Stanley,


Next time run that truck up on some blocks of wood or something to give you more clearance under there.

 

That is always the potential pitfall of DIY maintenance, StanleyZ. Sorry you busted the connector. After a couple of DIY oil changes you paid for your mistake. Or the next time you successfully change the fuel filter. FWIW, I usually try to NOT do any maintenance on the road away from home for that reason. Even if it means changing the oil early. A lot of times, it doesn't work out that way though and you have no choice.

And don't get me wrong, I am all for the dealer making some money on the job... It just gets crazy when you can DIY for less than half (heck, sometimes 1/3).

I'll be bookmarking that link from Monty as well... That's a good link to have as that part seems to be a known for breaking.

 

Yeah, I have some blocks in the RV and thought about it but I figured I could make it. I also have to add that the construction of that piece is pretty whimpy. The piece that broke off was very very thin and pretty easy to break. Next time I'll run it up on some blocks though.

 

I have been carrying a spare filter housing with a drain plug and sensor already installed since the first time I read about someone breaking that housing.
I keep a "fuel filter" kit in the truck for on the road use (don't ever plan on that though, just prepared).
But, I use the spare housing every time I change the filters. Makes it much easier to just do a filter swap and do the cleanup later.

 

Try this

 

Agreed..
Obviously having someone else do your maintanence is going to cost you.The dealer is in it to make money.I do my own too as well but there will come a day when either I cant do it anymore(given the current state of my back) or just have better ways to spend my free time.Believe me,some guys just cant get under the truck,its too painful to do it and paying 200 more then cost to do it yourself is well worth the money to not be in agony for two weeks afterwards.Then there is always the possibility like in Stanleys case of breaking something when doing the "simple" maintanence and in the end the cost is more then the dealer wouldve been to do it.Been there and done that more than once.
They arent going to do the maintanence to make 5 bucks.But we all know this anyhow,dont we...Happy 4th and stay safe!

 

Stanley, here are all of the part numbers for a complete cap, drain and sensor.

 

I am a little behind on the thread BUT I am really spoiled then. The dealership I deal with (Sterling Ford in Opelousas, LA) offers FREE oil change for LIFE (every 5k miles) on any new vehicle purchase. Also I only pay $100 for fuel filter change. That includes the filters and labor. Get there at 7AM in and out in 30 mins.

 

Monty - I didn't realize you needed eclipse spearmint to do the fuel filter change. All this time I have been doing it wrong...

Cajunboxer - We can't all be as lucky as you are.

 

It's to freshen your breath in case you get a mouth full of diesel!

 

Thanks for the replys. Got the part numbers and I'll have a spare when I install the new. Nothing really wrong with this one. Dry as can be after about 150 miles in the mountains today. Probably last the life of the truck but I'd rather buy a new one than take a chance on the WIF sensor.