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7.3l Changing Fuel Filter out

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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 08:37 AM
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7.3l Changing Fuel Filter out

I know this a mundane task at best but I figured I would complete my fuel filter series with the 7.3l. So here it is- How to change the Fuel Filter on a 7.3Powerstroke for all the new owners or current owners wanting to get into maintaining their own vehicle. Hope this helps some.

 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 09:41 AM
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Nice video.
I always drain the bowl first before opening the lid that way I don't have to worry about making a mess. I also remove and install the lid by hand, it's pretty easy to overtighten those lids and then the fuel bowl will split open and become a much more expensive repair. The Baldwin filter with integrated lid works pretty well, some of the other aftermarket fuel filters with the integrated lid do not depress the check valve in the stem far enough and flow is restricted. Some people end up trying to tighten the filter down a little more and that can cause other problems.

I prefer the OEM Motorcraft filter which is made by Racor. You can get filters here for a good price.
Racor PFF4596 Replacement Fuel Filter Element for 1999-2003 Ford 7.3L Diesel

The umbrella screen appeared on the 99.5 engine upgrade package. It's not a pre-filter....is simply filters the fuel being returned to the tank via the FPR. The fuel that ends up going to the injectors only gets filtered once by the pleated filter element.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Does the FRx circumvent the secondary filter that would otherwise filter the fuel returned to the tank, by teeing into the return line outside of the fuel bowl?
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Y2KW57
Does the FRx circumvent the secondary filter that would otherwise filter the fuel returned to the tank, by teeing into the return line outside of the fuel bowl?
Yes. However, the orifice is very small so only a metered amount passes through to the return line. The vast majority of returned fuel comes directly from the bowl.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 12:07 PM
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Great video! Thanks for taking the time. You mentioned draining the water out of the fuel/water separator.....How is that done?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 12:11 PM
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open the yellow drain valve behind the filter housing let it drain all out and your finished
 
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by JNG6
Great video! Thanks for taking the time. You mentioned draining the water out of the fuel/water separator.....How is that done?
Turn the yellow lever.
The drain valve is connected to a metal tube (about 3/8" diameter) and routes the fluid to the front of the engine on the right side. If you don't want a mess everywhere then slide a short length of fuel line over the end of that tube and collect the fluid in a bottle/container.

The very first time I drained my bowl I expected just water to come out.
That isn't what happened......it drained the entire bowl and I had diesel running down my driveway. It did look kinda cool though with all the little water droplets dancing on top of the fuel. In a few seconds the novelty wore off and I've been using a drain hose ever since.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2013 | 02:52 PM
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Perfect! Thanks Shake-N-Bake & Superdutyscaler
 
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