OK Next thing to do that hasn't been done in a looooong time

I want to replace my fuel filter since I am sure it is well over due.

Recommendations on brand? Any steps to make it go easier? Write ups?

Thanks all!

 

I have never used any fuel filter other than Motorcraft (FD4596). Never had a problem with them. Fleetguard would be my personal second choice (FF5418). I would stay away from Napa and the like that offer the integrated cap, and same for off brand filters. They have a history of NOT seating proper like. Thats my 2 cents.

 

I just did mine for the second time two days ago. Got a Micro Guard (made by Fram) with the cap for something like $29 and change walk out from O'Rielly's.

Nothing to it. Remove (unscrew) cap, open lever to drain bowl, remove old filter making sure there are no pieces of the old filter left down in there as they have been known to come apart and did on mine ( I actually put the new filter over the old rubber seal I missed from the old one which was left down in there), close drain, install new filter an cap, tighten down.

Put key in on position and wait for awhile even after Wait To Start light goes off just to make sure the bowl is full and go about your everyday driving as normal.

Motorcraft was maybe $5 more than the Fram but since I personally am planning on changing mine more often than recommended I figured I'd save a few bucks. They all look the same and do the same thing.

Plenty of videos on Youtube as well. "7.3 fuel filter change."

 

Fram's cap is not integrated, individual.

 

Just found it at O'Reillys in my area....
Fram has one that doesn't have the integrated cap...any word on those?

EDIT** OK you guys beat me to the FRAM info. THANKS!!

Looks like a stop at O'Reilly's today. They carry both so I will decided which on to get.

Now..as for the cap.... Anything special to remove it? I saw a post once about using an oil filter wrench to remove it. Yes..No.. Go buy something special?

 

And don't forget to install the seals on the new cap! Pretty straight forward as to where they go.

 

Ack, I just posted about it. I installed one on my truck two days ago, no worries.

 

Just dont tighten it like a gorilla going back on and you'll be fine

 

Thanks for the info guys! Filter change tonight!

 

Since you asked..

7.3L PSD - How To: Change Fuel Filter - YouTube

 

Ok... I almost forgot about this. The filter I picked up doesn't have the lid attached. My cap looks the same as the one in the video. So... is there a way to know if the screen is attached to the lid or not BEFORE I take it off? I live about 14 miles from the part store and would hate to have to put it back together, drive 28 miles just to do it all again.

 

My stock lid in my early 99 does not have the square hole in the middle. I just changed mine. Including the 3/8 hose I attached to the fuel drain it took all of 10 minutes. Just take it off and look at what you have. I used the screwdriver and hammer method to lightly tap on the lid. Remove the lid. Look at what you have. If it is stock then remove the old oring on top of the cap and Get er done.
Really. If you have to take that stoopid cover off to get to the filter then you are probably looking at maybe another 1 minute to the job if you have the 13 mm socket near you. Keep us informed. I am sure you will save at least 80$ by doing it yourself. Yeah! less money for the stealership.

Sometimes we think about doing something way toooooooo much rather than put a wrench in your hands and make it happen. Very straight forward.
Dwayne

 

Nice video Trey!

Holy Cow....how old was that filter you pulled out? I don't think I've ever seen one that dirty before. I normally put the o-ring on the lid and then just screw the lid into place hand tight...that way I can just remove it by hand when it comes time to change it out later (no tools) . The fuel bowl should fill completely with one cycle of the key. If not then you have a flow restriction somewhere....just an FYI.

 

gotta a few of these on the shelf, along with other filters for my by-pass systems...

Wix 33818 & Napa 3818 Fuel Filter: FleetFilter Secure Online Store

 

I change it every 15,000 on the nose.