I've got a friend of mine that works at a nearby Ford Truck shop that keeps telling me that I MUST change both fuel filters at 10,000 miles, but the service manual says 20,000 miles.

I've been thinking about his recommendation, but a couple things come to mind:
1. Isn't there a risk that by changing the filters, you actually introduce particles in the fuel system and could do more damage than good? I've already seen a couple posts where people had their filters changed, then had injector issues.
2. We don't live in a dusty location and I always buy fuel from reputable stations that have steady business.
3. If filters get plugged up, would the truck be starving for fuel? If not, then the filters must not be plugged and are still filtering the fuel.
4. How would a "dirty" fuel filter let dirt into the fuel system?

The question is:
Change them early, spend $ and risk contamination
or
"Follow the service manual"?

Thanks!
-------
Bone stock 2008 Lariat Super Duty Crew cab, 6 1/2' bed, SRW and 6.4L

 

I just had my truck serviced for the 20k interval as noted in the manual for the 6.4. I did not replace the fuel filters till today. I did not notice any change in milage from 10k to 20k. Still steady 12-13 city and 15-17hwy. Don't know about you but I decided to stick to the manual recommendations for my "normal use" as noted in the manual. I don't recall what the recommendation was for heavy use.

 

My dealer recommends changing every 15k, and that is what I've stuck to. I don't notice any difference in performance or mileage after the service is performed.

 

If you follow the procedures, you don't stand a chance of introducing dirt into the system any more than you would by not changing them, IF you are careful, and change the top filter LAST. When I changed mine at 20k the filters looked like they could go another 20k. But this is one area where you DO NOT need to skimp. Lots and lots of fuel go through these two filters. Think of how many times you've filled up since you have bought your truck and you will understand. And you need to realize that diesel fuel is inheritantly oily. Even if you buy from a reputable dealer there is always the chance something can get introduced into the system. Injector replacement is ungodly costly. Follow the procedures, be extremely clean with your hands and the working area, and you should not run into any problems. Having dirty or clogged fuel filters is NOT something you will want to experience, and 20k is the max I would want to go on either of them. Just my 2 cents.

 

my ford dealer told me that ford had changed there pm (preventive maintenance) schedule for fuel filters on psd from 20,000 to 15,000. i service my truck at 10,000 mile intervales so it doesnt see the shop at 15,000. there for i change the filters at 10,000 just to be safe, like ssharbor stated, a lot of fuel goes through the filters between services.

 

May I ask the cost to change the fuel filters at the dealer?

 

I waited until 10,000 for my first oil change because that's what the Manual told me. I got a lecture when I brought it in about having a warranty voided if I didn't follow recommended intervals. I showed him the manual and he showed me the asterik that said "5,000 if you live in an extreme environment". I said, "This is Massachusetts - how is that an Extreme Environment"? He said "Extremely High Temperatures, Extremely Low Temperatures, Extreme Temperature Variations, Heavy Dust Areas and frequent Offroading or Job Sites are considered Extreme Environments". New England is on their list - I asked to see the list and he couldn't find it.

What I'm getting at is, this same statement alters the fuel filter frequency from 20,000 to 10,000 also. I've been following it but still haven't found anywhere that tells you what regions are "Extreme"! ??? That's the answer I got!

 

I'd change them sooner. I do mine at 15K intervals.

 

!5 K on mine as well.

 

If you change your fuel filters often enough then you should never notice a performance or fuel mileage change. If you are starting to drop mileage or power because of clogging fuel filters then it is already too late my friend. I change my oil every 5,000 with Ford Full Synthetic 5w-40 and fuel filters every 10,000. It is a little more expensive this way but I am also talking about a very expensive engine. I don't want to spend $4000+ for a set of injectors because I was trying to be cheap.

 

i changed my fuel filters today and that bottom one is a *******.. why would they put that wiring harness right there at the head of the filter.. does anyone else strugle with this or have any tricks?? what do you all use to make it easy to get off.

koboss

 

I use the socket and a short wiggle tail and was able to get mine off. Went on easier. Just sucks but that is where it is.

 

Sorry, can't help you there. I just pay the diesel tech at the dealership I work at to change my fuel filters with a case of beer, LOL.