Hello all,
I just finished my first 10,000 mile fuel filter service since I've had this 09 F-350 and need to find out if what I found is normal/acceptable for our trucks. I got the truck in Nov. , dealer said they did all filters but I changed anyway. Filters were clean but drain was clogged so I pulled cover cleaned it and put motorcraft filters in - all good. Just turned 10,000 miles on those filters so changed them tonight and found what I thought was an excessive amount of dirt/sand in the water separator housing when I pulled the filter. All together it looked to be about a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of stuff that I cleaned out of there.
The upper filter and housing was clean so I guess the filters are doing their job. Since this is my first experience with these fuel system was hoping to get some feedback on this from some more experienced members.
Otherwise truck has been great -Thanks

 

Are you draining the lower HFCM monthly? It's a little yellow lever with a small barbed end for a vinyl hose to connect to for easier draining.

 

I always seem to get a little sand/ dirt out when I drain mine, not much but usually a few specs.

 

Sounds like you should maybe consider where you are getting your fuel. I think a little here and there would be normal but not all the time.

I have never gotten any out of mine but locally I buy premium diesel at the co-op.

On the road I try to fillup at pilots/flying J mostly.

 

I had not drained it during the 10,000 miles. I did drain it before I pulled the filter. I only noticed the dirt because it was all over the inside of the cap when I inspected it before I put it back on.

 

Only place I have ever filled up at is the local Wawa. It is a pretty new station with good turnover so I didn't think I would see this. Don't the pumps have filters on them?

 

You should drain it monthly at least. More if you're seeing excessive debris during the drain. Only need to drain a few oz.

Stations should have filters but how often they're changed is questionable. Avoid filling up after their tanks are filled. If you use the same station, ask their schedule. They're usually pretty routine during each season as fuel usage changes.

 

Maybe the dirt isn't coming from the fuel. Was the housing cap properly screwed on and tightened the last time the filter was changed? Is there an O-ring on the cap?