How do I change the fuel filter on my 3020 John Deere diesel tractor

Question edited for clarity (I think)
Question moved to John Deere, (correct Category, I think)

Let's guess your 'old style 3020 disease' is a John Deere 3020 tractor. :>D

It is a known issue. There are fixes in the link.

https://www.google.com/search?q=john+deere+3020+starts+then+quits+and+dies

..

Edited text with a wild guess at the maker. Make model (what it is) in all questions please.
Category moved to John Deere Tractor.

If it was working before, there is no need to worry about the firing order as that never changes. Things to look at;
Clean and correctly gapped spark plugs,
Clean gas,
Fuel filter?
and a clean carburetor, float bowl and jets.

John Deere 3020 Engine Engine Detail John Deere Firing order: Starter volts: Oil capacity: 9 qts 8.5 L 13 more rows •
Jul. 10, 2020

TractorData.com John Deere 3020 tractor engine information

John Deere 3020 Tractor Service Manual - Jensales

https://www.jensales.com > products > John-Deere-302...

This John Deere model 3020 Gas and Diesel Tractor Service Manual is a digitally enhanced reproduction of the original manufacturer-issued Shop Manual.
US$120.98 · ‎In stock

operators manual for john deere 3020 tractor owners ... - eBay

https://www.ebay.com > itm

3020 Tractor Operators Manual. This operators manual includes Gas, Diesel, Lp. This comprehensive manual includes. Fully Covers Serial No.
US$15.97 · ‎In stock

JOHN DEERE 3020 Gas and Diesel Tractor Service Manual

https://www.ebay.com > itm > JOHN-DEERE-3020-Gas...

This is a new reprint of John Deere Service Manual SM2041 for the John Deere 3000 Series Tractors shown above. It is dated June 1961. Includes 3010 & 3020.

Open the filter drain and turn key to first position. This should run the fuel tank transfer pump and fuel should come out the filter drain.

If you don't hear the fuel pump run then you'll need to investigate why it's not powered at first key position.

If its a diesel, the fuel pump where the steel lines come down from top engine. Follow fuel line coming coming from tank to find filters.

Remove bolts or clamp on top of spindle. Next remove steering tie
rod. It should slide out.

Sounds like it needs the fuel pump primed. Try bleeding it as close the motor as you can.

Bleed the lines while the unit is running making sure you get all the air out of the lines.

I, feel sorry for you, after reading your problem, but don't worry you visit the Reliable-Store they will help you for sure.
Best Manuals

It just snaps on/off...make sure you fill with fuel before you replace it..thus you wont need to prime it as much

I have a 115 john deere tractor that runs but the engine will not run smooth I've put a new fuel cap on it a new pump and clean out the carb.