Just in case anyone reading this thread hasn't gotten their updated HFCM plug yet....Riffraff Diesel: HFCM OEM Water Separator Drain Upgrade PlugHere is the part numbers:
Ford: 3C3Z-9G270-AA
2004 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY Parts - Tousley Ford Parts Depot
Navistar: 1843057C92

If it was me I'd go back into your local dealership and see if they actually want your business or just your money. If they want your business they'll match Tousley's price...and you don't have to pay for shiping.

 

I live close to the dealership that is in reality The PartsGuy now.
And they will not even try match Tousley's price if you go in.
So much for that.

Sean

 

So, it seems like changing these filters is a real pain.
I just changed mine out today, second time I've changed the oil on this truck, first time to change filters. Really only the 4th time I've ever changed the oil in any vehicle and it went really well for me. I just used a 6mm allen wrench on the water/fuel drain plug, and used the 36mm socket that you use on the oil filter on the lower fuel filter, and had no problems other than tight space since I have an fx4. I didn't have a whole lot of fuel come out of the plug either, but at the same time I figured there would be a ton so I used a big 5 gallon bucket so maybe it just didn't look like much, and really didn't get much fuel on me at all. Everything went back together really well. I've driven it probably 30 miles or so since, and checked on top and bottom for any leaks and so far none, and it's running really well.

I don't know, it just seemed really easy to me and I don't have much experience working on cars, so I'm beginning to wonder if I did something wrong, since others are having a tough time?

 

I doubt you did anything wrong, i did mine a week or so ago and i didnt have any problems. But previous owners can make things difficult if they over tighten the filter caps or strip out the allen head plug. I didnt get a lot of fuel out either, maybe a half inch in the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket, but my fuel tank was just under half full so i dont know if that made a difference on the amount of fuel that came out.

 

Here you go....

Riffraff Diesel: Fuel Filter Lid 03-07

 

Doing it this way is OK - BUT - how are you able to see if the sample was clear or had any "stuff" in it. Recommend that you use a clear plastic or glass jar so you can hold it up to the light and check for contaminants.

 

I looked around in it quiet a bit, and didn't see anything. Next time I'll use something clear, now that I know what to expect.

 

It was def a pain on the bottom filter on my truck...I just abandoned it. I wasnt very patient with it either, as I was just sick of being under the truck. Paying Ford the $100 they charged seemed a lot better option for me, lol.

BTW, I just took it to Ford they got the old cap off and changed the filters so I am rolling good now. I may go at it again fresh next go around, with the right tools and the right knowledge.

 

The key for the 4WD trucks is several extensions so that the ratchet head is behind the transmission cross-member that holds up the tail-shaft housing. Unless your using an air ratchet (for removal only) there pretty much is no way your going to get the HFCM cap off since the front drive-shaft is that close to the HFCM.

 

How come nobody uses a normal oil filter strap wrench to remove the bottom cap?

That's all I have ever used.

Josh

 

I just did mine this weekend, no problems. The Alen wrench just fit in there with the front drive shaft. I wanted to get the upgraded drain plug but it sticks out farther and the Alen wrench will not fit.???? I do need a new plug as the old one is half rusted away. I did cycle the key a few times and could hear the feul going through the system. It started and ran fine.

 

Don't use the allen wrench with the updated plug. Finger tight is fine.

 

For the bottom fuel filter cap i just used an armstrong 36mm short impact socket and a 1/2" drive ratchet with no extention, i didnt have much room to ratchet but was able to get it off with no problems.

 

...or - as it has a knurled removal area I just use pliers...or vice grips. Easy-peasy

 

I just did my own oil change/fuel fitler change/coolant filter change over the weekend myself.

Yeah, the driveshaft on the 4WD definitely makes the bottom fuel filter a bit of a pain. I use a 36" 3/8 extension and a swivel adapter with the filter socket and it makes it real easy to loosen/tighten the cap to get the filter in and out. The real hard part to me is just getting the filter cap and filter out of there. Especially getting the clean one back in place without getting it dirty by hitting it on the frame rail/or driveshaft. I usually wrap mine in a clean rag to try to get it in there.

As for the upper filter I am still kicking myself cause I did the exact same thing you did. Used a 1/2" drive adapter on my ratchet to try to tighten it down (removing it went fine) and I broke two of the flats off the lid. Luckily my lid doesn't seem to be comprimised and I'm not losing fuel so I'm not going to worry about it right now. Eventually I'm thinking I'll get one of those universal sockets and try using it to remove the cap so I can replace it. This will probably be the one I get since I don't plan on needing to use it too often and I can get a 20% off coupon for it.
1/2" Drive Universal Socket

One thing I did notice this time that has me a bit peeved is evidently someone at the Ford dealer snaked my water separator plug. I had replaced the factory one with the knurled one everyone here is telling you to get back when I first got my truck, but when I changed the filter this weekend I noticed there was a stock flush plug back in there. They must have done that last winter when I paid them to change the oil/filter (I don't have a garage to do it in so in the cold weather a lot of the time I just have the dealer do it).