Leaking fuel filter
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Leaking fuel filter
Hi guys
I hope everyone had a good New Years. After I got my 01 F250 7.3 I changed the fuel filter since the previous owner told me it was due. I removed the OEM filter and installed a new filter and cap from the parts store. I changed the oil and filter installed a mirror switch then drove the truck to Fl and back NC and then around town some for about a month. I used the truck the other day and I started to smell diesel fumes in the cab. The new cap is leaking. I saved the old cap and filter (could not figure how to get the cap seperated from the filter at the time) but my wife thought it was junk and tossed it. Has anyone else experienced problems with after marker filters and caps. Also any fixes other than buying a new filter? I don't think so but I thought I would ask.
I hope everyone had a good New Years. After I got my 01 F250 7.3 I changed the fuel filter since the previous owner told me it was due. I removed the OEM filter and installed a new filter and cap from the parts store. I changed the oil and filter installed a mirror switch then drove the truck to Fl and back NC and then around town some for about a month. I used the truck the other day and I started to smell diesel fumes in the cab. The new cap is leaking. I saved the old cap and filter (could not figure how to get the cap seperated from the filter at the time) but my wife thought it was junk and tossed it. Has anyone else experienced problems with after marker filters and caps. Also any fixes other than buying a new filter? I don't think so but I thought I would ask.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Mt. Holly Springs, PA
did you check to see if it just worked itself loose? im not familure with any aftermarket caps, but it may not be up to spec... this happens sometimes with aftermarket parts like this... its also getting cold out and may be suffering from constriction...
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Mt. Holly Springs, PA
im not talking about the filter being sub-quality, i thought i read that you got a aftermarket filter housing cap.... we may be on different pages... Help me catch up before i steer you in the wrong direction
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
Sounds like the prev owner ditched the OEM lid. The aftermarket filters w/ integral lids are known leakers. (Some folks have good luck, some don't - I'm in the don't categ) I'd go back to stock - get the motorcraft filter element & get a replacement lid from a dealer or on-line. The OEM setup rarely leaks. Advance or O'reilly's should have or can quickly get the OEM motorcraft filter.
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I had a cap with the intergal filter (I thought that was OEM) that one didnt leak. I am going to go get a OEM cap and o ring. For now I turned the o ring over tightened it down and it seemed to stop leaking.
Thanks, I've got a lot to learn about this truck but with God's help this forum and you guys I'll get it done.
Thanks, I've got a lot to learn about this truck but with God's help this forum and you guys I'll get it done.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
That's the trouble with the ones w/ lids - they use a flat or oval o-ring. The OEM lid gasket (wouldn't really call it an "o-ring") is triangular shaped and is designed to be squeezed by the cap to seal - it's a one time use seal.
Make sure you lube it w/ diesel and install per the instructions w/ the filter. (IIRC - pointy side up, flat side facing down )
Make sure you lube it w/ diesel and install per the instructions w/ the filter. (IIRC - pointy side up, flat side facing down )
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Lebanon, OR
We have lots of these in our fleet and had numerous problems with aftermarket filters. Looks like you'll need to buy a new cap and a new filter. The oem filters are good and come with the o ring you need as well. Just change as recommended and you'll be fine.
Also, don't forget to change out the water separator one as well. I find that one hardly if ever gets changed out and there's always crap in the bottom of the canister.
Also, don't forget to change out the water separator one as well. I find that one hardly if ever gets changed out and there's always crap in the bottom of the canister.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Lebanon, OR
I'd check, I did a quick search and didn't find a dryer cartridge. But:
The one on my work van is located underneath the drivers side foot well mounted on the frame. It unscrews and there's a replaceable cartridge inside. If it's the same style, and you're unsure if it's ever been replaced, I'd do it. Mine had lots of debris in the bottom. I drained it, and it looked clean but when I removed it was shocked. I don't think it's ever been done and the thing has 115K on it. It's a 2005, but ford keeps stuff like this similar.
The one on my work van is located underneath the drivers side foot well mounted on the frame. It unscrews and there's a replaceable cartridge inside. If it's the same style, and you're unsure if it's ever been replaced, I'd do it. Mine had lots of debris in the bottom. I drained it, and it looked clean but when I removed it was shocked. I don't think it's ever been done and the thing has 115K on it. It's a 2005, but ford keeps stuff like this similar.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)
Not that I've heard of but maybe the guys in the 6.0 forum can weigh in. The fuel system on the 6.0 is similar in some respects to the 7.3 but the frame rail mounted sep is one of the differences that I know of. IIRC the fuel filter mounted on the 6.0's engine is similar to the setup on the 7.3 but seems to me the location is different and so is the filter element. On the 7.3 the filter is mounted right @ the front center of the engine above (& a little behind) the HPOP under a decorative cvr.
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Freshman User
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Looking in the truck manual it just said to open the drain nothing about the canister. I am finding out that the 7.3 is a great engine but it has its quirks lol. I figure you always have to pay your dues.
But as I get older its harder to remember the lessons learned.
But as I get older its harder to remember the lessons learned.