Question about changing the fuel filter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 82
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From: Van Alstyne, TX
Question about changing the fuel filter
Last night I attempted to change the fuel filters for the first time on my new-to-me 2013 F250. The fuel filter under the hood was no problem. However when I attempted to drain the fuel filter under the frame rail, it drained for about 5 minutes with no evidence of slowing. Finally I closed it off to finish another day.
I feel like I must be missing some crucial step. What am I doing wrong?
I feel like I must be missing some crucial step. What am I doing wrong?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,555
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From: West Michigan
Since its your first time doing the change, be really ginger when loosening the frame rail filter bowl. It can be tight, and if you really reef on it, you could break the bottom right out of it. Many keep a spare just for this purpose. Also, be aware that when tightening to be just as cautious, and to keep tightening until you reach the stop. I even lube the o-ring with a little oil. Lastly once all together, cycle the key for 30 seconds - 6 times to purge all the air out of the system.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
Yes.
Before you remove the bowl use a flashlight to locate the hard stops on the bowl and dfcm body. It's on the edge of the fuel bowl towards the top of it. Observe how it's oriented and watch that location when reinstalling.
Also I reccomend the use of a strap wrench vs the plastic nut on the bottom.
If you can, try to remove the fuel bowl when the temps are over 40 f. Lot less risk of breaking the fuel bowl.
I would also reccomend the purchase of a spare fuel bowl before attempting the change. Been there broke that and was down a vehicle till the spare showed up.
Before you remove the bowl use a flashlight to locate the hard stops on the bowl and dfcm body. It's on the edge of the fuel bowl towards the top of it. Observe how it's oriented and watch that location when reinstalling.
Also I reccomend the use of a strap wrench vs the plastic nut on the bottom.
If you can, try to remove the fuel bowl when the temps are over 40 f. Lot less risk of breaking the fuel bowl.
I would also reccomend the purchase of a spare fuel bowl before attempting the change. Been there broke that and was down a vehicle till the spare showed up.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I've done all of mine changes on the 2011 I owned and did my first change on the 2016. The mounts/shield are different. The housing looks different as well. Anyway I used a strap wrench. Came off hard..In reinstalling I lubed the threads with light oil and it still turned hard the last few or 2 turns then stopped.Maybe I should use a heavier oil like gear lube. The light oil may of been...well too light.
I have a spare and don't like changing the frame mounted one. Never is easy and you have to be careful not to break the stop's as some have. Then if you over tighten it getting it off will be extra hard..not good.
I have a spare and don't like changing the frame mounted one. Never is easy and you have to be careful not to break the stop's as some have. Then if you over tighten it getting it off will be extra hard..not good.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Siphoning
I had the same problem the first time I attempted this task. If you have the diesel care supplement that came with your owners manual, take a look at it. I believe it states that if your fuel tank is near full, to open the fuel filler cap. Something to do with siphoning. I've done this ever since the first time and have had no problems. Good luck!
Brian.
Brian.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 82
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From: Van Alstyne, TX
After reading another thread a few weeks ago, I purchased a spare fuel filter bowl. Reading that thread and this one made me worry about breaking it. However with everyone's input here, fuel drained and bowl removed easily.
I was also worried I would over-tighten when re-installing, but the stop was clear and distinct.
Cool. Now my new-to-me SD has all new filters. Thanks all!
I was also worried I would over-tighten when re-installing, but the stop was clear and distinct.
Cool. Now my new-to-me SD has all new filters. Thanks all!
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 953
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
Saturday evening I had my oil and fuel filters changed at the Ford Quick Lane. I has the last truck in line before quitting time; I told myself "do I really want to be the last truck these guys work on when all they want to do is go home?". Well, I should have listened, but did not.
About half way home (70 miles), I got the "Low Fuel Pressure" message, followed by the "Reduced Engine Power" and the CEL along with my fuel pump making unhappy noises. Of course it was now about 8pm on Saturday night so nothing to do but continue. I made it home and that is where it sits now. Obviously they did something wrong with the filter(s); gasket, cap not tight, whatever.
I am leaving in a few minutes to limp back to the dealership; I will let you know the outcome.
About half way home (70 miles), I got the "Low Fuel Pressure" message, followed by the "Reduced Engine Power" and the CEL along with my fuel pump making unhappy noises. Of course it was now about 8pm on Saturday night so nothing to do but continue. I made it home and that is where it sits now. Obviously they did something wrong with the filter(s); gasket, cap not tight, whatever.
I am leaving in a few minutes to limp back to the dealership; I will let you know the outcome.