Hi all,

Two weeks ago I replaced my fuel filter with a WIX brand. I have a 1991 F250 7.3 IDI with the stock fuel filter and water separator.

It has been running just fine up until this afternoon. I fired her up and a second or two later, she sputtered and died. I figured there was air getting in the system, so I cranked it and on the second cycle, she started up. I kept the RPMs up to get the air circulated out of the system. I popped the hood and felt under the water separator and it was soaking wet with fuel. The rocker cover was wet where fuel had been leaking. I don't see any leaks from the filter head or either seal on the filter itself.

Keep in mind that when I started it this morning, she had sat for a solid two days and had no issue starting. I think there is a seal/gasket, etc in the water separator that went. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

I think there is a filter that has a better fuel water separator built in. I am afraid to touch my valve cause I don't think it would reseal.

 

I think WIX has a filter with the water drain built into it. I just spent $40 on this one that is OEM spec, so I would like to fix the leak somehow without having to spend $40 to replace a new filter.

 

the link to the 1 piece filter is in my sig says seporator in it or something like that i think its the 3rd link.... anyway the kit to reseal the stock one cost much more than the filter i looked at the reseal kit at ford like 60-80 bucks verses 38 dollar filter...

 

eaton are you sure its not comimg from the fuel heater?? this is mine i had the same issue till i rebulit the tower

 

You know, vfelix702, it could be the fuel heater for all I know. I checked around the filter head and filter body and I didn't see or feel any fuel dripping down, yet the water drain was wet with fuel.

Add to this bunch of fun the fact that I stalled out and coasted into the parking lot at the apartment. I have to say, damn good timing, Ford. I was kind of expecting it because I was getting some surging for about a mile before it stalled. I was switched to the rear tank. I clearly ran out of fuel because I switched to the front tank, 100% full and a few cranks later I was off. My rear tank read just under 1/2 when it stalled. I think I need a new pickup tube. Same for the front tank but it goes to 1/4 before issues occur.

The tank being low on fuel may or may not be cause for my earlier issues. I still have a wet water drain, so at the least it needs to be fixed. When I got back from lunch, I wedged a plastic cup under the water drain but no fuel was in it when I came back later. I had a hard start as well. Seems like fuel is leaking back into the tank at this point. Could it be sucking air through the water drain via gravity and then leaking out when the pressure equalizes? Or is it the fuel heater letting air in? How do I check the fuel heater?

 

Eaton here is the instructions i used....


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ns-w-pics.html

 

I read through that when it was originally posted but no one mentioned the size of the O-ring needed. I posted that question but if you did the job, then I assume you may know. It can't hurt to toss a new O-ring in there before my trip.

Thanks.

 

If it is the heater there will be diesel on top of the filter head Mine had a leak in the Schroeder valve Next to the drain valve on the bottom cap I ended up replacing the Schroeder valve with a set screw and an oring next time I replace the filter I am going to get the Wix filter from O'Reilly Auto Parts that has the drain and sensor built into it.

 

ya as far as 0 ring size it looks like people are using this As 568 114 o-ring (dimensions: 5/8 inches ID x 13/16 inches OD x 3/32 inches width)

 

McMaster-Carr

ok i found it u can order from here or take the desmsions to your local hard ware store

 

avalible at mc master carr
McMaster-Carr

ford # 7.3 Fuel heater o-ring E8TZ-9K342-A


The closest match I could find was an As 568 114 o-ring (dimensions: 5/8 inches ID x 13/16 inches OD x 3/32 inches width).

 

if its all wet around the drain and not the top,then its the drain leaking id say.
screw the bottom off and you can inspect the drain.there is a washer down there that can be replaced.this is the one that sound like your problem.i had this problem too,and bought a whole drain from someone.
the fuel heater and schrader valve can leak and make the bottom wet sure,but it's kinda obvious if they are leaking.

you can replace the bowl with the aftermarket filter w/built in drain,however you loose your "water in fuel" lite warning.
i didn't want this,so i replaced mine.
some guys simply use a new washer and bolt.this is what mine would have required because the drain broke.i didn't stop and think,that it was left hand threads and i broke it! i had vice grips on it,it was so corroded,that it didn't want to spin either direction.if i took my time,and found it it was left hand threads first,i could have just fixed it.
the one i found was from a cali truck,and was priced right,so im happy.

 

My WIF light never comes on anyway. I see rust on my new injectors though so I have a feeling something isn't working right. I'll probably just get the WIX filter and be done with it.

 

F250 look at the filter in my link number 3 in my sig. comes with the port to hook up your water in fuel light