to do is clean the injectores and carbon from the cylinder area, buy a can of BG's 44K, put it on a tank of 91 plus octane and take it for a couple hour drive, you will notice the difference before you finish that tank full.

 

On vehicles where the fuel filter isn't inbuilt to the fuel sending unit, replacing the filter is considered regular maintenance. I would imagine that is inquiry is to that end, and not to address any drivability issues.

Of course, the OP would know best, but this is my guess.

 

The "filter" is a mesh strainer on the pick-up of the fuel pump. Worth the time?? Pump/sending unit is easy to get to through cargo area floor. BUT, the strainer sock is inside the sending unit assembly. Which is not by any means difficult, just more dissasembly/re-assembly.

 

The reason I ask is because I've had trouble with stalling and occasionally when going up hill or try to accelerate with force I notice a hesiation and a bog down. The idle is a little unpredictable too. It seems to idle at 1000rpm and then go back in forth to 600. I've cleaned the throttle body, chnaged the CKPS, cleand MAF. No fault codes showing up. Just an unpredictable stalling that happens when approaching a quick stop, and some hesiation during acceleration.

 

Have you checked the idle air control valve?

 

I doubt that is because of the fuel sock, I would first do a fuel pressure test to confirm if your pump is even pumping enough fuel pressure.

 

Well, the IACV controls idle, and most guys take their foot off the gas to slam on the brakes, so engine would be under idle control even while velocity is still decreasing. While the IACV may not be all of the problem, it could be part of it.