Has anyone noticed that the replacement cartridge for the engine mounted fuel filter is different than what came from the factory? I changed mine today for the first time - no issues. But, I noticed on the factory cartridge there are 3 "connections" on top. Two are for the fuel lines and the third one on the far left looks to be some sort of removable valve of some kind. The replacement cartridge only has connections for the two fuel lines and not the third protrusion. Anyone know why or what this is?

 

That is normal.

 

It is normal, some think it may be a way to run test the motor without hooking up the fuel tank, some think it may be a way to add fuel to it during production, could also be some kind of leak test device on the assembly line.

 

I think I read somewhere that it is used for bleeding air from the fuel system at the factory.

 

I wondered the same thing, but always figured it was just a bleeder/primer inlet and didn't worry about it.

I use Motorcraft replacements and its not on those, so it must be ok.

 

I was looking at mine as I took deliverly last Thursday (4-11-12 build) I noted that it lacked the third nipple strait from the factory. So it must not be important.