I have a 2012 F250 with the 6.7 diesel. The first time changing fuel fitlers was no problem. This time, with only 20,000 miles on the truck the nut on the bottom of the housing busted and I had a big hole in the housing. I was able to get it off with some channel locks, but was still difficult. Any ideas as to why it was so tight. You cant over tighten as they have a mechanical stop. 45 bucks for a new housing. I don't want to go thru this every time.

 

Welcome to FTE!
Your far from the first person here to have this problem. Nobody has found any surefire means to prevent it from happening. The best way so far statistically is to buy another cap to have on hand before the next filter change.
What I've been doing so far is more in the technique in removing. I grab my longest ratchet and slowly ramp up (no jerking motions) the torque applied while using my other hand to assure the ratchet stays square to the cap. I'm on my third filter and no problems yet, and yes,I have the offending cap in stock.... Others here have been supplementing the ratchet with a strap wrench around the base of the cap...

 

I broke one on my 2011 as well.

Started haring a Strap Wrench around the larger portion of the filter cap, no more issues. The only way to do it, plus have a spare just in case.

Changed out probably 10-12 filters after that.

 

I also use a strap wrench on the housing and a ratchet. I take it very slowly and try to balance the stress between the two tools.
I'm on the fourth set of filters without an issue but it seems to be harder each time so I figure it'll give out within the next few changes.

 

Happened to me the first time....The new housing won't come with the drain valve and oring and sensor so save it.
I made a strap wrench with 1 in nylon from an old pack and a wood handle. Use the strap wrench on the largest diameter of the housing. It works well.
Also I found after a few of these filter changes I have to oil or lube the treads good or it goes up hard. Last time I did it with 85-90w gear oil and it went up so smooth and stopped at it's stop.
You should be able to tighten it to the stop easily. Also on a side note when taking it down is to unturn it 3 times before you try to drain it. That will stop the draining from the tank.

 

Thanks for all the information, this will definitely come in handy. Thought they got it right this time with the 6.7 as the 6.0 was a big pain to change the fuel filter at the frame.

 

+1 for strap wrench.

 

Is there a part number for this cap or is the only place that you can get it is from the dealer?

 

It's a Ford part. Dealer will have it or order it..not too expensive...$30 ??? I think not sure it's been a while. You will have to change out the sensor and valve for the water draining.

 

I changed my fuel filters last week and noticed the green o-ring had some type of clear grease on it. I suspect this is to prevent sticking when removing.

 

Be prepared, I think I borrowed that from somewhere. I just don't want to have been told something and then just ignore it so off to the dealer I go!

 

I'm looking to order a spare.

13.07 from Tousley.

Part Number: 9G270

2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty Fuel Filter Cap | FordParts.com

If you need to order these parts from this dealer, follow these instructions:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-shipping.html

 

thanks.. did that just now

 

Received my extra housing and some touch up paint today. That's a class act dealer and even with shipping, the cost was much cheaper than my local dealer (plus I didn't have to drive over there!).

 

White Bear Lake Ford Parts( Used to be Tousley) is the best Ford parts store. The way they do their pricing is to just charge 10% over what it costs them to buy from Ford. I have bought big items, had them overnighted and it still was cheaper then the local dealer! They are a great resource especially for us. Even the dreaded HPFP is only 4k through them. I buy all of my stuff from them, even oil.