Fuel Filter
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 191
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Depends on fuel quality & how much of a gambler you are.
Factory recommended of 15,000 is pushing it unless you are buying fuel from a truck stop that you trust has newer tanks and changes it's filters often.
Annually or every 10,000 is cheap insurance.
With good fuel- I'm doing mine 1x a year even though I only drive 6k a year.
Not draining the water because I use an additive and the dash warning light is very sensitive I've heard.
I've also had 2 other diesels (that had easy drain access) and never once have seen any water signs-I'm in BC; we seem to higher fuel standards than south of the border.
Factory recommended of 15,000 is pushing it unless you are buying fuel from a truck stop that you trust has newer tanks and changes it's filters often.
Annually or every 10,000 is cheap insurance.
With good fuel- I'm doing mine 1x a year even though I only drive 6k a year.
Not draining the water because I use an additive and the dash warning light is very sensitive I've heard.
I've also had 2 other diesels (that had easy drain access) and never once have seen any water signs-I'm in BC; we seem to higher fuel standards than south of the border.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Every see any water?
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
I installed a fuel pressure gauge a few months ago and I'm keeping an eye on the pressure. I've been changing my filters every 15k miles per the diesel supplement. However, if I see my pressure starting to drop prior to the 15k change, I'll change them at that time. At least that's the plan for now.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 34
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question about the type of filters used, motorcraft filters seem to have an extra layer of wrapping around the element, the parts guy at the dealer told me it is a water barrier?he also stated that the upper filter need to be a certain size as to open a valve allowing more fuel to the injectors at start up? hope i got that right. how bad is it if you run after market filters without the water barrier?i have a fuel system issue with bits of tank in my fuel system, changing the filters often and at $80 a set this can can expensive. in my area all diesel fuel comes from the same 2 vendors quality only depends on how long a station has the fuel sitting around,and how the station services the pumps and filters, tanks.don,t get me started as to the problems with the lower sulfur fuel to meet the epa,s standards.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
The extra white wrapping around the primary filter is called an aqua block membrane and is there to help keep water from getting through the filter and to your injectors. This is a critical component of the filter. If it's not there, don't use the filter! I can't address the second aspect about the secondary filter. However, if you get the correct filter kit from the correct mfg, you won't have any problems. The filter kit OEM is Racor, who designed and makes the filtration system used on the 6.0. You can also get the International filter kit or the Motorcraft filter kit (both repackaged Racor filter kits). I'd go with the Racor filter kit or IH filter kit as they are much less expensive than the motorcraft kit. Also, you can get your filter kits from other sources than your local Ford parts department. You can get the IH filter kit from a local International service center or get the Racor filter kits from somewhere like dieselfiltersonline.com. You'll pay around $32-$35 bucks for the Racor or IH filter kits.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,123
Likes: 35
From: N. Fort Worth, tx
ok....
I drain the wif every time I change the oil, thats as close to every 3k-3500 as I can get.
If I get any trash out I change the lower filter (i have few laying around).
if I dont have to change the filters then I do them both everyother oil change.
I drain the wif every time I change the oil, thats as close to every 3k-3500 as I can get.
If I get any trash out I change the lower filter (i have few laying around).
if I dont have to change the filters then I do them both everyother oil change.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
Normally I change my filters every 15,000 and I am 2,000 away from a change, but my dealer is running a promotion. $99.95 for fuel filter change until Feb. 25th. so the truck is going in Tue. morning. They even throw in a Ford Powerstroke hat for free.
