Fuel Filter/Water Seperator
 

I am getting ready to change my fuel filters in my 05 F250. How long do I let the water separator drain for? Until it stops draining? Also, what is the tool I need for removing the fuel filter from the rail, and where can I buy it from? Thanks in advance for any help.

Everyone is different, but I try to time my filter changes with less than half tank of fuel in the tank. When you remove the plug (need a 6mm hex socket/wrench) you shouldn't get more than a pint or two of fuel. Once it stops, your good to open the filter housing. There will still be some fuel in the filter housing...but no where near as much as you drained out. Some say you don't have to worry about fuel siphoning out regardless of the amount in the tank. Others will say if your over 1/2 a tank it will continue to siphon...I don't know for sure, I just do mine with about 3/8 of a tank...according to the gauge. No problems so far.You need a 32mm wrench/socket to remove the HFCM cover over the primary filter. I want to say it's a 24mm on the upper/secondary filter...but I'm a little vague on that one. Replace both filters during the same servicing; and when you replace the o-rings on the caps...use a little bit of clean motor oil to keep the o-rings from getting nicked when you screw the caps down. Once the caps screw all the way in....STOP; no need to he-man 'em any further. If you do, there's a good chance you'll crack the caps.

This is the type of socket I use on the HFCM & oil filter cap (they're the same).

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-14500-Oi.../dp/B000JFL7ZS

bottom one is 36mm.

the top one, i have a 15/16 scoket that fits perfectly on the top filter cap.

I drained my water separater today to I just let it run untill it stops then unscrew the filter cap and change the filter

make shure to lube the o-rings

and when you get it all back together make shure you Cycle the key but do not start engine cycle the key 3-4 times for 30 seconds or so to purge any air in the system out and you will be good to go and then start it up

Make sure you get ford fuel filters because the other filters I have seen do not have the water-wicking sock on the fuel water separator filter unless you have excess money for a fuel pump and injectors.

Thanks for all the help. That is the tool I was looking for, now I just need to order one. Appreciate the quick responses.

36mm deep socket 1/2" drive from sears for <$10 fits oil filter and primary fuel filter on the frame. Secondary fuel filter is 24mm--DO NOT use the 1/2" square hole in that lid or you will break it.

Tanks NPC, Looks like ill be heading to sears tomorrow

Sir, are you in the marine corps as your user name leads me to believe?

@ npccpartsman, wat do u mean by "do not use the 1/2" square hole"? wat 1/2"? do u mean not to use a 1/2" driver?

In the top of the secondary fuel filter housing you can stick a 1/2" drive ratchet...don't do that. Use a 24mm socket that will fit on the hex of the cap.

wow. i jus learned something again! i remember using a 24mm socket for the top & 36mm socket for the oil filter and fuel filter below. its been a while. i never knew tat u could fit a 1/2" socket. so jus to confirm for the top fuel filter, 24 mm socket with 1/2" driver/wrench is ok?

since i torque everything back to ford's specs, i keep a torque wrench tats a 1/2" driver.

Yes, 24mm on the secondary cap; 1/2" drive is ok. But it's not the socket...it's sticking the actual ratchet (w/o a socket) into the 1/2" square opening that will get you into trouble. You pretty much either have to use a 1/2" drive socket or a box wrench to get the cap off. Maybe Lesile will come out with a 3/8" drive 24mm like they did for the oil filter/HFCM cover.

oh hell no! i see where ur getting at, but i wont do tat "try to fit the 1/2" ratchet wrench into tat hole" thingey.

btw, u got my curiosity. u mean the 1/2" ratchet can fit into tat hole?? i never thought bout it. lmao. no sir, i wont be tat dull to try it. :-X19

darn plastic thing might crack on me and my wife will tink it's my excuse to try to spend extra money. :-wink

thanks for clearing tat up anyway!

i tink the torque settings should be 24 lbs / ft of torque, i tink. kinda of a ford standard for them plastic covers, me tink.