6.0 Fuel Filter(s) Change

[DCSpecial]

I took some pics in the fall and finally got around to doing somewhat of a step by step to show how to change the fuel filters on the 6.0.

May be of use to those who haven't changed their own yet.

Changing the fuel filters on the 6.0 is fairly easy.

Be for you start, here's the tools you'll need a 36mm socket and 1/2" ratchet, a 24mm socket (1/2 ratchet with an extension), a small flathead screwdriver, and a 6mm hex:


Also, you'll need a drain pan, safety glasses and latex or nitrile gloves if you so choose.

I always use motorcraft filters:




I start with the filter on the frame.
First, use the 6mm hex and loosen the drain plug:



Try and stay as far away as possible to minimize the amount of fuel you get on you during the change, and be sure to have the drain pan in place to catch the fuel:


Now that the housing is completely drained, you'll need the 36mm socket to loosen the filter cap:


Try and stay as far under the middle of the truck as possible and away from the frame rail. Finish loosening the cap and remove the cap and filter:




Pull the filter out of the cap:


Remove the old o-ring from the cap:


Coat the new o-ring with diesel fuel, reinstall on the cap, and install the filter and cap back into the housing.

Reinstall the drain plug

Be sure not to over tighten either one.


With the one under the truck finished, move to the one under the hood.
It is located right next to the oil filter:


Using a 24mm socket, loosen and remove the cap and filter:



Again, you'll have to remove the old o-ring from the cap:


Coat the new o-ring with diesel fuel, reinstall on the cap, and install the filter and cap back into the housing.

Again, be sure not to over tighten.

Pick up the your tools, drain pan, etc.. and cycle the key a few times to allow the pump to run and then fire up the truck.

[jmaskew]

Nice instructions!! Thank you for the time and effort into making that manual.

[69cj]

I have read that diesel fuel can make the O ring swell and then the cap will leak. I have read and always use clean motor oil on the O ring and then torque the caps to specs. Have never had a fuel leak or hard start motor doing it this way.

[DCSpecial]

I've never had an issue....but I just put a light coat on it, I don't soak it or anything.

[Momorris]

I'm guessing this truck is 2wd. It looked so nice having all that room to move and not have a driveshaft in your way.

[DCSpecial]

Yep, looks like it was on the 06 F-450 2wd.

Definitely more room vs. when I do them on my 07.

[Frankenbiker]

No driveshaft, no crossmember, no skidplate... It took me longer to change the HFCM filter than it did to change the secondary filter, oil filter, and oil, COMBINED. Whoever put it there (in the design) should be forced to change 1000 or so of them.

-blaine

[Momorris]

Originally Posted by Frankenbiker

No driveshaft, no crossmember, no skidplate... It took me longer to change the HFCM filter than it did to change the secondary filter, oil filter, and oil, COMBINED. Whoever put it there (in the design) should be forced to change 1000 or so of them.

-blaine

You are right about that. It is a PITA. The easiest thing I found to use is a flex headed ratchet.

[firemanpat29]

looks easy on a 2wd. 4wd the front shaft will not allow you to use that fancy 1/4" drive hex bit. A regular allen just fits. Wrap your arm over the drive shaft, unscrew from above and fuel will pour into drain(unsrcew from below and fuel will fill your armpit) Other than that great write up. My filters were way dirtier than yours, I had 20,000 miles on mine.

[hdroadking05]

Does anyone know the torque specs for the filter caps and the drail plug?

[tippmann87]

very nice write up

[DCSpecial]

hdroadking,

I believe the torque specs are listed on the caps themselves.....and I think that the plug specs are right above it?
I can't remember for sure.

[misterc]

I have changed the fuel filter several times. This last time,a few weeks ago, I got fuel flow from the filter housing that wouldn't stop. I caught about a gallon in a pail and the rest dripping from the frame and crossmember took a bag and a half of kitty litter to soak up. And of course I had to lay in the puddle to get the new filter installed. My wife washed my t-shirt along with the rest of my t-shirts and socks and underware. I now have the wonderful fragrance of diesel fuel in all of my "casual ware".
The truck (2004 F350 CC DRW long bed) was in the shop all night and had not been started for at least 24 hours. Any idea why it decided to siphon the tank? Perhaps pressure in the tank from a temperature change? Should I open the fuel cap next time? Anyone have a similar experience?

[COFC]

Yes, in the past removing the filler cap released all the pressure in the tank, hence the pressure that forces the fuel OUT of the tank and into your face

[slowmans]

maybe im crazy but I changed my filters today and now when I turn the key on the fuel pump sounds loud? like I said maybe im going crazy but I dont remember it ever being loud enough to notice before...its not loud loud but it hums for about 30 seconds and then stops, when the truck is runnnig it isnt loud enough to hear?I have changed them 3 times on this truck and I dont remember hearing this before...