Engine mounted Fuel Filter Kaput
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Engine mounted Fuel Filter Kaput
Today, I needed to back my truck out of the garage to get to some stuff on the shelf in front of the truck. I don't like to start her up and shut down in just a couple minutes. So, I backed her out and left her running in the driveway. After a while, I notice the smell of diesel fuel and I thought it was exhaust. The smell got stronger so I looked toward the truck and noticed a large puddle under the truck. It was diesel fuel. 
I shut her down and investigated. I saw that when I turned on the ignition, there was a spray of fuel straight up from the engine. I got my wife to turn on the ignition while I watched and found that the fuel spray was coming from the engine mounted fuel filter. Right where the fuel exits the filter and travels through a tube on top of the filter, the case split. I wonder how many dollars worth of fuel poured out of my truck. Anyway, it is about time for a filter change since I have 16,000 miles, but I didn't need my engine and driveway coated with diesel fuel! BTW, $79.99 for a filter kit fit seems a bit steep, huh?
So, anyone else have a filter fail like this?
I shut her down and investigated. I saw that when I turned on the ignition, there was a spray of fuel straight up from the engine. I got my wife to turn on the ignition while I watched and found that the fuel spray was coming from the engine mounted fuel filter. Right where the fuel exits the filter and travels through a tube on top of the filter, the case split. I wonder how many dollars worth of fuel poured out of my truck. Anyway, it is about time for a filter change since I have 16,000 miles, but I didn't need my engine and driveway coated with diesel fuel! BTW, $79.99 for a filter kit fit seems a bit steep, huh? So, anyone else have a filter fail like this?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,616
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From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
Never heard of the engine mounted one fail, heard of the frame mounted one damaged (quite common, actually) because of its location. These are parts that I stock in the vehicle because they have the potential to leave you stranded if they fail!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Yup. Probably would have done a lot of smoking. Now, I'm wondering how to get it all cleaned off the engine. I took several pitchers of water and Dawn dish washing detergent and poured it over the engine. Today, I'll see how well that worked when I change out the filters. If the filter kit can be had for $50 on the internet, I better get one and have it on hand, huh? 
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
engine degreaser on the metal/fake metal pieces Perhaps a very lite and gentle stream trying to avoid all the electronics.
I did that three different times over the course of owning my 6.4 and did not have a problem.
I did that three different times over the course of owning my 6.4 and did not have a problem.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Thanks senix.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: The Great State of Texas
When installing your new fuel filter on top of the engine be sure to not over tighten the small bolt on the base clamp that holds the filter. If the clamp is tightened too tight, it might distort the fuel filter and eventually causing it to crack. I normally tighten this clamp just tight enough to prevent the filter from rotating. This fuel filter clamp only applies to '11-'12 trucks as I believe the '13 and up don't have this clamp.
In addition to cleaning diesel fuel, Simple Green and a water rinse works great. I've been using it for cleaning engines for many years will no ill effects.
In addition to cleaning diesel fuel, Simple Green and a water rinse works great. I've been using it for cleaning engines for many years will no ill effects.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
When installing your new fuel filter on top of the engine be sure to not over tighten the small bolt on the base clamp that holds the filter. If the clamp is tightened too tight, it might distort the fuel filter and eventually causing it to crack. I normally tighten this clamp just tight enough to prevent the filter from rotating. This fuel filter clamp only applies to '11-'12 trucks as I believe the '13 and up don't have this clamp.
In addition to cleaning diesel fuel, Simple Green and a water rinse works great. I've been using it for cleaning engines for many years will no ill effects.
In addition to cleaning diesel fuel, Simple Green and a water rinse works great. I've been using it for cleaning engines for many years will no ill effects.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 473
Likes: 45
From: Berryville, AR
Aarrgghh! I guess I'm one of those dummies that hasn't created a signature with model and year! 
It is a 2011, F-350 with training wheels. And, it does have the 7mm bolt.
It is a 2011, F-350 with training wheels. And, it does have the 7mm bolt.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: WY
Thanks for the heads-up. Glad you caught the problem before it got worse.
I guess the thing I don't get tho is; what is wrong with using a power washer type under the hood? I know you're not supposed to drown the electronics and such, but I've been washing under the hood every time I go to Buggy Bath. I have done this with every vehicle I owned for years. The only issue I have is with my 1990 Festiva work car. If you spray too much I have to take off the dist. cap and wipe it out. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something here, but I wash my engine compartment at least a couple times a year.
I guess the thing I don't get tho is; what is wrong with using a power washer type under the hood? I know you're not supposed to drown the electronics and such, but I've been washing under the hood every time I go to Buggy Bath. I have done this with every vehicle I owned for years. The only issue I have is with my 1990 Festiva work car. If you spray too much I have to take off the dist. cap and wipe it out. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something here, but I wash my engine compartment at least a couple times a year.