My 7.3 is the early model and everytime i get a new fuel filter with the cap attached it just won't fit or tighten.
Am I don't something wrong ? If I find just the filter without the cap attached it works fine..
Any suggestions or comments appreciated !
Thanks

 

most of the filters with the caps are hard to seal, i just get the filter and reuse the cap.

 

x2.... tell the guy at the auto store... I have a cap...filter only please.

 

Here is a source for just the filter element. I usually order 3 or 4 at a time and keep them on hand.
Racor PFF4596 Replacement Fuel Filter Element for 1999-2003 Ford 7.3L Diesel


If you must use the integrated cap/filter design. The Baldwin filter seems to fit well. PF7698

 

bob is where is oder mine by the case it makes shipping cheaper.

 

Hi

Since i got this L'99, I have had miserable luck with Motorcraft lids/gaskets sealing. The best so far, has been the combined cap and element from AZ.

Although I saved the MC lid, I likely wont go that way again based on my own experiences.

 

When I got the truck it had one of those aftermarket filter/lid combos, I didnt have a problem but when I changed it, I bought a new OEM lid and OEM filter and have been replacing with the OEM filter ever since, no problems.

 

There is no difference in early and late 99 fuel bowls.
The Motorcraft filter is the best filter to buy IMO, Baldwin would be an acceptable substitute. Racor manufactures the OEM filters so thy would also be okay. But the 'AZ' brand is probably a far inferior product as is typical with AZ. I know it's not as good as Motorcraft. Also, avoid WIX or Napa fuel filters as they are very sub-standard in this application. They filter far less and don't have effective water separation.


There is much more to a filter than how well it fits. We learned this with the K&N fiasco.

For what it's worth, I have never had a problem with my MC lid and replacement filters. The O-rings are a pain at first but you get used to it. A properly tightened lid is all you need worry about.

 

I havent bought a strap wrench thingy yet so I improvised. worked so far.

so far I have been lucky on my lid with re-using it.

they sure can be a pita

 

I am curious.....does everyone use a tool to remove and install their fuel bowl lid? I have always just screwed it on hand tight and remove it by hand. I probably used a tool to tap it counter clockwise to remove it in the early days but for the last couple hundred thousand miles I just tighten it by hand and it's been sealing just fine.

 

I use a flat head screw driver and a hammer to give it a few insurance taps.

 

I Use the handles of a large pair of pliers to twist on it with no issues.

 

Hi

Motorcraft did not work for me, hence I went to something else. If you google, MC has proven to be a leaker for some people. I think the beveled gasket is to blame.

 

I have used several ways. but seem to bugger things up when I do the screw driver or wrench way.

hand tight dont work for me. mine will leak.