I'm new to the PSD world. Just bought an Immaculate 2000 F250 XLT SD SRW CC with only 23K Miles on it. Truck is like new (Not even a scratch).

I Have changed the oil (15w40 Rotella T, Mobil 1 Filter) and Air Filter (STP Filter).

Purchased a new Fuel Filter (AutoZone). How would I know if a new filter is needed yet?

Where can I find a good reference on changing it. I purchased a book but the coverage (multiple Diesel Engines) is to vast to be explicit enough for me the NEWBEE. I am a major DIY with everything and am 98% successful in all I attempt.

Any other Tips and checks to make to help ensure my new toy lasts a long long time would be greatly appreciated.

I'm proud to be and drive American!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA and OUR TROOPS

Thanks in Advance David

 

Not sure if you can tell when the fuel filter needs changing without knowing how many miles are on it (unless it completely clogs up or something). If water collects in the filter/seperator housing, then the "Water in Fuel" light will come on, and it would need changing then. I have never seen my WIF light come on, however. If it were me, and I had already bought a filter, I would change it and establish my own reference point for future changes.

You mention that you purchased a fuel filter from Auto Zone, so I assume it's like mine. As best I can tell by looking on the Internet, the A-Z filters are actually Hastings filters, which is a good brand, IMO. The Motorcraft filter is an element which requires a seperate lid for the housing, whereas a lot of aftermarket filters (like the one I bought from A-Z) have the lid and the filter element made together. The Motorcraft filter element, along with the O-rings that go along with it, is around $50 at the Ford dealer. You can find the Motorcraft filter on the Internet for around $30 if you look. If you don't have a lid, though, you can't use the Motorcraft filter. I priced the lids at several dealers and they ranged from $42-$54. I was lucky enough to find a gentleman willing to sell me his at a very reasonable price (thanks again rvfiver!!!!) so I will be using the Motorcraft filter I got such a good bargain on the next time I change my filter.

Good service is the key to a long and happy relationship between you and your wonderful PSD. The maintenance is significantly different on the diesel than on a gasser. Keep the oil and filters changed, keep the coolant strength at the proper level and add the FW-16 (or whatever they call it now) coolant additive at the prescribed intervals. Also, learn about the Cam Position Sensor, so you can know what to do if it goes out.

Sounds like you're the type of guy who would enjoy maintaining his truck, so you'll probably be OK!

Hope some of this will be useful to you.........

 

I can e-mail you a diagram of the filters location and other information if you need it. E-mail me at rvfiver at earthlink.net and I will reply with an attachment.

 

You can also find the filters you need along with other PSD parts at your local International truck dealer for much less. My filters are 17.02 there.

 

I have never seen my WIF light come on. Not even on start up. Jumped in a buddies 97 PSD a month ago and on start up it lit up and went out. I just thought it did this all the time. If there is water in the fuel will it light up only at the time of start or will it stay on constantly?

 

I can't say I even notice what lights up. I never even check the WTS light. Just turn the switch wait a couple of clicks and go.

 

RedTaurus94 "whereas a lot of aftermarket filters (like the one I bought from A-Z) have the lid and the filter element made together"

Correct this is the filter i have (Cap & Filter made together)

RedTaurus94 "keep the coolant strength at the proper level and add the FW-16 (or whatever they call it now) coolant additive at the prescribed intervals"

How could i determine the ratio currently in the vehicle? Or better to just flush the system and fill myself. Also How important or neccessary is it to use a fuel additive...The fuel in my town seems fine to me.

13hondacr250 & gunfrk - My light goes on for about 1 second at startup only befor the Wait to Start goes out. Have not seen it come on durring operation. But thats a good thing A.

Thanks All
David

 

You can purchase test strips to check the concentration of the coolant. I have purchased my strips, but I haven't used them yet, so someone else can probably give you better insight on that. I replaced all my coolant not long after i got my truck due to losing a top radiator hose on I-40 going about 75 mph. Most of my old coolant was sprayed all over my truck and on the black top!! If you change your coolant, be sure to use the green stuff, with the FW-16 additive, and not the newer gold coolant, as different colors are not suposed to be mixed. I think the gold coolant is used from some time in 2002 and into 2003.

As far as fuel additive goes, I have seen it recommended on here to add Stanadyne Lubricity formula every time you change the fuel filter, but I have not, as of yet, done that either (only changed the fuel filter once). I probably will, though, at my next filter change. I would venture to guess that the need for fuel additive wouldn't be too great in warm weather, but more severe in colder weather. I haven't experienced the colder weather with my truck yet, as I only got it a few months ago.

OHH, and another thing....you CAN get parts, like the Cam Position Sensor for example, cheaper for your engine at the International dealer, just don't tell them it's for a Ford truck, or they will tell you they can't get whatever it is you are looking for. I have experienced this first-hand. Tell 'em it's in a school bus or something.

Hope this helps.........